Assemblymember Joe Coto (San Jose) is urging low income women over the age of 40 to take advantage of the free breast cancer exams offered by the East Valley Community Clinic in San Jose. Despite the statewide advertising blitz in English and Spanish encouraging women over the age of 40 to sign up for "Breast Cancer Exams," many women in the San Jose area have not taken advantage of the clinic. "Breast Cancer is the second leading cause of death for women in the United States; finding out early whether you have Breast Cancer gives you a 9 out of 10 chance of surviving it. In many low-income homes, women tend to ignore their own health issues and we need to change that trend," said Coto.

Daughters can play a critical role in educating their mothers on the importance of this exam, especially in Hispanic and Asian homes where traditional values and modesty make it difficult for women to undergo the exam. Helping mothers to understand the importance of the exam and supporting them in the process, could save lives.

The East Valley Community Center has the ability to provide women who speak English, Spanish or Vietnamese with the opportunity to meet with a doctor or nurse who can serve them in their language. Women in the Bay Area suffer some of the highest rates of Breast Cancer in the country, so it is critical for those living here to take advantage of this opportunity.

Serving the low-income community since 1971, East Valley Community Clinic provides the following services in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. They accept Medicare and Medi-Cal patients:

Basic medical care for all ages
Prenatal and infant care
CHDP physicals and immunizations
Physicals for schools, sports and work
Reproductive health care including pregnancy testing
STD testing and treatment for both men and women
HIV antibody testing
Health education services for schools, community groups and workplaces

For information on free "Breast Cancer Exams" or other medical services for multilingual low-income residents of all ages, call East Valley Community Clinic in San Jose at (408) 274-7100. They are located at 2470 Alvin Ave suite #80. East Valley Community Clinic is within walking distance from bus stops on route 22.