COUNTYWIDE : Officials Seek OK for Breast Cancer Program

More than 1,200 Ventura County women were diagnosed with breast cancer between 1990 and 1992. During the same period, 250 local women died from the disease.

To step up the fight against breast cancer, Ventura County health officials are proposing to join Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties in establishing a two-part early detection program.

The first phase of the program, funded with a $200,000 state grant, would bring together a group of health-care and social-service providers to assess what screening, treatment and support services are available. The group would also determine what additional programs are needed.

Once that phase is completed, the three counties would be eligible to receive an additional $240,00 grant for the second phase, officials said. During that time, the program would work with health-care providers to improve patient screening and diagnostic services.

Effective breast cancer screening leads to early diagnosis and treatment, officials said. Among women age 50 and older, regular screening leads to an overall 30% reduction in breast cancer mortality.

The program’s goal will be to promote the early detection of breast cancer and to facilitate referrals for high-risk women, officials said.

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will consider authorizing the county Public Health Department to implement the program.