As October moves into November, another annual breast cancer awareness month is quickly coming to an end. Given all the various high-profile fundraising/awareness campaigns and other events across the country each October, many of us may have become complacent when it comes to breast cancer.
The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t helped either. A recent study by the American College of Radiology showed that mammograms were performed at only 85% of pre-pandemic levels.
Unfortunately, breast cancer itself will not be over by the end of this month. In fact, it remains the most common form of cancer affecting women in the United States. And men aren’t immune either. That’s why it remains imperative that everyone, regardless of gender, stay vigilant when it comes to this life-altering and life-threatening disease.
Fortunately, several new developments in breast cancer research and treatment options, many of which can be accessed right here at Newport Hospital, give us renewed optimism in this ongoing battle.
A personalized team approach
Just as each person is a unique individual, so is each case of breast cancer. Therefore, Newport Hospital believes that breast cancer treatment should also be individualized, with treatment plans provided not by a doctor, but by a team of our world-renowned experts (medical, surgical, and radiation), as well as staff related support.
In what we call our multidisciplinary clinic here at Newport Hospital, after each breast cancer patient is diagnosed, members of our expert team immediately discuss and analyze your individual case. Specific recommendations are then made on the best way to proceed.
Options could include traditional surgeries and chemotherapy, but also a number of other less intimidating, but no less effective, measures, such as:
· medicines
radiation
genetic counseling and testing
lymphedema therapy
· physical therapy
Support in nutrition and weight control.
These various components, whether carried out separately or in combination, help patients lead healthier lives, which is undoubtedly beneficial to them in general and in particular during their cancer treatment programs.
Time and time again, getting the treatment plan right, early on, has proven successful for many Newport Hospital patients in both curing their breast cancer and significantly reducing the risks of its recurrence.
And the news gets even better for Southern New Englanders. Because Newport Hospital belongs to the Lifespan family of healthcare providers, patients who seek treatment here can be assured of receiving cutting-edge care, research, and advancements overseen by some of the leading minds and decision makers in the industry. industry, all within our community hospital setting. …which means you don’t have to look far to get the best care in the world.
Also, many of the most extreme recommendations your mother or grandmother once received may no longer apply to the women of today and tomorrow.
Promising Trials and Surgical Advances
In the late 19th century, the medical world witnessed the first radical mastectomy: the removal of the cancer-affected breast, the muscle underneath, and the lymph nodes in the adjacent armpit. This extreme and aggressive procedure became the standard for the next 100 years.
However, the last few decades have seen most of the major advances in breast cancer surgery. “Less is more” has become the dominant theme, provided, of course, that it is done safely, accurately, and in the best interest of a particular patient.
For many, especially those diagnosed early, a partial mastectomy (also called a lumpectomy), plus some radiation, followed by what we in the industry call “breast-conserving therapy,” is often much more acceptable (and again, not less effective) than a complete breast removal. Another thing patients should consider is that lymph node removal can be a difficult procedure to tolerate, another important reason to focus only on the cancer and not surrounding matter.
Meanwhile, the Lifespan Cancer Institute, in which Newport Hospital plays a major role, is currently involved in numerous clinical trials and other forward-looking new strategies for treating breast cancer.
Medicines, for example, that can be taken orally instead of intravenously or instead of chemotherapy; others that are less toxic, producing fewer or fewer side effects. A scalp cooling treatment called Paxman, designed to prevent hair loss in chemotherapy patients, can be psychologically beneficial and is available right here in Newport.
These potential advances offer patients more attractive options, more targeted treatments, and more realistic hopes for a less terrifying future for women and men alike.
Genetics and celebrities
Actress Angelina Jolie made headlines a while back when she announced her prophylactic mastectomies (preemptive strikes, if you will) to remove all of her breast tissue. Why? Because a genetic test revealed that she had an 87 percent lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
While Jolie’s case helped shine a spotlight on this predominantly female health issue, singer/entertainer Beyoncé’s father also drew attention to it not long ago when he revealed his own breast cancer diagnosis.
Although male breast cancer remains rare compared to female cases, the treatments are the same for all genders. Male cases tend to arise in older men (usually in their 70s) and are usually diagnosed later because most men don’t necessarily get regular preventive screenings. And if they feel something abnormal in that part of their body, they often assume it’s not breast cancer and tend to ignore it.
take action today
A relatively simple way for men and women to stay one step ahead of the disease is to undergo genetic and/or genomic testing to help identify those at higher risk. Up to 20 different genes can be tested for breast cancer potential. Consequently, almost all patients who come to Newport Hospital are recommended for genetic testing, as the result can determine how a patient is treated thereafter.
For women specifically, there’s no better time than now, during the final days of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2022, to get your annual mammogram. It is recommended once a year for all women with a reasonable age of health of 40 years or older.
For both men and women, if you feel anything abnormal, talk to a doctor and have them evaluated. If it’s a noticeable change in your condition, you may need more tests in addition to a mammogram. If you’re not sure, feel free to call Lifespan Cancer Institute’s main number, 844-222-2881, or visit https://www.lifespan.org/locations/newport-hospital or https://www.lifespan. org/centers-services/breast-cancer-multidisciplinary-clinic.
Whatever you choose to do, don’t take breast cancer for granted.
Dr. Julia Tassinari is Associate Director of the Lifespan Cancer Institute Multidisciplinary Breast Health Clinic at Newport Hospital and a Board Certified General Surgeon. Health Matters appears monthly on newportri.com and in The Daily News.