[HMNMH] – Funding received from a $40,000 grant from the Los Angeles County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure will allow the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center to provide breast cancer screening and diagnostic procedures to those in the community who are underinsured and underserved.

The grant is for women and men under age 40 who need imaging services and breast cancer care due to symptomatic findings, a high risk, or strong family history of the disease.

“This is a remarkable award,” said Terry Bucknall, director of the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center. “I am thrilled to be able to provide services to those patients under 40 years of age who are in need and cannot afford early detection procedures.”

Bucknall said the grant will allow the Breast Imaging Center to help up to 150 patients. The grant money will pay for screenings, diagnostic procedures and educational materials. Since being awarded its first Komen grant in 2004, the Breast Imaging Center has received a total of $230,000; treated 1,251 patients; performed 1,053 ultrasounds; 430 mammograms; 318 biopsies; 95 cyst aspirations; and detected 22 cancers.

“We have treated 133 patients (between the ages of 13 and 39) and performed 212 procedures between April 2011 and March 2012. Fortunately no cancers were detected,” she said.

Designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center was created through the experiences of breast cancer survivors and designed with a woman’s physical and emotional needs in mind.

The Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center has its own entrance, a home-like atmosphere, and friendly staff. Located on Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital’s campus, the center offers the latest digital technology, highly skilled medical and technical professionals, and input and collegial consultancy from the area’s leading oncologists and other medical specialists.

Appointments can be scheduled Monday through Friday, including lunchtimes and into the evening, as well as some weekends, by calling 661-253-8822. The Imaging Center is located at 23929 McBean Parkway, Suite 101, Valencia.

For more information about the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging, please visit www.henrymayo.com.