Center Offers Class in Breast Self-Exams

A free breast cancer self-examination class is offered this month at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center’s new breast care center.

The MemorialCare Breast Center opened recently in a new facility, thanks to a donation from Bernice E. Tutt, a breast cancer survivor.

Tutt, a Leisure World resident, successfully fought the disease in 1994. Tutt began showing her appreciation for Saddleback Memorial by sending flowers to a waiting room each week. She donated the funds for the center’s construction this year.

“I believe that the center offers an environment of total safety and devotion to its patients, thanks to the understanding staff who are so knowledgeable about the causes and latest techniques for treating breast cancer,” Tutt said.

Recurrence and the necessity for mastectomies are much lower when the disease is discovered in its early stages. The center will provide about 15,000 mammograms to patients each year, said Barry S. Arbuckle, CEO of the hospital. Women, especially those older than 50, are advised to get a mammogram at least once a year.

“Mrs. Tutt is . . . an inspiration for everyone facing breast cancer,” Arbuckle said. “Thanks to her considerable generosity, we can offer the most state-of-the-art facilities for mammogram screenings to even more residents.”

The breast self-exam class is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Oct. 15. Registration is required.

The MemorialCare Breast Center is across from the main hospital at 24401 Health Center Drive.

Registration and information: (949) 452-7255.