Sacred Heart - Inspiring Health

Positiv e FOCUSING ON THE Positiv e FOCUSING ON THE Positiv e ON THE Positiv e A DIAGNOSIS OF BREAST CANCER IS SCARY, BUT GOOD CARE CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE. NO ONE WANTS to hear the words "you have cancer." At HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, we have invested in the latest technologies to provide hope and healing to our patients. "Breast cancer is one of the most curable cancers if detected early enough," says Georgia J. Smith, MSN, MHA, RN, OCN, Executive Director of Cancer Services at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital. "With digital mammography and the new 3-D breast tomosynthesis available in the Center for Imaging, we can see the tiniest of tumors. We also have the ability to do stereotactic biopsy in the same center." MORE THAN PHYSICAL We believe in caring for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and have created a program that supports all areas of health for patients with breast cancer. "Many things cancer patients need are not covered by insurance," Smith says. "At the Regional Cancer Center, the Hospital Sisters have committed to providing the things that make cancer treatment easier on patients and their families. We have numerous support groups, including one specific to breast cancer. We also provide a registered dietitian to help patients eat right during treatment and a counselor to assist families with the stress associated with cancer care." Teresa Loftsgaarden, MSN, RN, OCN, CBPN, Certified Breast Patient Navigator with HSHS Sacred Heart, works with women and their families to guide them on their breast cancer journey. "Cancer care is often complicated," Loftsgaarden says. "As someone who knows the health system and what cancer patients are going through, I ensure that patients and their families have what they need to effectively navigate their treatment." To learn more about cancer care at Sacred Heart, visit sacredhearteauclaire.org/ regional-cancer-center-1. 7 Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer Although some breast cancers are inherited, environmental factors do play a part. Georgia J. Smith, MSN, MHA, RN, OCN, Executive Director of Cancer Services at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, lists seven steps you can take to prevent breast cancer: 1. Keep a healthy weight. 2. Exercise at least four hours per week. 3. Limit alcoholic drinks to no more than one per day. 4. Avoid exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. 5. Reduce exposure to radiation during medical tests, such as X-rays and computed tomography scans. 6. Ask your physician about the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives. 7. Breastfeed, if possible. Moms who breastfeed have a lower incidence of breast cancer. 4 I N S P I R I N G H E A LT H

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