Concord, CA - Vicki Rocconi, R.N., Breast Health Coordinator at Mt. Diablo Medical Center, is one of six 2003 Heart & Soul Award recipients in an annual event honoring outstanding local breast cancer survivors on Oct. 9. Rocconi, an oncology nurse who has had national and local recognition for her own work with local breast health access programs, also received the Susan G. Komen Award and the American Cancer Society's Excellence in Breast Health Initiative Award in 1999. She has been with Mt. Diablo Medical Center since 1988.

Known as a compassionate and extremely thorough practitioner, Rocconi was instrumental in the team effort to bring the "Every Woman Counts" state program, also known as the Breast Cancer Early Detection Program (BCEDP),* to Mt. Diablo in 1996. It offers free breast cancer screening and diagnostic services including education, clinical breast exams, mammography, ultrasound and biopsy to women over 40 who are low-income, underinsured or uninsured. Transportation and translation services are also arranged as needed.

"The Heart & Soul awards bring awareness about breast cancer and early detection, and help to give women a more informed viewpoint on it. Seeing other women who have survived breast cancer decreases the fear of going for screening," Rocconi says. "Women need to know that breast cancer can be completely cured if it is caught early."

Rocconi notes that through her career, she has found it "a privilege to work with diverse and wonderful women who are going through the breast cancer experience. It is also great to be able to help those who wouldn't ordinarily be able to access health care services."

She is gratified that the "Every Woman Counts" program has diagnosed 20 women with cancer since its inception, and all have received treatment. The program screens approximately 250 women per year. "What is unique about the Every Woman Counts clinic at Mt. Diablo is that women receive a clinical breast exam, mammogram, ultrasound exam, and a core biopsy, if indicated, all within the same day," she adds.

In the future, Rocconi hopes for many improvements and enhancements to breast cancer treatment. "I would love to see a cure. Until then, I hope for better treatments with fewer side effects, and improved, less invasive ways to detect breast cancer earlier, with more accuracy, she says. "Currently, the usual breast exam, annual medical exam and mammogram has a 70-80 percent detection rate. I'd love to see that improved."

The fifth annual Heart & Soul Awards will be held at Macy's Walnut Creek store on Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. The program features news anchor Leslie Griffith of KTVU Channel 2, as well as Feng Shui expert Deborah Gee, and the show "Fashion at its Best 2003." Seating is limited. Tickets are available with a $10 donation by calling 925-676-8595. Funds benefit the "Every Woman Counts" program at Mt. Diablo Medical Center, and the tickets also are good for a discount on most purchases on Oct. 10, Macy's Community Partner Shopping Day.

For more information about the "Every Woman Counts" program, call (925) 674-2001.

(Posted October 6, 2003)