Contributed by

Armineh MANOOKIAN

One in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives.

To encourage dialogue and support about this important issue, the Parent Teacher Organization at Montrose Christian Montessori School hosted a “Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention” seminar on March 15. Parents, teachers, and members of the community were invited to hear Dr. Hong Yoon Plurad speak. She is the assistant chief of the Department of Surgery at Kaiser Permanente, Baldwin Park and Director of the Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Breast Center that recently obtained the prestigious NAPBC (National Accreditation Program for Breast Center) accreditation.

Plurad discussed the various stages and methods of diagnosis as well as strategies for early detection and cutting edge therapeutic measures to improve long-term survival.

“Having a broad view discussion in this manner was not only informative but also reassuring in the sense that we are not powerless against the disease. I have been lax about getting an annual mammogram but now realize how important it is for prevention,” said Michelle Kim, a MCMS parent.

In the coming months, the MCMS PTO will be hosting more events and programs.

For more information, call (818) 249-2319.

  breast cancer, MCMS