Alicia's Story

Alicia is a 57 year old married Latina with her youngest son still living at home.  Her husband has insurance through his job, but only for himself because he cannot afford it for the whole family.  Alicia and her children have resorted to the care of Venice Family Clinic for 21 years.  She did not need the services of the Clinic for a long time until two years ago when she began developing unusual symptoms which turned out to be due to diabetes.  During the initial return visit, Alicia mentioned that she was having abnormal breast pain. She revealed two of her first cousins had been diagnosed with breast cancer and she was scared she had it too.  Her provider comforted her and referred her for a mammogram screening.  Alicia was relieved to know she could get her first screening at the Clinic, where she feels safe.  Fortunately, her mammogram was negative.  She was having muscle pain under her breast.  After the screening, the coordinator approached her to see how it went.  Alicia said, "I feel so much better. I know I don’t have breast cancer but I also know I have to come each year to make sure I stay cancer free."