Ambitious Breast Cancer Event Takes Over Knoxville Hospital

Knoxville Hospital & Clinics
Knoxville, IA

Helping those affected by breast cancer is a year-round mission for the Knoxville Hospital & Clinics (KHC). The organization provides health services and inspires hope for those affected through early detection, education and support services.

To further the hospital’s mission, KHC established a partnership with KNIA/KRLS, local radio stations, to co-host what has become a signature public outreach event – Girls’ Night out. As part of the event, KNIA/KRLS broadcasts the Save-a-Life Radiothon, special programming aimed at increasing breast cancer awareness.

Girls’ Night Out 2017 was held October 12 during Breast Cancer Awareness month. This was the 11th annual event. Nearly 300 women and girls enjoyed a night of shopping, free food, giveaways and exhibits that stretched the entire hospital and clinic campus.

Throughout the evening, KNIA News Director Robert Leonard talked with KHC’s primary care physicians, Drs. Cynthia Hoque, Martha Errthum and Shannon Remington, Imaging Department Director Michelle Irwin, nursing staff, cancer survivors and friends and family members of those affected.

“Through coordination with KHC, we have medical professionals, breast cancer survivors and their families talking live on the radio about the importance of screenings while also sharing their own personal battle with cancer,” said Jim Butler, general manager at KNIA/KRLS Radio.

The goal of Girls’ Night Out is to help spread the word about mammograms and raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer – the second leading cause of death among women. One in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

“Early detection is key to saving lives,” said Dr. Errthum, DO, Knoxville Clinic and Red Rock Healthcare-Pella. “While breast cancer is sometimes found after symptoms appear, some women may not experience any symptoms, which is why regular breast cancer screenings are important, to help catch cancer in the early stages.”

“It has been fantastic to partner with the hospital on this great event,” Butler added. “Every year I have seen the event grow and I hear how people in the community look forward to coming out for it. Together we are impacting our community and helping save lives by raising awareness about the warning signs of cancer and how even the tiniest sign should not be taken lightly.”

Fewer women are dying from breast cancer thanks, in part, to fun events such as Girls’ Night Out that have increased mammogram screen tests and encouraged self-checks.

Share this story.