Marin Cancer Institute's Annual Breast Cancer Forum Will Share Statistics On Screening, Services And Survival Rates in Marin

Marin Cancer Institute's Annual Breast Cancer Forum Will Share Statistics On Screening, Services And Survival Rates in Marin

GREENBRAE, CA — The Cancer Institute at Marin General Hospital will host its annual free community breast cancer forum at the Acqua Hotel in Mill Valley Tuesday, Oct. 25, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

"Marin County Breast Cancer Statistics, Screening, Services and Survival," features a special presentation from Rochelle Ereman, MS, MPS. epidemiologist for the County of Marin Department of Health and Human Services, followed by breakout sessions with the cancer institute's leading experts.

Ereman will provide an update on the statistics defining the dimensions of breast cancer in Marin County, which has drawn national attention for its relatively high rate of breast cancer among the well-educated, predominately Caucasian residents. As a result, researchers have found the ongoing Marin Women's Study (MWS) a treasure trove of clues about what causes breast cancer, particularly in women with few established risk factors and access to excellent healthcare.

The study, conducted by the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services in collaboration with several Marin nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers and local community groups, looks at individual risk factors linked to an analysis of saliva. Marin General Hospital's cancer institute has played a key role in the study - their patients have had the highest participation rate of any group - and the results have had worldwide implications. For example, MWS data about changing patterns of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) helped shed light on the role played by HRT in breast cancer.

Topics in the breakout sessions will range from risk assessment and precautionary measures to advances in radiation, chemotherapy and other breast cancer treatments, breast surgery and reconstruction, and risk reduction through lifestyle modifications.

Marin Cancer Institute speakers include Leah Kelley, MD, breast surgeon; Bobbie Head, MD, medical oncologist; Francine Halberg, MD, and Vida Campbell, MD, radiation oncologists; Khashayar Mohebali, MD, plastic surgery; Jeannine Vitali-Schultz, registered dietitian nutritionist; Sharon Meyer, DipION, CNC; and Regan Fedric, exercise physiologist (oncology specialty).

The Acqua Hotel is located at 555 Redwood Highway in Mill Valley. Space is limited, and pre-registration for the forum is requested; call 888-99-MY-MGH (996-9644).