Effingham Hospital’s October Girls Night Out is going pink to celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with an evening focused on breast health. In 2011, over 230,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and over 39,500 will lose their battle with the second-leading cause of cancer death in women, according to the American Cancer Society (cancer.org).

October’s Girls Night Out will be held Oct. 25 from 7-9 p.m. at the Effingham Imaging Center, 110 Goshen Road.

Janine Dodds, MD, radiologist at Effingham Hospital, will tell all women in attendance about the importance of receiving annual mammograms.  This simple, non-invasive screening is proven to be effective in detecting breast abnormalities and cancer early, allowing doctors to treat cancer in its early stages resulting in a better outcome.  Dodds will be sure to put you at ease as she describes the step-by-step process for receiving a mammogram.

As a special treat, Rachael Moore will show women how to relieve some stress and enjoy life by dancing. Moore has been dancing since she was a child and recently has taken the ballroom dancing crowd by storm. Pursuing her bachelor’s degree in health and physical education, Moore wants to teach everyone how to dance.  From those currently battling breast cancer to members of a support team, everyone could use a little time to just dance!

Girls Night Out always features refreshments and gifts.  Most importantly, women in attendance have a chance to spend a little “me time” while learning valuable health information.

No reservations are required to attend. For questions, call 826-1400 or 754-0421.