Know Your Risk: A Community Conversation about Breast Cancer

By Courtney Bernard, LMH Health

LMH Health, NAACP Lawrence and the Lawrence Public Library will host a community event about breast cancer risk factors and prevention on October 9.

“Know Your Risk: A Community Conversation about Breast Cancer,” which will be from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 9, is a free, family-friendly event open to all who are interested in learning more about the disease.

Marcia Jacobson, a breast nurse navigator at LMH Health, will present with Dr. Dawn Jones, an LMH Health general surgeon who specializes in breast surgery, and Dr. Scarlett Aldrich of Plastic Surgery Specialists of Lawrence.

Marcia Jacobson

Dawn Jones, MD

Scarlett Aldrich, MD

“We are excited to engage with the Lawrence community and spread the word about breast cancer risk and prevention,” said Erica Hill, LMH Endowment finance and operations manager and health equity champion. “It is important for the community and its hospital to be connected. We hope to educate and increase awareness of risk factors.”

The presentation also will include discussion focusing on breast cancer disparities among racial and ethnic groups, as well as improving health literacy.

“The statistics are staggering,” Hill said. “Cancer does not affect everyone the same way. Understanding your risk can be the key to saving your life.”

For example, African American women are nearly twice as likely as white women to be diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer and are much more likely than white women to die from breast cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Hill believes that through education, community support and preventative action, such as regular mammograms, these statistics can change.

Attendees will be able to talk with LMH Health representatives and schedule a mammogram onsite. Additionally, mammogram vouchers are available for people who may not be able to afford them. Those vouchers are made possible by proceeds from Rock the Block – Kick Cancer, LMH Endowment’s annual oncology fundraiser. For more information about vouchers, call LMH Health Patient Accounts, 785-505-5775.

Courtney Bernard is a development coordinator for LMH Endowment Association.

Let's Rock the Block AND Kick Cancer

Rock the Block – Kick Cancer is LMH Endowment’s annual oncology fundraiser and celebration for our community’s cancer fighters and survivors. Proceeds from the event will:

Support cancer prevention and screening for patients who cannot afford it.
Fund immediate needs within LMH Oncology and Hematology Center.
Create endowed funds for oncology and LMH Health's cancer survivorship initiative, Catch a Break, in order to ensure long-term support for the department and survivors.

LMH Health is grateful for the support provided by our volunteers, donors and community. We pledge to use these funds to ensure cancer patients receive the best care possible – right here in Lawrence. Join us on Friday, October 26, from 6-10 p.m. indoors at Dale Willey Chevrolet, 2840 Iowa St. in Lawrence. Here are some highlights:

Enjoy food and drink, included in your ticket price
Dance the night away with a live DJ
Enter to win fantastic theme baskets
Show up in a costume, or come in jeans - your choice
Honor our community's cancer fighters and survivors during a Rock Star Ceremony
To register, visit lmhendowment.org/rocktheblock or email Tiffany Hall at Tiffany.Hall@lmh.org. Tickets are $45 for community members or $500 for a table for eight. Purchasing a table allows you and your guests to arrive an hour early, at 5 p.m., and guarantees you a place to sit.