According to the American Cancer Society, screening exams for early breast cancer detection—before symptoms begin—are one of the best ways to fight the disease that is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health—a cancer care leader in the region— is marking the 32nd anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by emphasizing the importance of early detection and encouraging women to request an appointment online for screening mammograms or visit one of nine HCA Midwest Health locations, many of which are offering extended screening hours or walk-in availability during October. HCA Midwest Health is Kansas City’s leading healthcare provider.

“Every year strides are made in fighting breast cancer,” says M.L. Lagarde III, President, HCA Midwest Health.  “Our support of this important month of awareness signifies our commitment, 365 days a year, to helping save lives.” 

“Studies show early detection is the best protection when fighting breast cancer,” says HCA Midwest Health Chief Medical Officer Darryl Nelson, M.D. “Screening mammograms are essential and if a woman is diagnosed, the decisions and choices are directed to one simple goal—achieving the best possible outcomes. Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health offers people in the Kansas City metro area diagnosed with breast cancer caring, personalized medicine, and progressive and innovative programs to make a cancer journey less complex and overwhelming.” 

Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health is anchored by its four accredited hospitals—Belton Regional Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center and Research Medical Center—and complemented by cancer programs at Lafayette Regional Health Center, Lee’s Summit Medical Center and Overland Park Regional Medical Center, as well as numerous cancer care outreach sites located in surrounding communities.  Patients don’t need to leave the comfort of their community hospitals in order to receive top cancer care. Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health offers innovative clinical research trials, tumor profiling to genetically target a patient’s unique cancer type, as well as patient navigation, genetic counseling and the most advanced treatment and technology available. 

For more information on Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health and its comprehensive services, visit hcamidwest.com/service/cancer-care. Request an appointment online for a screening mammogram at hcamidwest.com/service/breast-care

or call (816) 823-0011.

HCA Midwest Health hospitals will offer extended hours throughout October, with some offering Saturday appointments and walk-in availability, plus a complimentary gift to mammogram screening patients:

Belton Regional Medical Center

Oct. 1- 31: Extended hours for mammograms

For more information on cancer services, visit beltonregionalmedicalcenter.com/service/cancer-care.

Centerpoint Medical Center

Each Saturday in October: Saturday Mammograms.

Special Nonprofit Donation: For every screening mammogram performed at Centerpoint Medical Center during October, $5 will be donated to Light the Night, walks sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to drive out the darkness of cancer and fight the disease through blood cancer research.

For more information on cancer services, visit http://centerpointmedical.com/service/cancer-care.

Lee’s Summit Medical Center

Oct. 1- 31: Extended hours for mammograms and walk-in appointments

For more information on cancer services, visit leessummitmedicalcenter.com/service/cancer-care.

Menorah Medical Center

Oct. 3: 12th Annual Pink Party on the hospital campus from 4 - 6 p.m., which will include walk-in mammogram screenings, complimentary bra fittings, nail art, pink hair extensions, shopping and more. Complimentary

hors d’oeuvres and drink and inspirational balloon release at 5:30 p.m. to celebrate survivors and remember those who fought courageously. Free and open to the public; Menorah Medical Center, 5721 West 119th St., (119th St. & Nall), Entry B, Overland Park, Kan., 66209. Interviews available with oncologists. Photo opportunities available at event.

For more information on cancer services, visit menorahmedicalcenter.com/service/cancer-care 

Menorah Medical Center/Overland Park Regional Medical Center

Oct. 7: 9 a.m. – Noon: PINK OUT at Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex

Field marshals and tournament staff will be dressed in pink attire, players will use pink soccer balls during the tournament and fans and supporters are encouraged to wear pink to show their support. In addition, Menorah Medical Center and Overland Park Regional Medical Center will have a display booth with information on their nationally accredited breast programs and giveaways.

Interviews available with oncologists and medical staff. Photo/b-roll opportunities available all day.

Overland Park Regional Medical Center

Oct. 11: Special night for breast cancer patients and survivors. Free event includes complimentary food and drink, mingling with staff and opportunity to paint a canvas with Pinot’s Palette to take home.

Through Oct. 31: A Pink Tree of Hope displayed in the hospital’s main lobby throughout month of October. Patients and visitors can write messages of hope on the tree for their loved ones.

Special Nonprofit Donation: For every screening mammogram performed at Overland Park Regional Medical Center during October, $5 will be donated to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer to help raise awareness and money to fund research, support services and early detection.

For more information on cancer services, visit oprmc.com/service/cancer-care.

Research Medical Center/Research Brookside Campus

Each Saturday in October: 8 a.m. – noon, Muffins & Mammos

Oct. 14: Sisters Network Breast Cancer Survivor Walk

For more information on cancer services, visit researchmedicalcenter.com/service/cancer-care.