Think Pink in October for Breast Cancer Awareness

In 1985, the American Cancer Society designated October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month to promote screening and prevention of the disease, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. Since dubbed “Think Pink,” the campaign’s purpose was to support people diagnosed with breast cancer; educate people about breast cancer risk factors; and encourage women to go for regular breast cancer screening.

In 2008, Washington Hospital Health System (WHHS) hosted its first “Think Pink” event to mark the month. The 16^th annual WHHS “Think Pink” gathering promoting breast cancer awareness, education and support will take place Thursday, Oct. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the tent atrium at Washington West, 2500 Mowry Ave. in Fremont. The event, organized by WHHS Community Outreach Manager Kayla Gupta and Washington Women’s Center Clinical Coordinator and Nurse Navigator Christine Mikkelsen, BSN, RN, is free and open to all.

“We bring this event to the community to educate, support, and build connections for anyone affected by breast cancer, whether directly or through their loved ones,” Gupta noted. “Attendees can visit various nonprofit informational booths, including community-based breast cancer support organization HERS (Hope, Empowerment, Renewal, and Support) Breast Cancer Foundation. This event will share information on other WHHS departments and local resources that can support them on their breast cancer journey.”

Nurse navigator Mikkelsen will offer education and information at the Washington Women’s Center booth. A nurse navigator acts as a liaison between patients and their care team, providing personalized care and support throughout their care journey and beyond.

“I’m there to offer support even before the actual diagnosis,” Mikkelsen explained. “I help patients from the first abnormal screening mammogram, to coming back for additional imaging, to biopsy and follow-up care. I’m also a resource for people with a strong family history of breast cancer and can help them get connected to genetic counseling.”

In addition to community educational booths, the first hour of the event will feature craft activities, a photo booth, henna “tattoo” artists, and a drawing for gift baskets and a quilt from the WHHS Service League. A light vegetarian boxed dinner will also be provided.

Educational presentations from Washington Township Medical Foundation (WTMF) care providers will take place during the evening’s second hour, 6-7 p.m. Victoria Leiphart, MD, FACOG, retired WTMF gynecologist, will serve as emcee. WTMF General Surgery Physician Assistant Emily Gentry, PA-C, will give an update on the Women’s Center. Bogdan Eftimie, MD, hematologistoncologist and medical director of the UCSF – Washington Cancer Center, will give a presentation on breast cancer.

“We’re very fortunate to have the Women’s Center and UCSF – Washington Cancer Center here,” Mikkelsen said. “Breast cancer patients in the Tri-City community can receive diagnosis, treatment and comprehensive follow-up care close to home.”

The evening’s last speaker, WTMF psychiatrist Seema Sehgal, MD, will discuss mental health for breast cancer survivors.

“Breast cancer is so emotional for women,” Gupta shared. “Dr. Sehgal will talk about that in her presentation, touching on how cancer survivors are dealing with their new normal, their changing body image, managing the fear of recurrence and the support systems they need.”

“Think Pink empowers breast cancer patients and their families, providing support and understanding in a fun, stress-free environment,” Mikkelsen added. “And it allows us to share education and information about the programs WHHS has to help them.”

The event is free, but advance registration is requested. For more information or to register, go to whhs.com/events or call 800.963.7070.

In 1985, the American Cancer Society designated October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month to promote screening and prevention of the disease, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. Since dubbed “Think Pink,” the campaign’s purpose was to support people diagnosed with breast cancer; educate people about breast cancer risk factors; and encourage women to go for regular breast cancer screening.

In 2008, Washington Hospital Health System (WHHS) hosted its first “Think Pink” event to mark the month. The 16^th annual WHHS “Think Pink” gathering promoting breast cancer awareness, education and support will take place Thursday, Oct. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the tent atrium at Washington West, 2500 Mowry Ave. in Fremont. The event, organized by WHHS Community Outreach Manager Kayla Gupta and Washington Women’s Center Clinical Coordinator and Nurse Navigator Christine Mikkelsen, BSN, RN, is free and open to all.

“We bring this event to the community to educate, support, and build connections for anyone affected by breast cancer, whether directly or through their loved ones,” Gupta noted. “Attendees can visit various nonprofit informational booths, including community-based breast cancer support organization HERS (Hope, Empowerment, Renewal, and Support) Breast Cancer Foundation. This event will share information on other WHHS departments and local resources that can support them on their breast cancer journey.”

Nurse navigator Mikkelsen will offer education and information at the Washington Women’s Center booth. A nurse navigator acts as a liaison between patients and their care team, providing personalized care and support throughout their care journey and beyond.

“I’m there to offer support even before the actual diagnosis,” Mikkelsen explained. “I help patients from the first abnormal screening mammogram, to coming back for additional imaging, to biopsy and follow-up care. I’m also a resource for people with a strong family history of breast cancer and can help them get connected to genetic counseling.”

In addition to community educational booths, the first hour of the event will feature craft activities, a photo booth, henna “tattoo” artists, and a drawing for gift baskets and a quilt from the WHHS Service League. A light vegetarian boxed dinner will also be provided.

Educational presentations from Washington Township Medical Foundation (WTMF) care providers will take place during the evening’s second hour, 6-7 p.m. Victoria Leiphart, MD, FACOG, retired WTMF gynecologist, will serve as emcee. WTMF General Surgery Physician Assistant Emily Gentry, PA-C, will give an update on the Women’s Center. Bogdan Eftimie, MD, hematologistoncologist and medical director of the UCSF – Washington Cancer Center, will give a presentation on breast cancer.

“We’re very fortunate to have the Women’s Center and UCSF – Washington Cancer Center here,” Mikkelsen said. “Breast cancer patients in the Tri-City community can receive diagnosis, treatment and comprehensive follow-up care close to home.”

The evening’s last speaker, WTMF psychiatrist Seema Sehgal, MD, will discuss mental health for breast cancer survivors.

“Breast cancer is so emotional for women,” Gupta shared. “Dr. Sehgal will talk about that in her presentation, touching on how cancer survivors are dealing with their new normal, their changing body image, managing the fear of recurrence and the support systems they need.”

“Think Pink empowers breast cancer patients and their families, providing support and understanding in a fun, stress-free environment,” Mikkelsen added. “And it allows us to share education and information about the programs WHHS has to help them.”

The event is free, but advance registration is requested. For more information or to register, go to whhs.com/events or call 800.963.7070.