When the opportunity to partner with SSM Health Breast Care came up, St. Louis radio personality Lern didn’t hesitate for a second. Her response? An enthusiastic “Absolutely.” As a beloved voice on 105.7 The Point, Lern has always been more than just a radio personality. She’s a passionate advocate for her listeners, especially when it comes to their health and well-being.
For Lern, this partnership is deeply personal. Like many of us, she’s had close friends and family members diagnosed with breast cancer. These experiences have fueled her commitment to raising awareness and encouraging women, especially those 40 and older or with a family history of breast cancer, to prioritize their annual mammograms. “I want the women who listen to my show to feel supported, informed, and empowered,” she said. “Early detection truly saves lives.”
In April 2025, Lern took her own advice and went in for her first mammogram. She admits she was a little nervous at first but was pleasantly surprised by how quick and comfortable the experience was. “It didn’t hurt at all and took only about 20 minutes,” she shared.
To further the conversation around breast health, the Rizzuto Show on 105.7 The Point recently welcomed two guests from SSM Health Breast Care: Dr. Pamela Bunting, director of breast surgery, and Nicky Owens, director of imaging. Their insights helped demystify the mammogram process and shed light on the importance of regular screenings.
“The team at SSM Health will make you completely at ease. They are kind, professional, and will make the whole process smooth and stress-free,” Lern said.
Dr. Bunting is a fellowship-trained breast surgeon who has been with SSM Health since 2013. She specializes in managing all types of breast disease, both benign and malignant, including new breast masses, breast pain, abnormal mammograms, and breast cancer. She also works closely with patients who are considered high-risk due to family history or genetic factors. Her message was clear: knowledge is power, and early detection can make all the difference.
Nicky Owens, a registered mammography technologist, oversees 10 SSM Health Breast Care locations across the St. Louis area. These include facilities in St. Louis, St. Charles, Lake Saint Louis, Bridgeton, Fenton, Wentzville, O’Fallon, Missouri, and Columbia, Illinois. Her team is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care in a comfortable environment.
Whether it’s your first mammogram or a routine annual screening, SSM Health Breast Care is here to support you every step of the way. As Lern said, “It’s about taking care of yourself and making sure you’re around for all the moments that matter.”
Ready to schedule your yearly mammogram? Visit ssmhealth.com/Lern to book your appointment and take that important step toward protecting your health.
