Page 7 - Making Strides Against Breats Cancer

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Q&A
ON BREAST HEALTH
Q3: KATHY: HOW DOES A NAVIGATOR HELP SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER?
As a Breast Health Nurse Navigator, my role is to connect residents and visitors with healthcare services they need, by answering questions, setting appointments, or provid- ing valuable information about screenings. From diagnosis through treatment and beyond, our patients are never alone. We’re here to listen, support, and encourage. Call me at (302) 645-3630.
Q4: DR. ATTEBERY: WHAT IS A NIPPLE SPARING MASTECTOMY AND WHAT IS THE BENEFIT TO SOMEONE NEEDING A MASTECTOMY?
Nipple-sparing mastectomy is a surgical advancement for women undergoing removal of the breast due to breast cancer or as a preventative measure known as risk reduction surgery. Through a small incision, all of the breast glandular tissue is removed from beneath the overlying skin and nipple.
The advantage of this is breast looks virtually unchanged and intact, as there is only a small scar either in the un-
der the breast or out toward the arm. Otherwise, it looks completely intact. It’s not merely cosmetic; there is very good data to suggest that women have improved self-esteem and self-body image with nipple-sparing mastectomy.
Q5: KATHY: FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS LIVING IN THE SOUTH COASTAL AREA, WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEEBE EXPANDING ITS CANCER SERVICES RIGHT WHERE THEY LIVE?
Beebe’s plans for extended cancer services in the South Coastal area has tremendous benefits for our patients living there. The new South Coastal cancer center will provide them personalized care closer to home. This helps ease the patient’s cancer journey and alleviate the stress of having to travel for routine treatment.
Q6: DR. ATTEBERY: WHAT DO YOU SEE AS
THE BENEFITS OF PATIENTS PARTICIPATING IN CLINICAL TRIALS?
Clinical trials are very important to advancing all cancer care. The trials allow new treatments to be brought into mainstream therapies. They also give hope to individuals with advanced disease or rare diseases that have maximized current therapies. They serve as the basis for future treat- ments. Without them cancer therapy would never advance and more people would not survive the disease.
Q7: KATHY AND DR. ATTEBERY: HOW DOES BEEBE CELEBRATE/COMMEMORATE SURVIVORSHIP?
Survivorship is an important part of a patients’ cancer
care. It begins the moment a patient is diagnosed. We help patients welcome survivorship by providing them with a sur- vivorship care plan after treatment. We also offer a support- ive class called “After Ringing the Bell.” During the class, we discuss the psychosocial and physical challenges that come with finishing treatment. We provide patients resources and connect them with their providers to address any needs that they have and give them tools to move forward.
Kathy Cook, MSN, RN
Breast Health Nurse Navigator
Beebe Healthcare’s Tunnell Cancer Center
M. Lisa Attebery, DO
Board Certified General Surgeon Specializing in Breast Surgical Oncology
Beebe General Surgery
Q1: DR. ATTEBERY: WHY IS OVERALL BREAST HEALTH IMPORTANT TO WOMEN EVEN IF THEY HAVEN’T BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER?
Overall breast health and awareness are so important. The average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 12%. This means there is a 1 in 8 chance she’ll develop breast cancer. Preven- tion and early detection are key.
Q2: KATHY: WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF ANNUAL SCREENINGS?
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the U.S. and early detection is crucial. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends breast cancer screening starting at 25, with a physical exam and risk as- sessment every one to three years. It’s then recommended to receive an annual screening mammogram starting at 40. For higher risk women — those with a significant family history of breast cancer — screening may start at an earlier age. Beebe offers 3D mammography, the latest advance in digital mammography, for breast cancer screenings.