HCA Midwest Health
September 24, 2010

It’s been a quarter of a century since October was designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time for healthcare professionals, hospitals and survivors to recognize the courageous women who have battled the disease. Midwest Breast Care, part of HCA Midwest Health System, the largest healthcare network in Kansas City, is marking the 25th anniversary of Breast Cancer Awareness Month by emphasizing the importance of early detection through its “No Excuses, Get Screened” campaign.

Several HCA Midwest hospitals will host events during October. Menorah Medical Center will kick-off the month’s activities with the Pink Power Ride on Oct. 2. The charity poker ride, sponsored by Gail’s Harley-Davidson, will benefit the Young Survival Coalition of Kansas City. The ride will also stop at Research Belton Hospital, which is hosting a Ladies Night Out from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 4. In addition to the Pink Power Ride on Oct. 2, Menorah Medical Center’s Breast Center will host an open house for the public from 4 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 5. During October, the Menorah campus will also be bathed in pink light and pink ribbons will be tied on trees.

The care team at Midwest Breast Care understands women’s busy lives and offers eight convenient locations throughout the metro for routine screening mammograms with Saturday appointments and extended hours. Locations include Centerpoint Medical Center, Lafayette Regional Health Center, Lee’s Summit Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Research Belton Hospital, Research Medical Center and Research Medical Center Brookside Campus. Walk-in screenings are available at several locations.

Midwest Breast Care uses advanced technology including digital mammography and MammoPad—a soft foam cushion for use during mammography for maximum comfort—and comprehensive follow-up services and breast cancer treatment options. Midwest Breast Care also offers MammoSite, a targeted, breast-conserving radiation therapy for treating breast cancer, at Menorah Medical Center and Research Medical Center. MammoSite allows women to receive treatment in five days rather than five to seven weeks for conventional radiation, minimizing both exposure of healthy tissue and side effects.

“Studies show early detection is the best protection when fighting breast cancer,” says Susanne Chow, MD, medical director of The Breast Care Center at Menorah Medical Center. “Our physicians, nurses and technicians fully understand how vital screening mammograms are. We also know that women have many options when choosing where to have their mammogram, and we strive to offer the most comfortable, convenient experience possible.”

The hospitals and physicians that comprise the Midwest Breast Care network offer comprehensive breast education, screening, testing and treatment. “Through our breast care network, women in the Kansas City metro area have access to caring, progressive and innovative breast programs,” says Chow.

For more information on the events and to register for the Pink Power Ride, visit www.midwestbreast.com or call toll-free 1 (888) 953-3322. Physicians who are breast cancer experts and survivors are available for interviews.