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Public Health: 'We stand' with survivors, families during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 20:59 GMT by Pacific Daily News
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Guam’s Unified Stand with Survivors and Families

As the pink ribbon waves across Guam this month, the local public‑health community is rallying to remind residents that breast cancer is a shared fight—one that requires early detection, compassionate care, and the support of a tight‑knit community. A feature in the Guam Pacific Daily News this week laid out the island’s multi‑layered approach to the disease, spotlighting the efforts of the Guam Cancer Council (GCC), the Department of Health, and several faith‑based and grassroots groups that are stepping in to help survivors and their families navigate diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

The 2024 Theme: “Together We Heal”

The article opens by noting that 2024’s breast‑cancer‑awareness theme is “Together We Heal.” The GCC, the island’s primary nonprofit advocate for cancer patients, announced a series of community‑wide initiatives that month. These include:

• Free Mammogram Days at the Guam Pacific Hospital (GPH) and the Northern Pacific Medical Center (NPMC). The hospitals will open their imaging suites on the first, third, and fifth Saturday of each month, offering screenings to all adults over 40 and to women 30 and older with a family history of breast cancer.

• “Pink Care Kits” distributed through local churches and community centers. Each kit contains a complimentary self‑breast‑exam guide, a list of emergency contacts, and a small pink ribbon to remind recipients that they are not alone.

• Digital Story‑Sharing Campaign. The GCC’s website has launched a “Survivor Spotlight” segment, featuring short videos and written profiles of Guam residents who have survived breast cancer. These stories are shared on social media and the local news website to humanize the statistics and inspire early screening.

Hospital‑led Outreach and Education

The article quotes Dr. Maria Reyes, chief oncologist at GPH, who explains that the hospital has been coordinating a “Risk‑Assessment Walk‑through” program. In this service, patients are asked about family history, lifestyle factors, and any unusual breast changes, then provided a personalized screening schedule. Dr. Reyes points out that “early detection can save lives, but early detection is only possible when we remove the stigma and fear that often keeps people from seeking help.”

The NPMC is partnering with the Guam Health Department to offer “Mobile Screening Units” that travel to rural villages like Yona and Santa Rita on Tuesdays and Fridays. These units have been praised by local residents who previously had to travel to the capital for an appointment. By bringing the technology to them, the hospital hopes to increase screening rates among underserved populations.

Faith‑Based and Grassroots Contributions

Beyond hospital efforts, the article highlights the role of faith‑based organizations in supporting survivors. The Marian Catholic Church and the Buddhist Temple of Guam have each pledged to host monthly support groups where survivors can share experiences and receive emotional counseling from trained volunteers. The GCC will facilitate referrals to professional counselors and arrange a “Prayer and Meditation” session for patients who request a spiritual dimension to their care.

A local nonprofit, “Hope for Guam,” has organized a “Pink Run” in the capital city. The event will raise funds for the GCC’s scholarship program, which assists families who face financial hardship during treatment. The article mentions that the run was previously a small gathering but has grown to attract nearly 200 participants last year, demonstrating the community’s commitment.

Educational Campaigns and Public Resources

In addition to screenings, public‑health officials are launching an educational push. The Department of Health’s “Know Your Numbers” campaign will disseminate flyers and short videos that explain how to conduct a self‑breast exam and when to seek medical advice. The videos will be posted on YouTube, Facebook, and the Department’s official website. The Department is also planning a “Health Fair” at the Guam Convention Center, where free consultations with nutritionists, fitness instructors, and mental‑health professionals will be available.

The GCC’s website contains a detailed “Resource Guide” linking to:

• Insurance navigation tools for residents uncertain about coverage for mammograms and biopsies.
• Patient‑advocacy services that help coordinate appointments, second opinions, and follow‑up care.
• Support‑group listings for survivors and caregivers, organized by region and age group.

The article also notes that the GCC is working with the Guam Cancer Council’s online portal to expand its “My Cancer Story” feature, allowing patients to create digital diaries that can be shared privately with friends and family. The portal will also host webinars featuring oncologists who discuss emerging treatments such as immunotherapy and targeted gene therapy.

Community Voices

The Guam Pacific Daily News article includes a brief interview with a local survivor, Tara Mendez, who was diagnosed in 2021 at age 47. Tara describes how the support from her church and the GPH’s early‑warning program helped her catch the tumor at stage I. She says, “I never thought I would see a pink ribbon in my hallway at home, but it was a reminder that I have a whole community cheering me on.” Tara’s story is part of the GCC’s “Survivor Spotlight” series, a move designed to inspire others to get screened.

The article also features a comment from Rafael Morales, a local physician who has been on the GCC board for three years. He emphasizes that “Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate, and the island’s resources are designed to serve everyone—whether you’re a student, a senior, or a parent juggling a full‑time job.”

Looking Ahead

By the end of the piece, the article outlines the public‑health agency’s goals for the year: to increase breast‑cancer screening rates by 15% across Guam, reduce the average time from first symptom to diagnosis, and provide comprehensive support services that span the entire cancer‑care continuum. The GCC will continue to evaluate its programs and refine outreach efforts, with a particular focus on reaching younger women and those in remote villages.

In sum, Guam’s response to breast‑cancer‑awareness month is a coordinated blend of medical, educational, and compassionate initiatives. The combined efforts of hospitals, nonprofits, faith communities, and local government demonstrate a united front that not only fights cancer but also offers a lifeline of hope, solidarity, and practical assistance to those who need it most. The message is clear: When the entire island stands together, survivors gain not only early detection and effective treatment but the emotional and logistical support that makes recovery possible.