Health Signs - Fall 2009 - (Page 5)

The Washington Women’s Center offers digital mammography services with state-of-the-art equipment for detecting cancer. Most medical organizations recommend annual mammograms beginning at age 40. Call 510-791-3410 for more information or to schedule an appointment. think pink T keep abreast of cancer services at upcoming washington women’s center health fair The bad news: One in seven Bay Area women will get breast cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in women. The good news: The Washington Women’s Center detects 90 percent of breast tumors in the early stages, when the survival rate is 97 percent. washington women’s center “We were one of the first hospitals in the area to develop a center dedicated to the care of women,” says William Dugoni, M.D., Medical Director of Washington Women’s Center. “We’re extremely proud of the first-class, university-level care it offers the community. We expect to become the first nationally accredited breast center in Northern California. JOIN OUR FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Washington Women’s Center is hosting “Think Pink: Breast Health and Cancer Awareness.” Several local nonprofits that provide support to breast cancer patients will join Women’s Center staff to answer questions and provide information on various services and resources. Take part in lectures, refreshments and prize drawings while learning more about breast health. Date: Thursday, Oct. 15 Time: 5 to 8 p.m. Location: Washington West parking lot, 2500 Mowry Ave., Fremont (under the white tent) Registration: Call 800-963-7070 or visit whhs.com. “What is unique about our Center is that it’s not this cold, sterile hospital environment. We try to alleviate anxiety by providing a setting that is open and warm, so women are more willing to come in … and come back,” he says. They’ve done an admirable job. While waiting for a mammogram, women can listen to soft music while sipping a cup of tea in a Queen Anne chair. They can appreciate the patterned teal carpet, curved glass wall with flowing-water effects, and decorating touches that could be from Sunset magazine. Between the nice robe and ability to schedule a massage, they might think they inadvertently wandered into a spa. Make no mistake, though. The Washington Women’s Center is a powerful ally in the fight against breast cancer. Every attempt is made to perform all non-invasive tests the same day to minimize delay, anxiety and inconvenience. treatment If malignancy is confirmed, treatment typically involves some combination of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, anti-estrogen therapy and breast reconstruction. Two out of three Washington Hospital patients have breast conservation surgery (lumpectomies) rather than mastectomies. That’s 10 percent higher than the national average. If it is necessary to remove the breast, reconstruction is covered by insurance and can be done during the initial surgery. “We are fortunate to have a plastic surgeon dedicated to breast reconstruction,” Dugoni says. “The results are spectacular.” screening “Mammography is the only screening test proven to increase survival. In women over 50, finding breast cancer early reduces the risk of dying from the disease by 35 percent,” says Mimi Lin, M.D., Radiologist and Medical Director of mammography. Washington Hospital was one of the first to begin using digital mammography. Most medical organizations recommend annual mammograms beginning at age 40. Women at high risk for breast cancer should consult their physician about starting earlier and using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). At twice-monthly Breast Care Conferences, a patient can discuss her specific case with specialists such as radiologists, oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, radiation oncologists and plastic surgeons. The American Cancer Society provides wigs, scarves, caps and cosmetics to women in chemotherapy, while Bras for Body and Soul caters to women who have had breast surgery. follow-up Unfortunately, the danger doesn’t end when a tumor is removed. “The highest chance for cancer to come back is in the first three to five years,” says Washington Hospital oncologist Vandana B. Sharma, M.D. In 70 to 80 percent of cases, patients need hormonal (anti-estrogen) therapy for at least five years. Drugs such as tamoxifen suppress estrogen and its effects. “It’s as critical to preventing the cancer from coming back as surgery, chemo and radiation,” she stresses. There’s also an ongoing need for “survivor surveillance.” “She’ll need to come in for follow-up visits every three months for the first three years, then every six months for two more years,” Sharma says. “After that she needs a physical exam and mammogram once a year—maybe an MRI if she’s at high risk. She’ll need to follow up for the rest of her life.” FALL 2009 support An invaluable aspect of the Women’s Center is the range of free support available. “The Navigator System assigns volunteers—most of them breast cancer survivors—to newly diagnosed patients,” Dugoni explains. “They take people through the whole process and support system.” Classes and publications explain the disease, treatment options, side effects, recovery, nutrition, follow-up care and more. diagnosis When follow-up is needed, the Women’s Center specializes in minimally invasive diagnostic tools. They include additional digital mammography images, ultrasound, MRIs and needle biopsies done with local anesthesia, Lin explains. http://www.whhs.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Health Signs - Fall 2009

Health Signs - Fall 2009
Community Calendar
The Standard of Care
Back in Action
Think Pink

Health Signs - Fall 2009