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The Power of Love Helps 90-Year-Old Man Survive Cancer

2010-02-02T10:10:07-08:00

In 1998, John Sachs, a retired Navy chief, experienced love at first sight when he saw a woman named Beverly walk into a little family restaurant where he was dining. When she sat near him, John, then 79, was taken aback, his heart aquiver. A widow, John had been married nearly 60 years to his first wife, so this was the first time a woman caught his heart and eye like Beverly did.

“I kept leaning back in my chair to catch a glimpse of her,” said John. “She was just so beautiful that I couldn’t keep my heart from racing. I knew I had to talk to her and get her number.”

So he pulled together enough courage and got her phone number that day. After two romantic dates, John won Beverly’s heart. The day he proposed, he got down onto one knee and promised her 20 years of marriage. They married Valentine’s Day 1999.

More than a decade later, John, at 90, was diagnosed with Stage II bladder cancer. As the couple sat in the doctor’s office at Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines in May 2009, he began to ponder the promise he made to his wife on the day he proposed.

“I wasn’t about to let this disease stand in the way of the vow I made to her,” he said. “When I make a promise, I keep it.”

Scripps Clinic urologist, Dr. Jeffrey Zeitung, found a walnut-sized tumor in John’s bladder. Because of his age, John only had one treatment option: a transurethral resection of his bladder that included radiation and chemotherapy.

“I was in wonderful shape despite the tumor,” said John, an active walker who can still do push-ups. “I was determined to get well for Beverly.”

In June, John underwent surgery and began seven weeks of radiation and chemotherapy. His radiation oncologist at Scripps Clinic, Dr. Ray Lin, guided John and his wife through his cancer therapy.

Unfortunately, an accident complicated his recovery. During his first week of chemotherapy treatment, John fell outside a convenience store and broke his hip. His physicians feared that John would not recuperate from this injury successfully because of his age. They recommended he recover at a rehabilitation center while he continued his cancer treatment.

“Every day, Scripps would pick me up from the center and take me to my appointment at the clinic and then drive me back,” said John. “The radiation therapy staff went above and beyond for me. They would bring me coffee, tell me jokes and I’d impress them with my push-ups off of the radiation table.”

After rehabilitation and rest, John recovered. Soon he was back to driving and taking daily walks with his adoring wife.

“I was very impressed with John’s tenacity to get better for his wife. He has so much love for her and she is truly dedicated to him,” said Dr. Lin. “Given his age and particularly his cracked hip, I feared he would not improve. But you can tell his love for Beverly gave him the strength to beat the cancer.”

With the cancer in remission, John says he is forever grateful to his doctors and the Scripps staff for all they did to keep his promise to his wife that he would give her 20 years when he married her at 80.

“As we start our 11th year of marriage, I still love telling people how we met and our first two dates. I love to see their faces light up and the smile that comes to their faces,” said John. “I thank God every time I think of meeting Beverly and the strength she gave me to fight my cancer. She truly is the wind beneath my wings.”

Scripps & SDSU Basketball Team to Raise Cancer Awareness

2010-02-02T13:42:25-08:00

San Diego – Scripps Health has entered into a sponsorship agreement with the San Diego State University men’s and women’s basketball programs for the 2010 season, putting a full-court press on promoting cancer awareness and prevention.

Carrying the theme “Time Out for Your Health,” the multimedia campaign features prostate cancer awareness and prevention tips from SDSU men’s basketball head coach Steve Fisher and breast cancer awareness and prevention tips from SDSU women’s basketball head coach Beth Burns.

Elements of the Scripps campaign include public service announcements and signs at Aztecs home games at Viejas Arena, as well as Scripps Health information booths located outside the arena for four home games.

“Time Out for Your Health” PSAs will also air during radio broadcasts of Aztecs basketball games on AM 600 KOGO. Scripps will also have flash banners and video PSAs on the website of SDSU athletics, goaztecs.com.

In 2009, Fisher underwent prostate cancer surgery at Scripps Mercy Hospital. He chose minimally invasive robotic surgery, which is an alternative to traditional open surgery. Fisher, whose cancer was caught early, said he wants to inform others about the importance of annual exams.

In the prostate cancer PSA, Fisher advises men to “know the risk factors and symptoms, talk with your doctor and get your annual physical. That’s how you stay in the game.”

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men (next to skin cancer) and breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women (besides skin cancer).

Scripps Cancer Center patients benefit from a network of the most advanced diagnostic, treatment and support services, as well as access to the latest research and clinical trials. Scripps Health also provides screening and prevention services, along with extensive education and support groups. Scripps Cancer Center is the first multi-hospital cancer program in California and one of only 28 programs nationally to earn network accreditation from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer.

ABOUT SCRIPPS HEALTH

Founded in 1924 by philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps, Scripps Health is a $2 billion nonprofit community health system based in San Diego, Calif. Scripps cares for a half-million patients annually through the dedication of 2,750 affiliated physicians and 12,700 employees. It includes four acute-care hospitals on five campuses, 19 outpatient clinics, home health care services, and an extensive ambulatory care network. Recognized as a leader in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, Scripps is also at the forefront of clinical research and graduate medical education.

Contact: Steve Carpowich
Phone: 858-678-7183
E-mail: carpowich.stephen@scrippshealth.org

Hundreds of Health Classes Just for You

2009-12-31T10:14:57-08:00

See our quarterly Health Connections calendar for a list of health-related classes, screenings and events.

Events range from support groups to general health seminars to special training. Topics include:

Infant and child CPR
Diabetes prevention
Osteoporosis update: risk factors and treatment options
Help for headaches
Robotic surgery for gynecologic conditions
Cardiac screening
Weight management and nutrition

For more information, or to sign up for a class, call 1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777).

You can also visit our online classes and screenings listing to search for classes, and register online.

See our health information library

Read articles on hundreds of health conditions and wellness topics in our health information library.

Looking Back at Research that Could Help You Lose Weight in 2010

2009-12-31T14:21:39-08:00

Weight loss is consistently among the most popular New Year’s resolutions. Efforts to change eating and exercise habits often don’t last. People start strong right after the ball drops in Times Square, but determination fades. According to a 2007 Wall Street Journal Harris Interactive Poll, fewer than half of those who made a resolution to eat healthier, consume less food, exercise more or lose weight were successful.

Don’t ditch your promise to drop pounds in 2010. If you are overweight or obese, weight loss can be a lifesaver, reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other debilitating conditions. There is a substantial body of research available to help guide your efforts.

Before you dive into a new diet and exercise plan in the New Year, arm yourself with information and prepare for the challenge ahead. As you make lifestyle changes that will hopefully change your frame, let’s take a look forward at potential treatments, and back at recent study findings that might help you succeed at slimming down in the New Year and beyond.

Count calories
A large population based study leveled the playing field when it comes to the effectiveness of different types of diets. Researchers tracked the success of more than 800 obese and overweight people who embarked on nutritionally sound weight loss regimens. According to the findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, it didn’t matter if the diets emphasized protein, fat or carbohydrates. Calorie reduction was the key to success.

“There is no perfect diet for everyone,” said Ken Fujioka, MD, director of the Scripps Clinic Center for Weight Management. For more than two decades, he’s been studying obesity treatments and developing individualized weight loss programs. “Find an eating plan you can stick with and that’ll give you the best chance for long-term success.”

Skip the sugared soda
If you quench your thirst with sugar-sweetened soda, consider this before you pop another top: in the United States, a 12-ounce soft drink contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar – which is usually in the form of high fructose corn syrup. According to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, if the calories in just one can are added to the typical diet without cutting intake from other sources, one soda per day could lead to weight gain of 15 pounds in just a year.

In 2009, the body of evidence linking soda to obesity expanded. Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles analyzed the correlation between soft drink consumption and weight. According to their findings, adults who drank one or more sodas or other sugar-sweetened beverages every day were 27 percent more likely to be overweight or obese.

“Cutting back on sugar-sweetened sodas may be more effective for weight loss than skipping the same amount of calories in solid food,” said Dr. Fujioka. “Switch to water. If that won’t work for you, drink diet beverages with artificial sweetener.”

Move your body
Research shows that few people achieve significant weight loss with exercise alone. Eating habits need to change. But routinely breaking a sweat still has big long-term health benefits.

“Exercise is a critical part of maintaining weight loss,” said Dr. Fujioka. “The two go hand-in-hand.”

A study published in the online journal Obesity last year found that as little as 80 minutes a week of resistance or aerobic training helps to prevent weight gain and inhibit a regain of harmful visceral fat one year after weight loss. Visceral fat lies under the abdominal muscles and surrounds vital organs. It is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Weigh yourself
A study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine shows that daily weighing may be a helpful way to get slimmer and stay that way. After examining the habits of more than 3000 obese and overweight people enrolled in weight loss or weight gain prevention trials, researchers at the University of Minnesota concluded that those who stepped on the scale daily experienced greater success. The authors indicated that frequent monitoring may give people the nudge they need to correct their behavior, so small gains don’t eventually add up to a big weight problem.

Explore the options
2010 will likely yield even more study findings to help dieters refine their habits and reach their weight loss goals. New treatment options, in pill form, could also be on the horizon. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are expected to seek approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this year to market three new weight loss drugs.

“Some of the drugs in development are a combination of agents with longstanding FDA approval, so their side effects are known,” said Dr. Fujioka. He was lead investigator of a large multi-center study that tested the efficacy of Contrave, one of the investigational medications.

“Achieving 10 percent weight loss is fairly easy. The rest is tough because the body makes metabolic adjustments to our behavior changes,” said Dr. Fujioka. “With this new medication, some study participants achieved double digit weight loss, which is 10 percent and up.”

Scripps Clinic to Provide Medical Services at the San Diego Open

2009-12-31T14:51:14-08:00

La Jolla, Calif. – For the sixth consecutive year, Scripps Clinic will be the official medical provider at one of the most prestigious golf tournaments on the PGA Tour. Previously known as the Buick Invitational, the annual event is now the San Diego Open. The tournament is expected to draw millions of television viewers and bring 140,000 – 160,000 visitors from around the world to the Torrey Pines Golf Course – which is located directly behind the Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines campus in La Jolla, Calif.

During the event, which runs from January 25 – 31, Scripps Clinic medical providers will be using their expertise to ensure golf fans at the tournament get timely, high quality care. Urgent care specialists will be providing first-aid inside the medical tent on the North Course. The Scripps Mobile Medical Unit, a 40-foot bus staffed with clinicians and equipped with basic health assessment and treatment tools, will be on standby to handle acute care needs on the South Course behind the 18th tee. Those resources combined with Scripps Clinic’s 24-hour urgent care and Scripps Green Hospital's 173-bed facility put life-saving interventions within reach for spectators and players.

Inside the Scripps Clinic exhibition, located along the 18th fairway, clinicians will offer free skin cancer screenings, healing touch therapy, posture assessments and flexibility tests. Golf fans on the go can grab bags filled with hand sanitizer, bottled water, sunscreen, first-aid kits and protective lip balm.

To find Scripps Clinic’s medical and first aid services during the event, view the 2010 San Diego Open’s interactive course map.

About Scripps Clinic

Founded in 1924, Scripps Clinic is a multi-specialty medical group that provides outpatient care for consumers at multiple locations throughout San Diego County including Torrey Pines, Del Mar, Encinitas, La Jolla, Mission Valley, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho San Diego and Santee. Known for its research-driven care and medical specialty expertise, Scripps Clinic is an operating unit of Scripps Health, a not-for-profit, community-based health care delivery network that includes more than 2,600 affiliated physicians, five acute-care hospitals, home health care and associated support services. Scripps Health is one of the largest health care organizations in San Diego County, drawing from the expertise of more than 12,000 health care professionals.

Minimally Invasive Vein Treatment Alleviates Man's Leg Pain

2009-12-24T09:31:45-08:00

Chris S. did what a lot of men would do when he experienced some minor pain, itching, and bulging veins in his leg – he just lived with the discomfort and went on with his life, hoping it would eventually pass. But after more than 10 years, the 47-year-old systems engineer from San Diego realized he couldn’t ignore his worsening symptoms any longer. Not only was he unable to endure the unbearable itching and pain, the large veins behind his right knee had grown to the size of a fist.

“My job involves a lot of standing and walking on hard surfaces, which only aggravated my symptoms,” said Chris. “The more I was on my feet, the more pain I experienced, and it really started to affect my quality of life.”

After conducting his own research on local specialists who could diagnose and treat his problem, Chris scheduled a consultation with Leland Housman, MD, a general and cardiothoracic surgeon who runs the Vein Clinic at Scripps Clinic Carmel Valley.

“When Chris first came in he had pain, achiness, itching and swelling in his legs, with wounds that were red and at risk for infection because he was unable to keep from scratching,” said Dr. Housman. “Even more striking were his huge, tense veins – some of the largest I’ve ever seen in my career.”

Dr. Housman diagnosed Chris with an advanced stage of venous insufficiency, a condition where the veins are unable to return blood from the legs back to the heart. The blood often pools in the legs, causing pain, swelling and other symptoms. In Chris’s case, blood flow in his right leg was so severely restricted he began to fear the leg might have to be amputated.

Chris was relieved to learn his condition could be treated with a series of simple, minimally invasive procedures spread out over a couple of months, starting in February 2009.

First, Dr. Housman performed a procedure called endovenous laser treatment, which uses a laser to collapse the insufficient veins and seal them shut, permanently rerouting blood flow. Within a few weeks, the bulbous growth behind Chris’s knee had shrunk dramatically.

Chris’s second treatment, called injection-compression sclerotherapy, helped minimize and fade the veins in Chris’s lower leg. During the procedure, a solution injected directly into the vein causes the vein walls to stick together and seal shut.

Finally, some lingering veins were removed during a procedure called ambulatory phlebectomy, in which varicose veins located on the surface of the leg are removed through incisions so tiny they heal on their own without any need for stitches.

“I was surprised at how easy the procedures were,” said Chris. “Not only were they quick outpatient appointments that didn’t require anesthesia, but I didn’t have any pain during or after. And the treatments have made a tremendous difference – my leg looks normal again, but more importantly the pain, itching, and swelling have gone away.”

According to Dr. Housman, the standard treatment for venous insufficiency just a couple of years ago was surgery—and even today, for a case as severe as Chris’s, many vascular surgeons may have recommended surgical treatments ranging from painful “vein stripping” (removing the vein entirely), to venous valve repair, to vein transplant. Fortunately today’s minimally-invasive treatments produce dramatic results with very little pain, minimal scarring, and no down time.

“If I could tell other people with similar vein problems one thing, it’s that they don’t have any reason to be nervous about the treatment,” said Chris. “I think the Vein Clinic at Scripps Clinic is one of the top places in the country, not just because they offer the most up-to-date technology but because Dr. Housman and his support staff were excellent. I felt informed and comfortable throughout the entire process.”

Friends Forge a Lasting Bond Through Kidney Donation

2009-12-17T15:47:19-08:00

For some people, the term “friend” refers to someone with whom they share mutual interests or enjoy spending time with. For others, a friend is someone they trust and respect, someone to confide in when they’re upset or worried.

Marian H. had always felt fortunate to be surrounded by people who she considered friends; the kind of people who would give her a ride to work if she was having car trouble, or treat her to dinner on her birthday. But it wasn’t until 2008, when she was facing the possibility that her kidneys would fail while waiting for a transplant, did the mother of three realize just how strong a bond can exist between two people.

The slow march toward dialysis

At age 28, Marian was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a genetic condition that affected her late father and was also inherited by three of her four siblings. Although PKD progresses slowly, it can cause numerous complications ranging from high blood pressure and anemia, to kidney stones and eventual kidney failure.

In 2007, at age 53, Marian initiated the process of getting placed on the kidney transplant waiting list at Scripps Center for Organ and Cell Transplantation. Two of her siblings had already required and received transplants, and Marian’s health had reached the point where she could soon require dialysis for the rest of her life.

“With kidney disease, you have the option to continue living thanks to dialysis,” said Marian. “But dialysis takes a huge toll on your time and your lifestyle, and I wasn’t going to give in without a fight.”

Marian was aware of the sobering statistics: there are thousands more people waiting for a kidney transplant than there are kidneys available. But if she could find a living person willing to donate a kidney, she could dramatically reduce her time spent waiting for a kidney from a deceased donor.

Armed with that knowledge, Marian sent a letter to her friends and family to update them on her health and her need for a new kidney, and to educate them about the process for becoming a living donor.

And then she waited.

Compelled to help

Holly A. has known Marian since high school. Over the years the pair kept in touch, sometimes more frequently than others as they lived in different cities and were busy raising their children. In 1996 Holly moved back to San Diego, and over time she and Marian became quite close as they started kayaking or walking together weekly.

Upon receiving Marian’s letter about her need for a new kidney, Holly called Scripps to find out more about the living donor process.

“I knew that I wanted to help Marian, but I also knew it was a decision that required a lot of thought,” said Holly. “I did some research on the risks associated with giving up a kidney, everything from the surgery itself to how living with one kidney would affect my lifestyle. But in the end, despite any risks, I just felt called to donate.”

Although Holly started the process for becoming a living donor in July 2008, she didn’t tell Marian.

“I was afraid to give Marian false hope, in case the donation fell through,” she said. “I didn’t want her to feel crushed if for some reason I was found to be an unsuitable match.”

For the next three months Holly went through an extensive work-up by the Scripps transplant team to ensure she was a suitable candidate.

“We have to make sure all potential donors are not only medically and physically eligible, but also emotionally ready,” said Amy Knight, transplant supervisor with Scripps Center for Organ and Cell Transplantation. “Medically we want to make sure the patient will do well through surgery and then be able to live with only one kidney. We want to make absolutely certain that they can follow a healthy lifestyle after donating, that they have a support system in place to help care for them following surgery – and perhaps most importantly, that they truly want to be an organ donor.”

In October 2008, Holly received official confirmation that she was a suitable match. Only then did she surprise Marian with the news: her wait for a new kidney was almost over.

A second chance at life

On March 3, 2009, Marian realized just how priceless friendship can be. On that day, her friend gave her more than just a functioning kidney – she gave her restored health and quality of life.

Both women were discharged from the hospital less than five days after their transplant surgery. And less than three months later, the two took a trip to the Hawaiian island of Kauai to celebrate their recovery.

“I donated a kidney in March, and by August I felt like I was 100 percent back to normal,” said Holly. “My lifestyle hasn’t changed at all. I still run and kayak, I still swim and surf. I have no regrets – if I had to do it all over again, I definitely would.”

Barring any problems with rejection or other health issues, odds are that Marian’s new kidney will last roughly 20 years – well into her 70s – even though she continues to live with PKD.

“No words can express my appreciation for the gift Holly gave,” said Marian. “She made an amazingly brave decision, and in my mind she’s more than just a friend. She’s a hero.”

Orthopedic Researchers at Scripps Health Help College Students Refine Their Career Path

2009-12-16T10:00:50-08:00

A select group of students from San Diego colleges got a crash course on careers in medicine, science, statistics and engineering when they visited the Shiley Center for Orthopaedic Research and Education (SCORE) at Scripps Clinic for a day.

Young adults from San Diego City College, San Diego State University and Southwestern College participated in Shadow Day 2009. Coordinated by the San Diego Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) Program, the one-day event matched local employers with students in math, science or biology degree programs who wanted to learn more about the “real world” of working in an engineering or scientific environment.

“It was awesome,” said Ashley Pourazary, a 19-year-old sophomore from San Diego City College. “Rather than just taking a class in a field I’m interested in, I got an opportunity to see the medical and research field from unique point of view.”

Nine students participated in Shadow Day at SCORE. They watched a video of a total knee replacement surgery, toured the laboratories, listened to lectures, and talked with scientists, engineers and other staff members about their individual career paths and day-to-day job responsibilities.

“I was inspired,” said Hugo Aguilar. A 25-year-old biology major from San Diego City College, he returned to school after serving in the Marines. “I am still making decisions about my career path, so this was helpful.”

Many of the participants in the MESA program are low-income, first generation college students who may not have mentors or role models from the math and science world. Shadow Day provides an opportunity to build invaluable connections within the medical and research community.

”Community partners like SCORE are a critical part of the program’s success,” said Theresa Garcia, director of the MESA Engineering Program at SDSU.

“We all enjoyed having them here,” said SCORE’s medical director, Clifford Colwell, MD. “These bright students are the basis of tomorrow’s discoveries and the backbone of our health care delivery system in the future. This program gave us an opportunity to spark an interest in a career that could benefit the students and generations to come. That’s invaluable.”

Scripps Clinic MD Provides Sight-Restoring Surgeries for the Homeless

2009-11-30T11:09:54-08:00

Twenty years ago Karim “Victor” Zablit, MD, an ophthalmologist at Scripps Clinic and Scripps Green Hospital, happened to see a newsletter announcement asking for physicians to volunteer at the St. Vincent de Paul Village medical clinic in San Diego. Little did he know his decision to sign up would eventually allow him to change so many people’s lives.

Dr. Zablit began his relationship with St. Vincent de Paul in 1989, providing eye care services to indigent patients at the medical clinic and homeless shelter. After two years of providing routine diagnostic exams for patients with conditions like diabetes and glaucoma, he wondered if more could be done for cases like advanced cataracts.

Thus began a project that has spanned nearly two decades. Roughly every 12 to 18 months, Dr. Zablit brings a small group of patients who are legally or completely blind to one of Scripps Clinic’s outpatient surgical centers to perform vision-restoring cataract surgery. Time and again, patients who have been blind for several years find themselves able to see again—literally overnight.

“Many of our patients found themselves living on the streets, because their blindness rendered them unable to work,” said Dr. Zablit. “I’ve witnessed people who, after surgery, regain not only their sight but their independence, too. I’ve seen many patients become functional members of society again thanks to a combination of their restored vision and the individualized skills training they’ve received from St. Vincent de Paul.”

Dr. Zablit credits his parents for first inspiring him to help others.

“As a boy growing up in Lebanon, I frequently saw my parents volunteer their time,” he said. “They taught me about the priceless rewards and satisfaction that come with helping people in need. And I, in turn, am teaching the value of helping others to my three children.”

Dr. Zablit said he’s also grateful for the support he’s received from Scripps Clinic and Green Hospital. “It takes a lot of coordination to schedule these surgeries, because we have to plan everything from staff and equipment availability to legal and technical considerations,” he said. “Without Scripps’ willingness to invest its resources back into the community, this program wouldn’t exist.”

In addition to his work with St. Vincent de Paul, where he continues to care for patients on a monthly basis, Dr. Zablit has traveled abroad to perform eye surgeries in places like Fiji, Honduras, and Mexico.

Scripps Supports Existing ‘Gold Standard’ Guidelines for Screening Mammograms

2009-11-25T14:03:47-08:00

SAN DIEGO – After extensive review of the proposed guidelines for breast cancer screening set forth by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) on Nov. 17, 2009, the Scripps Breast Cancer Task Force recommends that women continue to follow the same “gold standard” screening mammography guidelines supported by the American Cancer Society, the American College of Radiologists and the American College of Surgeons.

Those guidelines include:

Monthly breast self-exams beginning at age 20
Annual clinical breast exams with a physician or other health care practitioner
Baseline mammogram at age 40 followed by annual screening mammograms
Discussion of individual needs and concerns with a physician if a woman is at greater risk due to a personal or family history of the disease

“The recent USPSTF guidelines have created concern and confusion for Scripps patients and other women throughout the country,” says William Stanton, MD, chair of the Scripps Network Cancer Program. “We strongly urge our patients to address their individual needs and concerns directly with their physicians.”

The Scripps Breast Cancer Task Force acknowledges the additional financial cost for screening mammograms beginning at age 40 instead of 50. However, since 28 percent of women with newly diagnosed breast cancer at Scripps are under the age of 50, the Scripps Task Force weighs that cost against the number of lives that are potentially saved by beginning screening mammograms at age 40.

“We looked closely at these new findings and the methodology behind them, as we do all new research,” says Paul Goldfarb, MD, chair of the Scripps Breast Cancer Task Force. “Yet, we still believe that clinical breast exams coupled with annual screening mammograms beginning at age 40, give most women the best chance for detecting breast cancer in its earliest, most curable stage.”

Scripps will continue to review and evaluate new data on breast cancer detection as it becomes available. As always, Scripps will keep patients’ and women’s best interests at the forefront of any recommendations regarding screening mammograms or new methods of early detection of breast cancer.

ABOUT SCRIPPS HEALTH

Founded in 1924 by philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps, Scripps Health is a $2 billion nonprofit community health system based in San Diego, Calif. Scripps treats a half-million patients annually through the dedication of 2,600 affiliated physicians and 12,700 employees among its five acute-care hospital campuses, home health care services, and an ambulatory care network of clinics, physician offices and outpatient centers.

Recognized as a leader in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, Scripps is also at the forefront of clinical research and graduate medical education.

In 2008, Scripps committed more than $150 million in capital and facility improvements across the San Diego region while providing significant charity care to the community – more than $268 million in uncompensated care in 2008. Scripps Health Foundation generated $46 million in charitable donations in 2008 to support the Scripps mission.

Contact: Steve Carpowich
Phone: 858-678-7183
Email: carpowich.stephen@scrippshealth.org