As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close in the Santa Clarita Valley and beyond, an official from the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital stressed the importance of early detection and how the center benefits women in the community.

“The key to a good outcome is to detect breast cancer in its early stages,” said Terry Bucknall, director of Women’s Imaging Services. “One in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women.”

Photo courtesy of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.

The most accurate way to detect breast cancer is through a mammogram — an x-ray of the breast tissue, which is recommended annually after the age of 40.

“Of course, signs of breast cancer can be initially detected by the individual themselves, their partner or a medical provider during a physical exam,” said Bucknall. “Breast self-exam is important because an individual knows their body best and recognizes changes first. An exam by a medical provider should be performed annually as well.”

The Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center is the only imaging facility in Santa Clarita which dedicates itself completely toward the detection of breast cancer, according to Bucknall.

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“Our Breast Center offers ‘state-of-the-art’ 3-D mammography, breast ultrasound, ultrasound guided biopsies, stereotactic biopsies and other pre-surgical procedures,” she explained. “Genetic testing is offered to those who are determined to have a high risk of developing cancer due to their family history.”

The ultimate goal of center officials is to rid women of whatever barriers may be keeping them from getting their annual mammograms by striving to eliminate fear and create a soothing environment.

“The Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center has always been a model for compassionate, caring and competent health care,” Bucknall said. “Our focus is on detecting breast cancer and eliminating the fears that women undergo during screening … (by creating) a calming, warm and inviting atmosphere.”

In addition to eliminating the fear often associated with getting a mammogram, the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center also strives to make mammograms available to women in a variety of financial situations.

“The community support through philanthropy and fundraising activities allows us to offer imaging procedures at a very low (cost) to no-cost to those who are un-insured and under-insured, and who would otherwise not obtain the care they need due to financial fears,” explained Bucknall.

In addition, the center’s team works hard to meet the needs of every patient, and encourages those in need to reach out to them, Bucknall added.

“We offer Saturday and evening appointments, and do our best to provide timely appointments to suit our patient’s needs,” she said. “We must give a huge shout-out to our team at the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center for their consistent, competent and heartfelt delivery of exceptional service.”

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital is a 238-bed, not-for-profit community hospital and trauma center in Santa Clarita. The Henry Mayo Hospital emergency department is open 24-7 to provide critical life-saving services, with a panel of physicians available around the clock for critical healthcare needs. In addition, a number of specialized care services are also available, including a maternity department, community hospital cancer program, advanced primary stroke center, spine and joint program, acute rehab unit, cardiology services, outpatient wound care, physical and occupational therapies and a wide range of surgical services.

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

23845 McBean Parkway

Valencia, CA 91355

661-253-8000