Carson Tahoe Health celebrating 15 years of Think Pink breast cancer awareness campaign

Carson Tahoe Health’s 15th annual Think Pink breast cancer awareness campaign kicks off on Saturday, Oct. 1.

Red’s Old 395 Grill will once again host the event from 3 to 5 p.m. in Carson City. The event is free to attend and individuals wearing a Carson Tahoe Think Pink T-shirt (any year) will receive free appetizers courtesy of Red’s. T-shirts can be purchased for a $10 suggested donation at various locations and at the event. All proceeds from all Think Pink T-shirts, specialty drinks, and raffle sales will go to the Carson Tahoe Cancer Resource Center for cancer education and support.

“Statistics show that one in eight women will develop breast cancer within their lifetime,” said Michelle Joy, Chief Operating Officer at Carson Tahoe Health. “Early detection is the key to survival. Think Pink encourages women to take control of their health by getting annual mammograms, doing regular self-breast exams and scheduling annual clinical exams.”

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. According to Carson Tahoe Health’s 2016 Community Health Needs Assessment, breast cancer mortality in our region has increased, while the number of women who receive annual mammograms has decreased over the past few years. Additionally, recent studies show although women are aware they should get a mammogram and do regular self-breast exams, the majority of women in the high risk groups don’t follow recommended guidelines. CTH sponsors Think Pink year after year to remind women to be proactive with their breast health.

As part of their dedication to educating and empowering women in our community, Carson Tahoe recently opened a new Breast Center at Sierra Surgery featuring the latest diagnostic technologies and procedures, including 3D mammography (tomosynthesis); the health system also installed 3D mammography at Carson Tahoe Minden Medical Center. This leading-edge technology is one of the most advanced forms of diagnostic tests available for breast cancer screening, and it’s also vital for women with dense breasts as it sees beyond the dense tissue.

“Research shows that getting annual 3D mammograms is the best way to detect cancer early,” said Aimee Gonzi, Outpatient Imaging Supervisor with Carson Tahoe Health. “The Breast Center combines art and science through a patient-centered approach, one that embraces a tranquil healing environment and the most advanced diagnostic services.”

For more information on Carson Tahoe’s breast cancer awareness campaign, Think Pink, or for a list of T-shirt locations, please call Carson Tahoe Cancer Services at 775-445-7500.

For more information on the Carson Tahoe Breast Center or 3D mammography, visit CarsonTahoe.com/Breast-Center.