In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, EvergreenHealth is hosting a free Breast Health Awareness event on Oct. 7 to promote early cancer detection and celebrate survivors. The event is open to the public and runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Attendees, who are encouraged to wear pink, will have access to information on a variety of breast health topics, including breast self-examination tips, breast cancer screening guidelines and breast cancer risk while enjoying complimentary refreshments and fun giveaways. EvergreenHealth Breast Health Center representatives will be available to answer questions about breast cancer screening and offer scheduling assistance with mammogram appointments.
A special Rededication Ceremony will take place at noon, celebrating breast cancer survivors, recognizing those who advocate on behalf of women’s health and remembering those who have lost their lives to the disease. Barry Keating, director of Spiritual Care at EvergreenHealth, will lead a short blessing outside in the Galleria Courtyard as part of this ceremony.
“We have a lot to celebrate because of the continued efforts to raise awareness about the importance of early detection,” said Kara Carlson, medical director of EvergreenHealth’s Breast Health Center. “Thanks to this and the advancement of 3D screening mammograms, 72 percent of women at EvergreenHealth with breast cancer were diagnosed at its earliest, most treatable stages.”
Estimates are that one in seven women in the Pacific Northwest will develop breast cancer. EvergreenHealth recommends women follow breast cancer early detection guidelines established by the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, which include:
- Breast self-exam starting in their 20s; with any breast change reported promptly to a health care provider.
- Clinical breast exam as part of a periodic health exam, about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and annually for women 40 and older.
- Yearly mammograms starting at age 40.
- A mammogram and a breast MRI every year for women at high risk (due to a personal or familial history of breast cancer).
EvergreenHealth is located at 12040 NE 128th Street in Kirkland. The Breast Health Awareness event will be held in the Galleria, with nearby free parking available in the Blue Garage. For more information, visit www.evergreenhealth.com.
