Claxton-Hepburn

V11N4

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To our friends, Welcome to a special breast health spotlight issue of Living Well. Many of us have watched a loved one—a wife, a mother, a sister, a daughter, or perhaps a close friend—face breast cancer, as it is second only to skin cancer as the most common cancer diagnosed in women. It’s estimated that more than 226,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States by the end of this year. Fortunately, when detected early, the survival rate for breast cancer is 98 percent. I am happy to say that at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, we have many inspiring stories about bravery and successful treatment. As part of this issue’s theme, our cover story highlights the services available at our Breast Health Center, which recently earned comprehensive recognition from the American College of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. In addition, page 4 details what to expect from advanced treatment. Mammograms are your best resource for catching breast cancer in its earliest stages, which is why the American Cancer Society recommends annual screening mammograms for women age 40 and older who do not have breast cancer risk factors, such as family history. I hope you find the information contained in this special issue insightful as we continue to be a resource for our community in the fight against breast cancer. Sincerely, Mark Webster, FACHE President and CEO THE GOLD STANDARD (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) Doctor’s Orders In the event you require a mammogram sooner than expected, there is no need to panic. Some clinical risk factors may prompt a woman to undergo the screening at a younger age, at the direction of a physician. These factors include: • breast lump • breast skin dimpling or changes • nipple discharge Additionally, women with a family history of breast cancer should speak with their physicians about undergoing mammography before the age of 40. “Some women believe that by avoiding mammograms, they avoid unnecessary fears of breast cancer,” says Lori Salazar, RT(R)(M), mammography supervisor at Claxton-Hepburn. “In reality, the earlier we catch the signs of breast cancer, the better the outcome for the patient. That’s the best way to get rid of fears.” No “I” in “Team” “One of the great things about the Breast Health Center is the way that our experts work as a team to fight breast cancer from the very beginning of the screening process,” says Kiri Brandy, MD, general surgeon at Claxton-Hepburn. “Our team of physicians and healthcare professionals work together to provide the best care for each of our patients.” For more information about Claxton-Hepburn’s Breast Health Center, call (888) 908-2462. “Our mammography suite has recently been remodeled and upgraded to accommodate our new Breast Health Center services.” Doctor’s Orders In the event you require a mammogram sooner than expected, there is no need to panic. Some clinical risk factors may prompt a woman to undergo the screening at a younger age, at the direction of a physician. These factors include: • breast lump • breast skin dimpling or changes • nipple discharge Additionally, women with a family history of breast cancer should speak with their physicians about undergoing mammography before the age of 40. “Some women believe that by avoiding mammograms, they avoid unnecessary fears of breast cancer,” says Lori Salazar, RT(R)(M), mammography supervisor at Claxton-Hepburn. “In reality, the earlier we catch the signs of breast cancer, the better the outcome for the patient. That’s the best way to get rid of fears.” No “I” in “Team” “One of the great things about the Breast Health Center is the way that our experts work as a team to fight breast cancer from the very beginning of the screening process,” says Kiri Brandy, MD, general surgeon at Claxton-Hepburn. “Our team of physicians and healthcare professionals work together to provide the best care for each of our patients.” For more information about Claxton-Hepburn’s Breast Health Center, call (888) 908-2462. Your Early Detection Ally Even with more than 226,000 women receiving breast cancer diagnoses each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many still skip their recommended annual mammograms. Breast cancer doesn’t have to translate into major surgery, especially if physicians detect it early. “We try to schedule a biopsy for patients with abnormal findings within two to four days so we have as much time as possible to craft care plans that meet patients’ needs,” explains Kiri Brandy, MD, general surgeon at Claxton-Hepburn. “When we detect cancer in its early stages, we have a much greater likelihood of addressing each patient’s disease using less invasive treatments.” One technology available at Claxton-Hepburn is the digital stereotactic mammographic biopsies machine. This technology allows radiologists and/or surgeons to perform minimally invasive core biopsies of the breast. Giveaway Announcement Find the hidden apple in Living Well and win an iPod Touch. Go to our website or send a postcard with your name, address, and phone number indicating the page number and location of the apple to: Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center Attn: Community Relations 214 King Street Ogdensburg, NY 13669 www.claxtonhepburn.org All entries are due by October 31, 2012. One entry per person. Correct entries will be entered into a drawing. Must be at least 18 years old to enter. Claxton-Hepburn employees and their immediate families are not eligible for the drawing. Congratulations to last issue’s winner: Sara Platt — Gouverneur Did you find the apple in the last issue? It was hidden on page 4!

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