TRIFECTA TEAMS UP FOR CANCER EDUCATION, DETECTION AND PREVENTION
Released: 03/25/08
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Leigh Fitzgerald
860.677.5032
leigh@crimsoncomm.com
Shannon Eterginio
860.677.5031
shannon@crimsoncomm.com
Mary Pat Caputo (Bristol Hospital)
860.585.3524
mcaputo@bristolhospital.org
TRIFECTA TEAMS UP FOR CANCER EDUCATION, DETECTION AND PREVENTION
Bristol Hospital, American Cancer Society and Yale-New Haven Cancer Network Present
"We Care" at Westfarms
FARMINGTON/BRISTOL/MERIDEN/NEW HAVEN, CONN., March 21, 2008 - If you are a male living in Connecticut, you have a slightly less than 1 in 2 lifetime risk of developing cancer; for women, the risk is a little more than 1 in 3.
It is for this reason that Bristol Hospital, the American Cancer Society and Yale-New Haven Cancer Network have teamed up to present "We Care" - a special wellness event at Westfarms, featuring ways to prevent, identify and treat the most prevalent cancers impacting Connecticut residents. Hundreds of Connecticut men and women of all ages are expected to attend the free, interactive and informative event on Saturday, March 29 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Westfarms.
"We couldn't be more thrilled with our alliances and bringing this event to the community," said Kurt Barwis, president and CEO of Bristol Hospital. "Cancer is a disease that touches each and every one of us, and it's important we give Connecticut residents the facts, highlight prevention, and when necessary to present them with treatment options."
The event is being kicked off with a breakfast hosted by the American Cancer Society that celebrates and recognizes survivors. Dr. David Dobrzanki, medical director for Bristol Hospital's Cancer Care Center will talk briefly about the hospital's new Cancer Care Center, including the latest clinical treatments and research breakthroughs in the treatment of cancer. Bristol resident, and cancer survivor, Liz Nadeau, will feature her extraordinary story.
"This event presents an opportunity to not only recognize the amazing cancer survivors throughout the region, but is the perfect platform to reach out to the community and arm them with information," said Connie Malave, Area Director of Cancer Control for the American Cancer Society. "If we can impact even just one person, we’ve accomplished a great deal."
Fact: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women. Nearly 2,100 of Connecticut's men and women will be diagnosed this year, while this cancer will account for an estimated 560 deaths in the State.
As Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, Bristol Hospital Endoscopy Nurses will be on site encouraging guests to get tested for Colon Cancer and will be distributing at-home colon cancer testing kits.
Fact: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in American women. It's estimated there will be 2,600 Connecticut women diagnosed in 2008, while nearly 500 women will lose their battle with breast cancer this year.
Yale-New Haven Hospital's Digital Mobile Mammography Van is making a special stop at "We Care" providing breast screenings to women. This state-of-the-art digitally equipped vehicle will be staffed by certified mammography technologists. Every screening will be read by radiologists from the Department of Diagnostic Radiology at Yale School of Medicine.
Fact: All cancers caused by cigarette smoking could be prevented completely. It's estimated that in 2008, approximately 170,000 cancer deaths in the U.S. are expected to be caused by tobacco use.
Bristol Hospital and the American Cancer Society will be featuring the impact of smoking on one's health, including tips about how to quit smoking without gaining weight.
Guests at the We Care event also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of other interactive activities, including meeting with specialists, having their skin analyzed to help pre-determine skin damage; speaking with an OBGYN regarding the new HPV vaccine, getting healthy-cooking tips and much more.
Individuals can contribute to the cause by purchasing a bouquet of daffodils from participating Westfarms retailers, with 100% of the proceeds donated to the American Cancer Society.
"We are extremely proud to be partnering with Bristol Hospital, the American Cancer Society and Yale-New Haven Cancer Network on such an important topic," said Christa Allen, Marketing and Sponsorship Director for Westfarms. "We hope that by hosting this event, we are helping Connecticut residents to educate themselves and making a difference for the future."
Program/Event: We Care
Date: Saturday, March 29
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Westfarms, Center Court
For more information, visit www.shopwestfarms.com
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About Bristol Hospital
Bristol Hospital's new Cancer Care Center opened in November 2007. The opening of the Cancer Care Center coincided with the announcement that Bristol Hospital has affiliated with Yale-New Haven Cancer Network for cancer services for patients and their families. This affiliation provides Bristol Hospital with access to clinical resources, clinical research studies and other support services from Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale Cancer Center and Yale University. This will ensure that all treatment options are being considered and that Bristol Hospital patients are truly getting the best possible cancer care locally in their community.
About American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society helps patients and their families with free information, support, and local resources. Cancer information specialists are available by phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help with diagnosis and treatment options, find rides to treatment, or answer insurance questions. If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
About Yale-New Haven Cancer Network
Yale-New Haven Cancer Network is an alliance of hospitals across Connecticut that provides access to the latest discoveries in cancer research and delivers an unparalleled level of expertise in cancer treatment. Affiliate hospitals include Bridgeport Hospital, Bristol Hospital, Greenwich Hospital, Yale Cancer Center and Yale-New Haven Hospital. For more information, please visit www.ynhhs.org/cancernetwork.
About Westfarms
Westfarms, located off Exit 40 on I-84 and Exit 30 on Route 9, features 160 shops and restaurants along with Nordstrom, Macy's, Lord & Taylor, JCPenney, Rainforest Cafe and California Pizza Kitchen. Shopping hours are 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. See what's on sale before you shop at www.shopwestfarms.com.