For Immediate Release

7/31/06

Free Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Offered at the Retreat Women’s Health Center

Goshen, Ind. - The Retreat Women's Health Center of Goshen Health System is offering a free assessment that can help identify a woman's risk for developing breast cancer. The assessment takes about 20 minutes and is a one-on-one, confidential consultation with a registered nurse who has specialized training in breast health. The assessment includes a questionnaire and the opportunity to have specific questions answered by a specialist. Risk levels vary according to genetics and lifestyle. The results will identify risk levels for developing not only breast cancer, but also ovarian, endometrial, cervical and other gynecological cancers.

"One in eight women has a chance of developing breast cancer during her lifetime," said Sharee Hartman, R.N., a breast health nurse and cancer expert at the Retreat. "Everyone knows someone whose life has been affected by breast cancer, yet some women are scared to have the routine tests." Hartman said that some women have an attitude that no news is good news. Unfortunately, it is a dangerous approach to this disease. "If detected in the early stages, survival statistics increase dramatically. We encourage women to have this assessment done. It's convenient, painless, free and the results can give a woman peace of mind."

Participants will receive a written copy of their results, recommendations based on personal risk factors, and educational information that will help them make decisions to reduce their risk. Women found at high risk will be offered the option to meet with a physician for further evaluation.

"It's easy to put these things off," Hartman continued. "Women tend to take care of their family and everyone else first, but the assessment is easy and can provide invaluable information that could save their life."

To schedule a free assessment call the Retreat Women's Health Center at 574-537-5000.

Goshen Health System is a not-for-profit provider of health care that includes Goshen General Hospital, The Center for Cancer Care, Park Home Medical Equipment, PrimeCare Physician Network, Team:Bariatrics, The Retreat Women's Health Center and Indiana Lakes Managed Care Organization. The health system is an affiliate partner of Clarian Health, which includes Indiana University Hospital, Methodist Hospital of Indianapolis and Riley Hospital for Children. For more information about Goshen Health System, contact visitwww.goshenhealth.com.