Nearly 800 women attend AdventHealth event focused on prevention, wellness and cancer awareness

TAMPA, Fla. - Nearly 800 people from across the Tampa Bay area took charge of their health and wellness during the annual AdventHealth Women's Health and Cancer Prevention event, setting a new attendance record.

The event, held Aug. 1 at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, was designed to empower women with the knowledge and tools they need to prioritize their health and reduce their risk of disease.

Throughout the day, attendees heard from AdventHealth physicians and clinical experts on a variety of women's health topics while receiving free health screenings, wellness resources, complimentary massages, hairstyling services and access to a health and wellness vendor marketplace.

In addition to investing in their own health, attendees helped make preventive care more accessible for others.

Proceeds from ticket sales will fund free mammograms through the Kay Meyer Breast Care Center, helping ensure women facing financial barriers have access to potentially lifesaving breast cancer screenings.

Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, excluding skin cancers. About one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.

When detected early, the five-year survival rate is nearly 99%, underscoring the importance of routine screenings and early detection.

The event also highlighted a common challenge many women face: putting their own health behind the needs of their families, careers and communities.

"This event is designed to encourage women to prioritize their own health by learning from experts, asking questions, getting recommended screenings and making small lifestyle changes that can have a lasting impact," said Dr. Angelyn Lynch, an AdventHealth vascular surgeon and one of the event's featured speakers.

FOX 13 anchor and breast cancer survivor Linda Hurtado delivered the keynote address, sharing her personal journey following her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment at AdventHealth 15 years ago.

She encouraged attendees to find purpose in supporting others during difficult times.

"One thing I did learn going through this myself is when you pay it forward, when you start concentrating on other people instead of the 'woe is me,' that's when the healing really begins," Hurtado said. "You can help others, and it really changes your outlook on life."