UConn Health

October 17, 2025 | Jennifer Walker

UConn Health Cancer Center Team Celebrates National Mammography Day

UConn Health marked National Mammography Day by celebrating the vital role of its breast cancer care team and raising awareness about the importance of early detection.

5 women stand in front of a pink balloon arch

Rosa Agosto, Community Health Worker, UConn Health, Erin DiLillo, director of development, American Cancer Society, Evelyn Wong, nurse navigator, UConn Health, Kim Hamilton, administrative officer, UConn Health, Jessica Santos-Martinez, administrative program coordinator UConn Health, celebrate national mammography day in the Cancer Center

For UConn Health’s breast cancer care team, National Mammography Day is more than a single day of recognition, it reflects their ongoing mission to provide hope, innovation, and compassionate care to patients while extending their reach into the community to promote awareness, prevention, and healing. 

In honor of National Mammography Day, physicians, staff, and leadership from UConn Health’s Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center came together to celebrate the dedicated professionals who provide compassionate, high-quality breast care and screening for patients throughout the year. 

2 men and 2 women stand behind a table infront of pink balloons
Jose Narvaez, UConn Health Imaging, business office manager, Darren Bonneau, UConn Health Imaging Administrator, Samanatha Abreu, UConn Health Imaging practice relations liason and Lauren Caselli, lead physician assistant, UConn Health Cancer Center, raise awareness at the UConn Health Imaging location

The day served as both a celebration and a reflection — a moment to recognize the teamwork and resilience that define UConn Health’s NAPBC accredited Breast Program, and the impact of that work across the state. The program brings together experts in breast surgery, radiology, oncology, pathology, nursing, and survivorship care, all collaborating to provide patients with comprehensive, personalized treatment and support from diagnosis through recovery. 

Beyond clinical care, the team is deeply involved in community outreach and education, working to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and screening. Each October, members of the Breast Cancer Program participate in local events and health fairs, partner with organizations such as the American Cancer Society, and engage with the community through initiatives that help make mammography and preventive care more accessible to women throughout Connecticut. 

 “I appreciate how much the team puts into their work, especially holding up the breast cancer program while we searched for a new breast surgeon,” said Dr. Omar Ibrahim, interventional pulmonologist and service chief of the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center. “I honestly don’t say thank you enough.” 

Man and women hold a big check in front of a pink balloon arch.
Dr. Omar Ibrahim, UConn Health presents a check to American Cancer Society Erin DiLillo, director of development.

Ibrahim was recognized by the American Cancer Society (ACS) for his generous donation to the Cancer Center’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk team, given in honor of the administrative staff who support the Cancer Center’s mission. 

 “Dr. Ibrahim exemplifies the kind of physician leader who understands that health care is truly a team effort,” said Erin DiLillo, director of development for the American Cancer Society. “His generous donation in honor of the administrative staff supports vital cancer research while recognizing the dedicated professionals who make excellence in patient care possible. We’re deeply grateful for his leadership and for our longstanding partnership with UConn Health.” 

UConn Health’s presence at this year’s Making Strides walk was strong, with physicians Dr. Yueming Chang, oncologist Dr. Margaret Callahan, chief, Division of Hematology/Oncology and the incoming breast cancer surgeon Dr. Sunny Mitchell joining staff members to walk, volunteer, and donate in support of breast cancer awareness and research. 

5 women and a boy stand under a tent behiind a table that says uconn health
Erin DiLillo, director of development at the American Cancer Society, Evelyn Wong, nurse navigator, UConn Health, Rosa Agosto, community health worker, UConn Health, Dr. Chang’s son, Dr. Yueming Chang, UConn Health and Kim Hamilton, administrative officer UConn Health at the Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk

The celebration also highlighted Chang’s award of a Connecticut Breast Health Initiative grant for her research project, Affordable CRISPR-Based ctDNA Surveillance of ESR1 Mutations in Patients with HR+/HER2- Breast Cancer on Aromatase Inhibitors, which aims to make precision cancer monitoring more affordable and accessible. 

The Cancer Center’s leadership emphasized that every member of the team — from technologists and nurses to oncologists and researchers plays a critical role in improving outcomes and experiences for patients and survivors. 

 To make screening as easy and convenient as possible, UConn Health Imaging accepts walk-ins has appointments available every day as well as Special Mammogram Screening Days scheduled on: 

  • Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM 
  • Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM 

UConn Health Imaging is located at 5 Munson Road, Farmington, CT in the Brain and Spine Institute Building and has free and easy parking.  To schedule an appointment: (860) 679-2800 

Patients are encouraged to prioritize their breast health and schedule their annual screening today.