October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Hackensack Meridian Health is going pink to raise awareness and encourage women to get screened for breast cancer. Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center and Hackensack Meridian Palisades Medical Center hosted their annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month Kick Off Events on Oct. 1.
The day’s urgent message was underscored by a recent, startling 2025 study in Cancer Causes and Control, which identified New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut as having a 32% higher incidence of breast cancer in women under 40.
In response, HMH mobilized to educate the public and its own team members, transforming hospital lobbies into vibrant, pink-themed hubs of information and action.
At both Palisades Medical Center and Hackensack University Medical Center, attendees had the opportunity to:
- Speak directly with breast cancer specialists.
- Learn about the latest screening technologies, including new AI-powered diagnostics.
- Schedule same-day mammogram screenings on-site.
- Practice life-saving self-check techniques on life-sized models.
A powerful highlight of the day was the personal story of hope shared by Stephanie Orellana, a 38-year-old patient currently undergoing treatment.
With no family history of the disease, she was shocked by her diagnosis after a sharp chest pain led her to seek medical attention. Her story served as a poignant reminder that breast cancer can affect anyone, at any age, and underscored the life-saving power of listening to one’s body and seeking prompt medical advice.
While the kick-off events have concluded, Hackensack Meridian Health’s campaign for breast cancer awareness and screening continues throughout October. The network encourages women to speak with their doctors about their personal risk and to schedule a mammogram.