Peninsula Journal

In 1995, after hearing from women who said that cost was a barrier to breast cancer screening, the Mills-Peninsula African American Community Health Advisory Committee (AACHAC), in partnership with the Mills Foundation, began the Mills Breast Center Sunday Screening Program to reach women who were uninsured and underinsured. The program, which now screens Monday through Saturday, has grown to reach hundreds of women each year. In addition to screening services, numerous educational programs are offered throughout San Mateo County, including classes on conducting breast self-examination.

A significant portion of the support for the Sunday Screening Program comes from the annual Mills-Peninsula Women’s Luncheon and Lecture, now in its eighth year. The proceeds from this year’s luncheon, set for Monday, April 27 at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Hotel, will benefit a 3D/4D ultrasound unit and underwrite free mammograms for underserved women. The luncheon’s keynote speaker is Nancy L. Snyderman, MD, NBC News Chief Medical Editor, who speaks on "Medical Myths That Can Kill You And The 101 Truths That Will Save, Extend and Improve Your Life.”

Gloria Brown, founder of the AACHAC, said, "There are so many women who have benefited from the Sunday Breast Program. When an institution such as Mills-Peninsula and a dedicated group of community volunteers decide to ‘walk the talk’ it’s amazing what can be accomplished. Hundreds of women have been screened over the years and I think because people believe in what we are doing, this valuable service for women in our community will continue for many years to come.”

For information about attending the April 27 Eighth Annual Mills-Peninsula Women’s Luncheon and Lecture contact Karen Malekos-Smith at 696-5908 or e-mail malekok@sutterhealth.org.

To send us information on upcoming events, e-mail us at social@smdailyjournal.com.