Nyack Hospital 5K Run/Walk Raises Funds for Free Breast Cancer Screenings

BY BARRY WARNER

On Sunday October 13, The Nyack Hospital Foundation 5K Run/Walk event began and ended on the grounds of the Hospital, as 300 people participated in the ‘Blow Away Breast Cancer’ campaign. October is ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’ and the activity was part of a concerted effort to promote breast health cognizance in the community and raise funds to provide free clinical breast exams, digital mammography, screening, support and education to women in Rockland County without insurance or who are underinsured.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer. Death cancer rates from breast cancer have been decreasing in recent years. Experts at the National Cancer Institute believe the decline is due to early detection through screening and increased awareness plus advances in treatment. If breast cancer is caught at an early stage before it spreads and begins to cause symptoms, the chance for a successful treatment is greatly increased.

According to Dr. Patricia Joseph, Director of Breast and Womens’ Health Prevention Services at Nyack Hospital, screenings for over 900 women have been facilitated this year. In 2012, the Hospital provided free breast and cervical cancer screenings to more than 1,000 women. With treatment options that are continually improving and being made available to all women with breast cancer, the growing number of survivors is likely to continue increasing. Advances in treatment are also improving the quality of life, something that positively affects the patients and their families.

Participants in the event had a chance to plant a pink ‘Blow Away Cancer’ pinwheel, in honor of a loved one, in the commemorative breast cancer ribbon garden. Some of the areas finest bakeries offered pink cupcakes and other creations, with the proceeds being donated to the Breast Cancer Center.

The Breast Cancer Center at Nyack Hospital has been granted a three year, full accreditation designation in a program administered by the American College of Surgeons. In addition, the unit has been selected as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology.

For more information, contact the Breast Center at Nyack Hospital at 845-348-8551.

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