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 today.
The day’s urgent message with 1 in 8 women expected to face a breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime and more than 382,000 women expected to be diagnosed this year alone, breast cancer awareness month is not only a reason to dazzle in pink, it’s an urgent call to action. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among U.S. women with the fastest increases seen in women under 50.
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 were the personal stories of hope shared by patients, like Tara Piantadosi, a 35-year-old Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) dietitian whose life was saved by genetic testing and proactive early screening. After her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis revealed a CHEK2 gene mutation, Tara underwent testing herself, discovered she was a carrier, and followed updated guidelines to get an early mammogram at age 32. That screening caught Stage 0 breast cancer (DCIS) so early that her Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC).
Also sharing her story, Stephanie Albarracin, who has no family history of breast cancer, and was completely shocked by her diagnosis in March 2025 at just 38. After enduring a grueling year of immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and 25 rounds of radiation at Palisades Medical Center, Stephanie recently received the news that she is NED (No Evidence of Disease).
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.
