During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, HCA Florida Mercy Hospital and the Key Biscayne Community Center hosted The Heart of the Matter: A Candid Conversation on Women’s Breast and Heart Health, an engaging panel exploring the vital connection between breast and heart wellness.
Dr. Paloma Piña, Dr. Marah Tillman, and Dr. Hilda Tejero speaking to community members at the Lunch & Learn.
The discussion featured three leading experts: Dr. Paloma Piña, cardiac electrophysiologist at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital; Dr. Marah Tillman, board-certified breast surgeon at Mercy; and Dr. Hilda Tejero, radiologist with Intellirad Imaging at HCA Florida Healthcare. Together, they examined shared risk factors, hormonal influences and how lifestyle and early detection can save lives.
Dr. Tillman emphasized that every breast cancer case requires a personalized approach, while Dr. Tejero reminded attendees that knowing your body and staying current with screenings remain key to prevention. Dr. Piña highlighted the overlap between cancer care and cardiac health, noting that some cancer treatments can affect the heart and require ongoing monitoring.
From mammograms to heart rhythm technology like the Apple Watch, the conversation empowered women to take charge of their health because protecting the heart and the breast begins with awareness, advocacy and action.