UC provides free breast cancer risk assessments

The University of California’s Athena Breast Health Network is partnering with Safeway to provide free personalized breast cancer risk assessments at several stores during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

At the wellness events, women can pick up educational materials, or have a more in-depth health consultation. By filling out a brief questionnaire, they will be provided a summary description of their individual breast cancer risks. Breast cancer specialists will be on hand to discuss the risk assessments, to provide referrals, and to offer information on ways for women to improve their health.

The Athena Breast Health Network serves women receiving breast care at all five University of California medical centers and their affiliates. Athena brings together women, their doctors, specialists and researchers in pursuit of better breast health for every woman.

WHEN:  Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 (Pleasanton), and Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012 (Petaluma). The events on both days will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Pleasanton Safeway: 6790 Bernal Ave., Pleasanton 94566. Petaluma Safeway: 389 S. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma 94954.

WHO: Attending the screenings will be UCSF breast care specialists including:

  • Laura Esserman, M.D., MBA, founder of Athena and director of the Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (Pleasanton event only);
  • Beth Crawford, MS, a genetics counselor and director of clinical services of the UCSF Cancer Risk Program;
  • Laura Van ‘t Veer, Ph.D., UCSF Athena principal investigator and leader of UCSF’s breast oncology program

MEDIA CONTACT: Elizabeth Fernandez, (415) 502-6397 or Elizabeth.Fernandez@ucsf.edu. On the day of the event, media should contact Allison Stover, (415) 476-0267 or Allison.stover@ucsfmedctr.org.