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Press Release from Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD)

Heidelberg University Hospital, the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, and the Bergstraße Breast Center at Bergstraße District Hospital are joining forces in October to raise awareness about breast cancer. Under the symbolic patronage of Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden, the “Pinktober – Together Against Breast Cancer!” campaign provides information on early detection, prevention, and modern treatments, and draws attention to resources available for those affected and their families. Numerous events and initiatives in Heidelberg and Heppenheim invite people to share knowledge, show solidarity with those affected, and highlight the importance of prevention and early detection.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Men can also be affected. If breast cancer is detected early, the chances of recovery are good. This makes knowledge, prevention, and early detection all the more important. This is exactly where the Pinktober campaign comes in.

From Heidelberg to Heppenheim, pink will be visible in the truest sense of the word: Heidelberg Castle and Starkenburg Castle in Heppenheim will be lit up in pink throughout October. Information events, exhibitions, an installation in Heppenheim’s pedestrian zone, activities for schools, a hike, and other initiatives will raise awareness of the issue.

Information events in Heidelberg and Heppenheim focus on the latest developments regarding breast cancer and its treatment. Experts provide clear and practical information on early detection, cancer risk, menopause, and hormones, as well as new options for drug therapy, modern surgical procedures, and radiation therapy. In addition, they discuss what those affected can do themselves during and after a breast cancer diagnosis. A separate Patient Day will also address topics such as breast reconstruction, decisions regarding appropriate treatment, complementary naturopathic therapies, and yoga during cancer treatment.

The Pinktober campaign organized by Heidelberg University Hospital, the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, and the Bergstraße Breast Center at Bergstraße District Hospital in Heppenheim also supports specific support services for those affected, such as the Pinkcafé, the Breast Cancer Guides, the EmpowerCare project, and a therapeutic group for children whose mothers have breast cancer.

The basketball players of the MLP Academics Heidelberg and the USC BasCats Heidelberg are also participating on several home game days in October.

Further information, dates, and activities related to Pinktober 2026 can be found at www.pink-gegen-krebs.de.

Let’s make October Pinktober together: Let’s wear pink, share knowledge, and save lives.

Donation Account
Heidelberg University Hospital
IBAN: DE34 6725 0020 0009 3806 55
Reference: Pinktober Donation

Event Program “Pinktober – Together Against Breast Cancer!”

October 1–31, 2026
Heidelberg Castle illuminated in pink
Heidelberg

October 1–31, 2026
Starkenburg Castle illuminated in pink
Heppenheim

Through October 31, 2026, during visiting hours
Exhibition “It’s All About Perspective!”

Featuring images by Dr. Almuth von Wolffersdorff, a former breast cancer survivor and artist
Bergstraße District Hospital, 1st floor, main hallway, Heppenheim

October 7, 2026, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Drug Therapy for Breast Cancer: What’s New? New Medications and Innovative Treatment Options
Prof. Dr. Laura Michel, Dr. Carlo Fremd
Lecture Hall of the Department of Gynecology, Dermatology, and Pediatrics, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, Heidelberg
Admission: free, no registration required

October 9, 2026, 4:00–7:00 p.m.
Patients’ Day: “Breast Cancer—Staying Informed and Well-Supported Together”
Featuring various presentations and a fashion show
Prof. Dr. Jörg Heil, Dr. Andrea Lemke, Jancy Vilangumthara, Barbara Stößinger, Dr. Maren Leuschner
Lecture Hall of the Department of Gynecology, Dermatology, and Pediatrics, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, Heidelberg
Admission: free, no registration required

October 10, 2026, 11:00 a.m.
Circular Hike
The Bergstraße Breast Center’s support group and the Pinktrails team invite anyone interested to a hike (approx. 9 km) with Chief Physician Dr. Cordula Müller.
Meeting point: “In den Kleingärten” Inn, Bensheim

October 10, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Pinktober Game
MLP Academics Heidelberg vs. SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt
SNP Dome, Carl-Friedrich-Gauß-Ring 16, Heidelberg

October 14, 2026, 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Breast Cancer Surgery: How Much Is Necessary? New Strategies for Minimally Invasive and Individualized Treatment
Prof. Dr. Jörg Heil, Dr. Andrea Lemke
Lecture Hall of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Dermatology, and Pediatrics, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, Heidelberg
Admission: free, no registration required

October 17, 2026, 5:00 p.m.
Pinktober Game
USC BasCats vs. Eisvögel USC Freiburg 2
Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region Olympic Training Center, Im Neuenheimerfeld 700, Heidelberg

October 21, 2026, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer: What Has Changed? New Treatment Concepts and Modern Radiation Options
PD Dr. Eva Meixner
Lecture Hall of the Department of Gynecology, Dermatology, and Pediatrics, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, Heidelberg
Admission: free, no registration required

October 24, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Pinktober Game
MLP Academics Heidelberg vs. BG Göttingen
SNP Dome, Carl-Friedrich-Gauß-Ring 16, Heidelberg

October 27, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
Lecture: “Women in Transition—Menopause, Hormones, Cancer Risk, and Early Detection”
Dr. Cordula Müller, Dr. Anja Herbert, Prof. Dr. J. Matthias Kerl
Kurfürstensaal, Amtsgasse 5, Heppenheim
Admission: free, limited seating

October 28, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
What Else Can I Do Myself? Exercise, Nutrition, and Supportive Measures for Breast Cancer
Prof. Dr. Joachim Wiskemann, Matthias Hoffmann
Lecture Hall of the Department of Gynecology, Dermatology, and Pediatrics, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, Heidelberg
Admission: free, no registration required

Press Contact: Bergstraße District Hospital
Cathrin Müller
Phone: 06252-70192 388
Cell: 0172-6900369
Email: cathrin.mueller(at)kkh-bergstrasse.de
Bergstraße District Hospital
Viernheimer Straße 2
64646 Heppenheim