Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) officially kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month last week by transforming the lobbies of Hackensack University Medical Center and Palisades Medical Center into vibrant pink hubs focused on education, action and early detection.
The urgency of the day’s message was highlighted by a recent and alarming 2025 study in the journal Cancer Causes and Control, which identified New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut as facing a 32% higher incidence of breast cancer in women under the age of 40. This startling data underscores the critical need for younger women to be vigilant about their breast health.
In response to these rising statistics, HMH mobilized its specialists and educational resources to directly engage the public and its own team members.
Actionable advice and same-day screenings
At both medical centers, the event empowered attendees with immediate access to life-saving resources, including:
- Direct Consultations: Opportunities to speak one-on-one with leading breast cancer specialists, including Breast Surgeon Oncologist Dr. Christopher McGreevey and Diagnostic Radiologist Dr. Gail Starr.
- Technological Updates: Information sessions on the latest screening technologies, including the role of new AI-powered diagnostics in improving detection accuracy.
- Immediate Access: The ability to schedule same-day mammogram screenings on-site, removing common barriers to early detection.
- Self-Check Training: Practical sessions using life-sized models to practice life-saving self-check techniques.
A powerful patient story
A poignant moment of the kick-off was the personal story shared by Stephanie Orellana, a 38-year-old patient currently undergoing treatment. Orellana, who had no family history of the disease, was shocked by her diagnosis, which was discovered only after a sharp chest pain prompted her to seek medical attention.
Her candid account served as a powerful reminder that breast cancer is indiscriminate—it can affect anyone, regardless of age or genetic background—and emphasized the life-saving importance of listening to one’s body and seeking prompt professional advice for any unusual symptoms.
While the kick-off events have concluded, Hackensack Meridian Health’s campaign for breast cancer awareness and screening will continue throughout October. The network strongly encourages all women to speak with their doctors about their personal risk factors and to schedule their mammograms as recommended.
