October is just around the corner. Soon we’ll be seeing pink everywhere.
That’s because October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
and pink has become synonymous with breast cancer awareness and prevention.
Local women have the opportunity to Think Pink on Oct. 13 at Washington
Hospital’s annual event focused on breast cancer awareness, prevention
and treatment.
Think Pink is a free event that offers women the latest information on
breast care and other tips for leading a healthier life. The event runs
from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and will be held in the Tent Atrium at Washington
West, located at 2500 Mowry Ave. in Fremont. Light refreshments will be
provided. To register, call (510) 608-1301.
“Think Pink is for breast cancer survivors, women who are still living
with breast cancer, and those who want to learn about preventing breast
cancer and ways to stay healthy,” said Dr. William Dugoni, medical
director of the Washington Women’s Center at Washington Hospital
and member of the Washington Township Medical Foundation. “There
will be informative sessions as well as fun activities and giveaways,
and the tent provides a special setting for this warm and welcoming event
designed for women.”
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the U.S,
according to the American Cancer Society. About one in eight women will
develop breast cancer in her lifetime, with only skin cancer surpassing
that. Men can also get breast cancer, but it is far more common in women.
In 2016, the American Cancer Society estimates that 246,660 women in the
U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,450 women will die from
the disease. There are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in
the U.S., including women who are being treated for the disease as well
as those who have completed treatment, according to the American Cancer Society.
Featured Speakers
Dr. Dugoni will provide an update on some of the services provided at the
Washington Women’s Center. The center offers advanced diagnostic
services and an expert clinical staff, along with wellness and support
programs for women. The Washington Women's Center has been accredited
by The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, a non-governmental,
not-for-profit organization that has been established to identify and
recognize breast centers providing quality care in the United States.
Dr. Vandana Sharma, medical director of Washington Hospital’s Oncology
Program and Genetic Counseling Program, will talk about some of the latest
advances in breast cancer treatment. Women today are living for years
with advanced cancer through better treatment options. She will also discuss
genetic testing and counseling for women at high risk for breast cancer.
Lorie Roffelsen, a registered dietitian at Washington Hospital, will provide
tips for healthy eating. The nutrients in food can have a big impact on
our health. She will talk about foods that contain some of the key nutrients
women need to stay healthy.
Tai chi instructor Julie Aragon will lead the group through a tai chi exercise.
The ancient practice can help improve strength, balance and flexibility.
Gayle Rusch, certified meditation instructor, will talk about the benefits
of meditation for reducing stress and improving overall health. She will
teach attendees how to meditate.
Fun and Informative
Think Pink will start with a health fair from 5 to 6 p.m. There will be
a number of booths with information and resources that can help women
live healthier lives whether they are cancer survivors or are focused
on preventing cancer. Several local health organizations will be on hand
to answer questions and offer services, including the American Cancer
Society and the HERS Breast Cancer Foundation, which supports women who
are healing from breast cancer by providing post-surgical products and
services, regardless of financial status.
In addition to getting out the message about breast cancer prevention and
treatment, Think Pink is designed to be a celebration where women can
come together and enjoy a fun evening with activities like free massages
and raffle prizes.
For more information about the Washington Women’s Center and breast
health services offered by Washington Hospital, visit
www.whhs.com/womenscenter.