Basic Information for Women Concerning Breast Cancer

By Joseph S. Walker, MD

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it is time to remember loved ones who have battled this dreaded disease, many of whom have lost her lives because of it. It is pertinent to honor them, to save lives by detecting this disease early, and to prevent it whenever possible.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends average risk women who show no symptoms between ages 25 and 40 years of age to have a visit with a physician or practitioner regarding risk management and risk reduction counseling every 1-3 years as well as a clinical breast exam.

Women over 40 years old are recommended to have an annual clinical visit and annual mammogram. Women who are at increased risk such as those with a strong family history of breast cancer or those with a previous abnormal biopsy need increased risk screening. During these visits women can be instructed on how to perform self-breast exams as well.

Any woman who has breast symptoms such as a palpable mass or new abnormal breast changes needs immediate diagnostic evaluation. By diligently adhering to the current guidelines and responding to women’s breast related concerns and needs in a timely fashion, we can hope to significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality of this disease.

Please contact your primary care provider to be evaluated. Any abnormal or concerning findings on exam or imaging should prompt referral to an experienced breast surgeon. We are prepared to take care of your breast surgery and oncology needs here at Northwest Surgery Center. Remember that the patient is the most important member of the healthcare team and needs to be actively involved in the breast cancer screening and decision-making process.

Carletta: My Own Best Advocate

Carletta, age 44, talks about how knowing her family history of breast cancer made it easier for her to be proactive about talking to her doctor when she noticed changes in her body. Carletta was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 41, and she finished her first triathlon one year after her first chemotherapy treatment.

Skills Fair Comes To a Close After a Successful Run

Our annual Skills Fair was a great success! We've had a lot of positive feedback from those who attended and also have noticed some things we can improve on for next year.

The main reason for its success is the wonderful people who assisted with Skills Fair this year. I would like to personally thank the following people for all the time and effort that was put into helping our Skills Fair be the great success that it was:

• Jeanell Sims
• Mary NeSmith
• Charolette Roberts
• Tamera Bowling
• Beth Guin
• Renee Rye
• Brenda Phillips
• Tanya Porter
• Lexie Donaldson

These people are nurses and respiratory techs who work here at NWMC and graciously agreed to take their time away from other things they could be doing to make sure we have a successful Skills Fair and for this I am grateful.

We cannot thank the men and women of Air Evacv enough! They assisted with our Skills Fair every day we were in session. They are very professional, were wonderful to work with and most days very entertaining. By the time we completed Skills Fair we all felt like family.

When I asked Larry Smith a few months ago if they would be able to assist, he said yes without hesitation and every day there were two or three of them here to help. Again we cannot thank them enough for everything they've done. They are a wonderful group of people and we hope to see them again next year.

Thank all of you from the bottom of my heart! I could not have done it without you!

Sue Clark, RN
Education Director