4-time Olympian keynotes RWJUH Somerset’s annual Breast Cancer Month event

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, welcomed four-time Olympian and New Jersey Hall of Fame inductee Joetta Clark Diggs as the keynote speaker of its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month event.

The theme of this year’s event was “Olympic Principles to Achieve Victory Over Breast Cancer,” and Diggs shared principles in achieving one’s full potential and the importance of physical activity in reducing the rate of breast cancer and other chronic diseases.

The event took place Tuesday at the Imperia in Somerset.

Diggs was joined by Dr. Deborah Lue, breast surgeon at RWJUH Somerset’s Steeplechase Cancer Center and the RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group. During an educational discussion, Lue addressed breast cancer prevention strategies, the importance of getting an annual mammogram, risk factors and causes of breast cancer, signs to look for, advances in treatment and the link between breast cancer and chronic diseases.

“Our annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month event gives women in the community an opportunity to come together and learn about the importance of breast health and breast cancer prevention,” Deirdre Blaus, vice president of oncology services and business development at RWJUH Somerset, said. “We are excited to have Joetta and Dr. Lue share their knowledge and hope that, after listening to these women speak, others will take charge of their health and incorporate the practices they learn at the event into their daily lives.”