First published in the Oct. 15 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
A well-planned community effort to support the new Sam and Grace Carvajal Comprehensive Breast Center at Adventist Health Glendale was led this week by a group of La Cañada High School students, who joined for a walk-a-thon.
The event was sponsored by Massage Envy Glendale and La Cañada, with owners Helen McDonagh and Joey Ball present for the walk. Sponsors and walkers alike kicked off the short program led by Shant and Isabelle Koutnouyan — LCHS Classes of 2023 and 2025, respectively — to highlight awareness, self-care and early detection of breast cancer.
“The reason we’re here today is because the statistics for breast cancer are startling,” Isabelle Koutnouyan said. “The statistics show one in eight U.S. women, and one in 833 U.S. men, will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetimes, and 7% of new breast cancer patients will be under the age of 40. Awareness, self-care and early detection are critical.”
Dr. Dennis Holmes, a renowned breast surgeon at Adventist Health Glendale and the director of the new center, provided educational information to the crowd about the top 10 things to know about breast cancer, including:
• Know when to start getting annual mammograms
• Know your breast density
• Know your breast cancer risk
• Know that annual MRI is recommended for women at high risk of breast cancer
• Know if you or a family member might be a carrier of a hereditary breast cancer mutation
• Know your breast anatomy
• Know the difference between screening and diagnostic mammograms
• Know that obesity increases the lifetime risk of breast cancer
• Know that exercise reduces the lifetime risk of breast cancer
• Know that diets rich in fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of breast cancer
Louise Skosey, vice president of Adventist Health Glendale Foundation, thanked the crowd and the LCHS Associated Student Body for raising more than $13,000 to “go towards the survivorship program at the new breast center.”
Holmes delivered a hopeful message that regular exercise and a diet full of vegetables and fruits, particularly when starting these good habits as teens, are the leading preventive measures against breast cancer. After the brief program, the attendees set out for the 1.5 mile walk around campus, guided by ASB students Ethan Rhee and Zak Iqbal accompanied by music provided by the ASB. Dr. Anthony Morovati of Morovati Wellness and Dr. Serineh Melidonian from the Adventist Health Glendale emergency department also volunteered that day.
