As moms, it’s easy to forget to stop and take care of ourselves, especially when caring for everyone else. But self-care is essential, and since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a good excuse to put your health first. This month, RWJBarnabas Health will host several special events and breast cancer screening and education programs across the state. Scroll down for information on free health screenings, educational events, and fundraising activities this month—and don’t forget to schedule your mammogram as well. (featured photo credit: istock/Vasyl Dolmatov)

Breast Cancer Awareness Events With RWJBarnabas Health

(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)

In Your BREAST Interest: Bloom with Knowledge – RWJUH Hamilton
October 5 from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Join us for an evening designed to inform, inspire and empower. Hear from our breast health experts as they separate fact from fiction, discuss the latest treatment options and share why early detection saves lives and the importance of annual mammograms. The panel of experts include Firas G. Eladoumikdachi, MD, FACS, Breast Program Director; Natalie Lopyan, MD, Breast Surgical Oncologist; Meera Yogarajah, MD, Medical Oncologist; Rachana Singh, MD, Medical Director, Radiation Oncology, at the Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton; and Naveen Ahuja, MD, Plastic Surgeon, RWJUH Hamilton. Then, let your creativity bloom. Visit a Bloom Bar to create your own beautiful bouquet to take home. Light dinner served. Registration required. Sponsored in partnership with RWJUH Hamilton Young Professionals Group in collaboration with Paint the Town Pink. For more information: Call 609-584-5900 or email CommunityEdHAM@rwjbh.org
Cost: Free
RWJ Fitness & Wellness, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Mercerville, NJ 08619

Breast Cancer Support Group – RWJUH Hamilton
October 6, 2026 from 6 PM-7 PM and November 3, 2026 from 6 PM-7 PM
Presented by our oncology nurse navigator and certified oncology social worker at The Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton, this support group welcomes those who have received a breast cancer diagnosis in all phases of their journey, and offers participants an opportunity to share personal experiences, helpful resources, and methods of coping with feelings of anxiety and distress. Please call 609.584.6680 to confirm attendance. For more information: Call 609-584-5900 or email CommunityEdHAM@rwjbh.org. For more information, contact Roberta Weiner, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, at 609-584-6680.
Cost: Free
RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619

Breast Cancer Support Group – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway
The first Tuesday of each month 7 PM to 8:30 PM and first Wednesday of each month* at 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, *April 1 canceled – rescheduled for April 8
Registration required to obtain virtual URL, call 732-499-6193.
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual

Breast Cancer Screenings Jersey City Medical Center
October 10, 2026 from 9 AM-1 PM
Free screening mammograms (free for those who are uninsured). Space is limited and registration is required. For an appointment, contact Maria Linda Saguil, MPA, RN, RT(M)(MR) at 201-716-5873 or Maria.Saguil@rwjbh.org. Call to Register, as screening appointments are limited. Be sure to check for the registration documents.
Cost: Free
Cristie Kerr Women’s Health Center, 377 Jersey Avenue, Suite 110, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Sponsoring Facility: Jersey City Medical Center

Breast Cancer Symposium (2026) – Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
October 19, 2026 at from 6 PM-8 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Evolution or Revolution: Where are we now? Where are we going? Light dinner will be provided. Parking in the Visitor Lot (Cooperman Pavilion) will be validated. The Moderators include: George Raptis, MD, MBA Director of Oncology Services, Northern Region, RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute, Angela McCabe, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C Director of Patient and Family Services, Melchiorre Cancer Center, Physician Speakers: Alison Grann, MD Chair, Radiation Oncology Melchiorre Cancer Center Director of Network Integration and Quality, Radiation Oncology, Northern Region, RWJBarnabas Health, Louise Ligresti, MD
Chief, Cancer Survivorship, Melchiorre Cancer Center, Anya Litvak, MD Medical Oncologist, Melchiorre Cancer Cente, Janette McDermott, MD Breast Surgical Oncologist, Center For Breast Health and Disease Management, RWJBarnabas Health, Miriam Zander, MD Medical Director Palliative and Supportive Care, Melchiorre Cancer Center. Extended Panel Members include: Donna Dandrilli, MA, ATR-BC Art Therapist, Melchiorre Cancer Center, Jill Kremer, RD Registered Dietician, Melchiorre Cancer Center, Ciara McElroy, MSW, LCSW Oncology Social Worker, Melchiorre Cancer Center, Cathy Ponterio, RN, BSN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC, CCAP Holistic Nurse Practitioner, Melchiorre Cancer Center, Alejandra Rodriguez, MS, CGC Licensed and Certified Genetic Counselor, Manager, The Cancer Genetic Counseling and Inherited Risk Evaluation Program, Melchiorre Cancer Center. If you have questions about this program, please call Angela McCabe, Director of Patient and Family Services at 973-322-2668.
Cost: Free
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, 94 Old Short Hills Road, Islami Auditorium, Livingson, NJ 07039
Sponsoring Facility: Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center

“Wickedly Strong and Brave” with Kara Lindsay: Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Symposium – RWJUH Somerset
October 20, 2026 from 5 PM- 8 PM
Join us for a special evening featuring Stage II Breast Cancer survivor and Broadway performer from Wicked and Newsies who will share her inspirational story of courage, vulnerability, early detection, community, and continuing to find light and purpose through life’s most challenging chapters. Understand the prevalence of cancer diagnosis at various ages, the psychological grit and mindset needed when faced with a breast cancer diagnosis, types and stages of breast cancer, risk factors, signs, causes, diagnosis, the importance of getting an annual mammogram, treatments and prevention strategies. Includes a dinner and a high-quality printed photo from her Broadway shows. A meet and greet with photo signing will follow. Kara Lindsay, breast cancer survivor, actress and Broadway performer from Wicked and Newsies and Deborah Lue, MD, breast surgeon and director of the Sanofi US Breast Care Program. Checks should be mailed to RWJUH Somerset, attn. Community Health, 110 Rehill Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876. Cancellations within two weeks of the program are non-refundable under any circumstance.
Cost: $25, payment will confirm your registration
Bridgewater Manor, 1251 Route 202/206, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset

Ladies Brunch & Learn: Breast Cancer Screening Across the Lifespan with Dr. Raczek (hybrid)
October 22, 2026 from 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Understanding the current recommendations for breast cancer screening whether you’re 35 or 75 is vital so we can catch breast cancer earlier. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, join Corrine Raczek, MD, physician in Hematology and Oncology practicing at Monmouth Medical Center, as we: demystify breast health, focusing on breast cancer risk factors, including high-risk indicators and reduction; ages to begin and when to discontinue with screening; and the importance of knowing and sharing personal and family history with younger family members on inherited risks to encourage annual screenings. Participants are highly encouraged to attend with a daughter, mother, grandmother, or loved one to spark important health conversations across generations. Light brunch will provided to in-person attendees. Please email livewellcenter@rwjbh.org if you wish to attend virtually.
Cost: Free, registration is required
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Road Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Sponsoring Facility: Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus

Beat Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Team Approach – RWJUH Somerset
October 28, 2026 from 11 AM-1 PM
Join our multidisciplinary team for a special panel discussion and luncheon on breast cancer care. You will learn more about the various types of cancer (DCIS, ILC, triple negative etc.), the difference between ductal and lobular carcinomas versus sarcomas and lymphomas, risk factors, causes, diagnosis, treatment options and the role each of our practitioners plays in comprehensive cancer care. A healthy lunch will be served. The panel includes: Kathleen Toomey, MD, medical oncologist, Lindsay Potdevin, MD, surgical oncologist, Colin Failey, MD, plastic surgeon, Gopal Desai, MD, radiation oncologist, and Carolyn Napolitano, RN, director of Sanofi Breast Care Center.
Cost: Free
RWJ University Hospital Somerset, 110 Rehill Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876
Sponsoring Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset

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