John Muir Health hosts Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month events, beginning Thursday night, April 16

Free Awareness Seminar, Thursday, April 16 and Run for the Health of It – 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, April 25

John Muir Health and the American Cancer Society invite everyone to join them at two events in April to raise awareness and learn more about the causes of and treatment options for esophageal cancer. 

According to the National Cancer Institute over 18,000 people are diagnosed with esophageal cancer annually, and the incidence numbers are increasing. The most common type of esophageal cancer can be linked to issues such as chronic heartburn.

While the incidence of esophageal cancer is increasing, treatments have improved and survival rates are getting better,” said Wilson Tsai, M.D., co-director, Thoracic Program at John Muir Health. “Through events like our free seminar and run/walk, we hope to better inform the public about the risks of this steadily growing disease as well as risk reduction and early detection strategies.”

Free Esophageal Cancer Awareness Seminar

The seminar will take place on Thursday, April 16 from 6-8 p.m. at John Muir Medical Center, Concord and will feature:      

  • Honorable Ellen Tauscher, esophageal cancer survivor (four years disease free)

  • Wilson Tsai, MD, Thoracic Surgeon at John Muir Health

  • S. Saeed Zamani, MD, Gastroenterologist at John Muir Health

  • Susie Howard, Registered Dietitian at John Muir Health

The Honorable Ellen Tauscher will share her personal experience with GERD symptoms and her journey after she was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. John Muir Health specialists will also discuss the warning signs and the latest medical treatments for GERD and esophageal cancer. More information is available at www.johnmuirhealth.com/content/jmh/en/home/event-list/esophageal-cancer-awareness-seminar.html.

First Inaugural Run for the Health of It Esophageal Cancer Awareness 5K Run/Walk

The first inaugural Run for the Health of It Esophageal Cancer Awareness 5K Run/Walk, will take place on Saturday morning, April 25, at Heather Farm Park, in Walnut Creek.

This event features a scenic course using paved paths through the natural early spring beauty of Heather Farm Park. Chip timing and results will be provided by race-production company www.onyourmarkevents.com.

Along with being a great competitive race and walk, this will be a fun gathering for a great cause, promoting health and raising awareness about this curable disease. All attendees will learn how to decrease risk through diet, exercise, and more. Proceeds will benefit John Muir Health’s Esophageal Cancer Program.

Runners and walkers will receive a commemorative T-shirt, post-race refreshments, and much more. Pre-registered entry fees are $35 for adults, $15 children (12-17), and $10 children (11 and under). Race-day registration fees will increase $5.

Participants can pre-register two ways: download this application and mail in with a check, or register via online at Active.com. For more event information, contact On Your Mark Events at (209) 795-7832, or visit their Website.

Race-day registration and check-in will take place at the Heather Farm Park’s athletic fields, beginning at 7:00 a.m., with an 8:30 a.m. start.

About John Muir Health

John Muir Health is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit health care organization east of San Francisco serving patients in Contra Costa, eastern Alameda and southern Solano Counties. It includes a network of more than 1,000 primary care and specialty physicians, more than 5,500 employees, medical centers in Concord and Walnut Creek, including Contra Costa County’s only trauma center, and a Behavioral Health Center. John Muir Health also has partnerships with San Ramon Regional Medical Center, UCSF Medical Center and Stanford Children’s Health. John Muir Health and Stanford Children’s Health will jointly open Contra Costa County’s first and onlyPediatric Intensive Care Unit at John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creekin April2015.The health system offers a full-range of medical services, including primary care, outpatient and imaging services, and is widely recognized as a leader in many specialties – neurosciences, orthopedic, cancer, cardiovascular, trauma, emergency, pediatrics and high-risk obstetrics care. For more information, visit www.johnmuirhealth.com.


One Comment to “John Muir Health hosts Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month events, beginning Thursday night, April 16”

  1. Kelly Brewer says:

    This was canceled..I drove all the way there and then found out….oh well….they did have a diabetes class which I attended instead….I think that was a divine appt….there is always a blessing 🙂

Leave a Reply