Oct 18 at Noon:  Historic Courthouse Steps

SOMERVILLE – Somerset County Freeholder Director Patricia L. Walsh will join Women’s Health & Counseling Center (WHCC) and The Regional Cancer Coalition of Somerset and Morris Counties in kicking off the 9th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Thursday, Oct. 18 at Noon.

      The event will take place on the steps of the historic courthouse on East Main Street, near the corner of Main and Grove streets.  In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the lobby of the Somerset County Administration Building at 20 Grove St, Somerville 08876.

WHCC Executive Director Frances Palm will officiate.  Freeholder Walsh will present a proclamation recognizing October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and will offer brief remarks. 

“Thankfully, with so many advances in early detection and individualized-treatment options, there are more and more survivors each year,” said Freeholder Walsh.  “The goal of this program is to bring awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection and screenings, as well as inform the public about the many services available to residents of Somerset County. 

 “With knowledge comes responsibility. It’s important that we choose healthy lifestyles, conduct monthly self-exams, go for clinical breast exams and an annual mammogram after age 40, and set an example for our family and friends,” said Freeholder Walsh.

Participants are asked to wear pink in recognition of people affected by breast cancer. The pink ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer awareness.  Participants who attended previous years’ events are invited to bring their floppy sun-safe hats with them.

Residents and visitors to Somerville will see pink bows adorning Main Street throughout the month of October. The bows have been placed by dedicated volunteers from partner organizations, as well as breast cancer survivors.

Several members of The Regional Cancer Coalition of Somerset and Morris Counties who advocate and assist people with breast cancer will be available to talk with participants and provide literature. Included will be The Cancer Support Community, Steeplechase Cancer Center at Somerset Medical Center and Memorial Sloane Cancer Center. 

Women's Health & Counseling Center is a member of the Cancer Coalition, which was established in 2005 to address the cancer burden through cancer-advocacy education and outreach efforts. 

This year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month is sponsored by the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders, The Regional Cancer Coalition of Somerset and Morris Counties, New Jersey Cancer Education & Early Detection (CEED) and the North Jersey Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. 

The Regional Cancer Coalition of Somerset and Morris Counties is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services’ Office of Cancer Control and Prevention and operates through the Somerset County Public Health & Safety Department. 

The public is asked to call Lucille Y-Talbot  908-203-6077 by Wednesday, Oct.17, if they plan to attend. 

For more information on The Regional Cancer Coalition of Somerset and Morris Counties, to become a member or learn about available cancer-screening locations, dates, times and eligibility, contact Lucille Y-Talbot at 908-203-6077 or visit the Somerset County Health Department website at www.co.somerset.nj.us/health and select the Cancer Coalition from the “Community Health Promotion & Wellness Activities” menu.