Walks, workshops mark breast cancer awareness month

Whether you want to walk, run a race or learn about the latest medical research available, there are a number of ways to be part of Breast Cancer Awareness this month in Honolulu.

Hawai‘i Pacific Health’s hospitals illuminate their buildings, including Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children, Pali Momi Medical Center and Straub Clinic & Hospital, in brilliant pink in support of the fight against breast cancer and the need for a cure, for the month. Castle Medical Center in Kailua attaches a giant, pink ribbon to its 60-foot-tall Norfolk pine tree.

Breast cancer knows no boundaries — whether it be age, gender, socioeconomic status or geographic location, according to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which is holding its 21st annual Race for the Cure Hawaii at Kapiolani Park on Sunday. The foundation advocates for a healthy lifestyle, self-awareness and early detection.

“Up to 75 percent of the money raised stays here in Hawaii and helps men and women who are underserved or unserved,” said Teresa Tyler, board president of Susan G. Komen Hawaii. “The money we raise we grant to other nonprofits on island for screening, treatment and education.”

An estimated 231,840 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women and about 2,350 new cases among men in the U.S. this year, according to the American Cancer Society. Breast cancer ranks second as a cause of cancer death in women.

In Hawaii, more than 1,000 women are newly diagnosed with breast cancer every year, with the highest rates among native Hawaiian women, according to Brenda Hernandez, associate professor and principal investigator of the Hawaii Tumor Registry at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center.

While most breast cancers are diagnosed at early stages when it is most treatable, she said, nearly one in three Hawaii women are diagnosed at advanced stages when the cancer has spread outside of the breast and is more difficult to treat.

“Regular screening for breast cancer is key to finding it early when it is most treatable,” she said.

Breast Cancer Awareness month events:

» 6-7:30 p.m., today: Yoga Therapeutics for Breast Cancer Care Workshop at the Still & Moving Center, 1024 Queen St. The Still & Moving Center offers a free workshop on yoga therapeutics to survivors of all stages of breast cancer by yoga therapist Julie V. Costers. The workshop offers ways to enhance recovery, promote emotional balance and lend mental clarity to breast cancer survivors. Dress comfortably. Free. (A series will be available Oct. 20, Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 for $85.) Call 397-7678 or visit stillandmovingcenter.com.

» 1-4 p.m., Saturday: The University of Hawaii Cancer Center presents the fifth annual Quest for a Cure, a free public educational event at Sullivan Conference Center, 701 Ilalo St. Breast cancer survivor Katie Manuma shares the story of how missing a routine mammogram changed her life. UH Cancer Center scientists will offer an update on breast and colon cancers and present their latest research on prevention, the evolution of cancer drug therapies and other topics. Optional tours to follow. Free, but space limited. RSVP by Wednesday at 356-5770. Visit uhcancercenter.org.

» 7 a.m., Sunday: The 21st annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Hawaii at Kapiolani Park. Raise funds for one-mile fun walk and 5K (about 3.1 miles) run, with entertainment, survivor recognition and awards ceremony. Deadline to register online is Wednesday. Same-day registration available at Kapiolani Park until 6 a.m. The goal is to raise $120,000 for cancer research. This year, a free shuttle service will be provided from the Kahala Mall parking garage near Longs Drugs to Kapiolani Park from 4:30 to 11 a.m. Visit komenhawaii.org.

» 7-8 a.m., Oct. 24: Making Strides 5K Walk at Richardson Field at Ford Island. 6 a.m. registration. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. No registration fee, but donations are welcome. Register online at makingstrideswalk.org/hawaii. Call 595-7500.

» 7-8 p.m., Oct. 26: Linda Fickes presents a thermography and breast health workshop at the Still & Moving Center, 1024 Queen St. Free, but must register in advance. Call 397-7678 or visit stillandmovingcenter.com.

» Throughout October, Hawai‘i Pacific Health women’s centers will present a special gift to women who get their mammograms. Visit hawaiipacifichealth.org/fighter.