LEADING MEDICINE YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS FROM HOUSTON METHODIST
RISK FACTORS What determines your likelihood of developing breast cancer
WIN A FITBIT FLEXâ„¢ SEE INSIDE FOR DETAILS.
You vs. the Flu
A Primer on Prostate Cancer
FA LL 2014
HEALTH BREAK
NOVEMBER IS LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH.
More than 160,000 people die from lung cancer annually — more than the number of deaths from colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. ANNUAL PROJECTED NUMBER OF DEATHS:
LUNG 160,000
COLON 50,830
BREAST 39,620
PROSTATE 29,720
LUNG CANCER SCREENING PROGRAM PROGRAM INCLUDES: Annual low-dose CT scans
A ccess to tobacco cessation programs
Consultations from health care providers
Lung cancer support group
Early detection and multidisciplinary care is the best way to fight lung cancer.
INGREDIENTS 1 Tbsp vegetable oil cooking spray 1 lb ground turkey 2 cans (10 oz) low-sodium tomato soup 2 cans (15 oz) kidney beans, drained 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained 1 small onion, chopped ½ green pepper, chopped 2 Tbsp chili powder ½ tsp cumin 1 tsp red pepper flakes ½ tsp black pepper
ELIGIBLE PATIENTS INCLUDE: Current or former smoker age 55 and older H ave smoked equivalent one pack of cigarettes a day for at least 30 years L ung cancer survivors are also considered
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Chemotherapy
Radiation Therapy
Targeted Drug Therapy
Surgery
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili Recipe
INSTRUCTIONS
80%
20%
80% of cancer is from smoking
Each year MORE MEN are diagnosed with lung cancer, but more women are living with the disease.
20% of cancer has no identifiable cause Risk factors: smoking, secondhand smoke, radon, asbestos, diesel exhaust, air pollution
Houston Methodist Cancer Center offers leadingedge methods for detecting and treating lung cancer. To learn more, visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer or schedule an appointment by calling 713.790.2700.
2 LEADING MEDICINE FROM HOUSTON METHODIST
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the turkey until evenly browned, then drain. Lightly coat cooking spray inside the slow cooker. Add cooked turkey and all other ingredients. Stir and cover. Set slow cooker to high and simmer for 4 hours. Let cool. Then, transport the chili to a party!
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NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION Makes eight servings. Each serving contains 245 calories, 8.6 g total fat, 42 mg cholesterol.
CHILI PHOTO BY ISTOCK
Lung Cancer: Search and Destroy
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3 FLU FIGHTERS Getting the flu is no fun. The contagious respiratory illness affects 5 to 20 percent of Americans annually, and symptoms last for as long as three weeks. But you can take steps to avoid catching it this year. Here are three ways to keep the flu at bay.
GOOD Take measures to stay healthy, such as
following a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Exercise regularly to help keep your immune system strong.
BETTER Protect yourself from spreading
germs by washing your hands several times a day with soap and warm water to kill bacteria.
BEST Get a flu vaccination every year. It can be
70 to 90 percent effective at preventing influenza virus. Talk to your doctor about the best time to get your shot.
Prepare for You vs. the Flu
Not quite ready for flu season? Houston Methodist can help. To schedule an appointment with one of our primary care physicians, visit houstonmethodist.org/primarycare or call 713.790.3333.
Guadalajara HOSPITAL: Houston Methodist
PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK
HOME:
Verónica was 33 when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Fortunately, the Guadalajara, Mexico, resident and her husband had a health insurance policy that allowed them to seek medical treatment abroad. A personal recommendation led them to Houston Methodist Hospital. Houston Methodist Global Health Care Services helped connect Verónica to top treatment and personalized care. During the three years Verónica spent in and out of Houston Methodist, she underwent a successful stem cell transplant using a donation from her brother. Now living in Guadalajara
with her husband and their 9-year-old daughter, Verónica is healthy and grateful to have received treatment at Houston Methodist. Each year, Houston Methodist treats thousands of patients from across the country and the world. Whether you traveled from the next state or across an ocean, we know your journey is stressful. Our professional liaisons are here to coordinate the details of your care so you can focus on healing. For more information about our complimentary services, call 877.790.3627 (USA) or +1.713.441.2340 (international) or visit houstonmethodist.org/global.
CHECK OUT OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE AT HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG/PUBLICATIONS 3
Knowledge is power when it comes to these four unchangeable factors in developing breast cancer
4 LEADING MEDICINE FROM HOUSTON METHODIST
Y
ou might think you’re safe from breast cancer if no one in your family has had it. But family history is just one of the factors that determine your risk for the disease. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. “It is up to all women to increase their awareness about their personal risk of breast cancer,” said Dr. Tejal Patel, director of the Houston Methodist Cancer Center’s HighRisk Program. Here, we put the spotlight on four of the greatest risk factors for breast cancer.
YOUR DATE OF BIRTH
Unfortunately, the number of candles on your birthday cake affects your risk level most. The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer are older than 50, and the risk increases as you age. What’s more, two out of every three invasive breast cancers found are in women 55 and up.
YOUR ETHNIC BACKGROUND
Asian, Native American and Hispanic women have lower odds of developing breast cancer and dying from the disease. On the other hand,
ILLUSTRATION BY TRACI DABERKO
Are You at Higher Risk?
Your Breast Cancer Options
When it comes to breast cancer, Houston Methodist Cancer Center offers screenings, prevention resources, high-risk programs and more. To learn more about your options, call 713.790.2700 or visit houstonmethodist.org/detection-prevention.
Caucasian women are more likely to be diagnosed, and African-American women are at greater risk of dying from breast cancer. These are factors that may be important to consider if another risk factor exists.
YOUR FAMILY TREE
If your mother, sister or daughter has had breast cancer, your risk is doubled. But if that’s not the case, you’re not necessarily in the clear. Less than 15 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease, which means it’s important to schedule the screenings that are right for you (see “Screening Sense”).
YOUR GENES
Thanks to celebrities like Angelina Jolie, you might know that a woman who has the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations is at higher risk for breast cancer — by 55 percent to 87 percent — and for ovarian cancer, as well. “The goal is to find the mutation in women before they develop cancer,”
Patel said. “A simple blood or saliva test is meant to tell a woman whether she’s at high risk.” If your personal and family history warrants it, your physician may recommend genetic testing, which looks for altered BRCA genes and other mutations. The results can help your doctor determine screening recommendations, medications to reduce the risk of a cancer diagnosis, and even preventive surgery. Talk with your physician if you have a family history of the following: • Breast cancer at age 50 or younger • Ovarian cancer at any age • Male breast cancer at any age • Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry and a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer • Two breast cancers in the same person or on the same side of the family • Triple-negative breast cancer at age 60 or younger • A previously identified BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation in the family n
AGE
SCREENING SENSE
Taking Charge It was always in the back of Sherri Atlas’ mind — the fear that she might get breast cancer. Her mother had been diagnosed when she was 54. Then one day, it happened. “I was at my computer and bent down and had a twinge in my breast and a little pain,” she recalled. “I was a week shy of my yearly mammogram.” Sure enough, results proved she had breast cancer. Even though the disease was limited to one breast, Atlas chose to have a double mastectomy. “I said, ‘Nope, I’m not going to worry about it anymore.’ ” Then, she turned to Houston Methodist for chemotherapy. Today, as a survivor, Atlas is back in school, where she is studying to become a chef, and is careful about what she puts in her body. “Most of my food is whole food,” she said. “I very rarely eat things out of packages.” As the mother of two daughters, Atlas encourages all women to get a mammogram and check their breasts regularly. “If something’s not right, don’t be afraid and put it off. Go to a doctor,” she said. “The sooner you take care of it, the better.”
BREAST SELF-EXAM: Check yourself to become familiar with your breast tissue. Report changes to your doctor immediately.
CLINICAL BREAST EXAM: Your health care provider examines the breasts, collarbone and underarm area for lumps.
MAMMOGRAM: This X-ray exam looks for early signs of breast cancer.
20–39
Monthly (optional)
Every three years
Only for those at high risk
40+
Monthly (optional)
Annually
Annually*
To schedule your mammogram, visit houstonmethodist.org/online-scheduling. *Please talk to your doctor to determine what age you should begin receiving an annual mammogram.
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cardiologist,” said Dr. Vijay Jotwani, a primary care sports medicine physician with Houston Methodist Hospital. “If further testing is needed, an appointment can be scheduled. We feel having experts in numerous specialties enables our physicians to provide complete, personalized care for our student-athletes.”
Start the Season
Right
Sports physicals can detect hidden health issues in student-athletes
A
ny death of a student is one too many, and since 2008, more than 200 student-athletes across the nation have died on the playing field. Although most student-athletes are required to get a preparticipation physical to ensure they’re healthy enough for sports, some medical providers use a one-size-fits-all approach that can put the lives of students at risk.
If a serious problem is detected, students should be referred to a specialist for further evaluation. “For example, if we hear an irregular heartbeat or see a personal history that is concerning for heart disease, that student-athlete will be directed to have an electrocardiogram (EKG) or echocardiogram and be evaluated by a
WHAT SHOULD A SPORTS PHYSICAL INCLUDE? Physicians should measure the following in each athlete: • Height and weight • Vision • Blood pressure • Pulse • Range of motion • Joint strength • Heart and lung function
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CHECKING THE HEART
Dr. Kevin Lisman, a cardiologist at Houston Methodist Hospital, stressed the importance of a proper physical from medical providers who are knowledgeable about athletes. “Student-athletes with a family history of heart disease should be screened for a disorder called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in athletes under age 35,” said Lisman. “However, what we don’t do is order an EKG for every student. This practice can sometime cause students to receive a false positive on their EKG. We want to make sure the student-athlete is healthy enough to compete while not causing any unnecessary worry for them or their families.” Before your child suits up for practice this fall, remember that the key to a safe and healthy season starts with getting a proper physical. n
Schedule a Sports Physical
At Houston Methodist, we want to keep your student-athlete safe and healthy this season. To locate a physician who offers preparticipation physicals near you, call 713.790.3333 for an appointment or visit houstonmethodist.org/primarycare.
A Primer on Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers, but it’s also one of the most treatable when detected early
O
ne of the important aspects of men’s health is awareness about prostate cancer, the second most common cancer among men in the United States. This year, approximately 30,000 American men will die from the disease, said Dr. Brian Miles, a urologist at Houston Methodist Hospital. But when detected early, prostate cancer can be treated successfully. According to the American Cancer Society, the 10-year survival rate for the disease is 99 percent with appropriate treatment. Here’s what you need to know about prostate cancer. ABOUT THE PROSTATE The prostate, part of the male reproductive system, is a walnut-sized gland that rests below the bladder. The purpose of the prostate is to produce seminal fluid that provides nutrients for the sperm. RISK FACTORS • Age: Prostate cancer is most common in men older than 50, and the risk increases with age. • Race: African-American men have a greater risk for prostate cancer. • Obesity • Family history of prostate cancer
THE SYMPTOMS Prostate cancer usually grows slowly, often not causing signs or symptoms until it is more advanced. Symptoms may include: • Inability to pass urine • Difficulty starting or stopping the urine flow • Pain or burning during urination • Blood in your urine • Pain in lower back, upper thighs or hips • Erectile dysfunction ELEVATED PSA LEVELS, EXPLAINED If you are a man older than 50, your urologist should conduct a prostatespecific antigen (PSA) test. PSA is an enzyme produced by prostate cells. An antigen is simply a protein that can be identified for a particular organ. A measurement of elevated PSA levels
Leading Care for Prostate Cancer
Houston Methodist urologists are leaders in minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgery for prostate cancer. Our physician-researchers also lead more than two dozen clinical trials focused on prostate cancer. To learn more or find a urologist, visit houstonmethodist.org or call 713.790.3333.
alerts the physician or urologist to the possibility the patient may have prostate cancer. TREATMENT OPTIONS For men diagnosed early, treatment may not be necessary immediately. Active surveillance or regular follow-ups may be recommended. Other treatment options include: • Radiation therapy • Hormone therapy • Surgery • Chemotherapy n
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR DIAGNOSING PROSTATE CANCER Houston Methodist uses enhanced technology to detect and diagnose prostate cancer. MRI-ultrasound fusion decreases the number of biopsies needed to make a diagnosis, which allows for a more precise treatment plan. By merging an MRI image onto an ultrasound image, the technology helps urologists see areas of the prostate that are suspected of being cancerous.
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The Methodist Hospital 6565 Fannin St. Houston, Texas 77030-2707 houstonmethodist.org
713.790.3333
LEADING MEDICINE IN GREATER HOUSTON Just around the corner Houston Methodist has locations throughout the Greater Houston area to best serve you near your home or workplace. Our locations include hospitals, and emergency care and imaging centers. 8 HOSPITALS EMERGENCY CARE CENTERS IMAGING CENTERS
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HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL (Texas Medical Center) 6565 Fannin St. Houston, Texas
6 HOUSTON METHODIST WEST HOSPITAL (I-10 at Barker Cypress) 18500 Katy Frwy. Houston, Texas
2 HOUSTON METHODIST SAN JACINTO HOSPITAL (Garth Rd. exit off I-10) 4401 Garth Rd. Baytown, Texas
7 HOUSTON METHODIST WILLOWBROOK HOSPITAL (Hwy. 249 and FM 1960) 18220 State Hwy. 249 Houston, Texas
3 HOUSTON METHODIST ST. CATHERINE HOSPITAL (Katy - West Houston) 701 S. Fry Rd. Katy, Texas
HOUSTON METHODIST THE WOODLANDS HOSPITAL 17201 Interstate 45 South The Woodlands, Texas COMING 2015
HOUSTON METHODIST ST. JOHN HOSPITAL (Clear Lake Area) 18300 St. John Dr. Nassau Bay, Texas
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HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL (U.S. 59 and Sweetwater) 16655 Southwest Frwy. Sugar Land, Texas
Emergency Care Centers 713.441.ER24 (3724)
9 HOUSTON METHODIST KIRBY EMERGENCY CARE CENTER 2615 Southwest Fwy., Suite 140 Houston, Texas 0 HOUSTON METHODIST PEARLAND EMERGENCY CARE CENTER 11525 Broadway St. Pearland, Texas
HOUSTON METHODIST SIENNA PLANTATION EMERGENCY CARE CENTER 8200 Hwy. 6 Missouri City, Texas NOW OPEN! 2 HOUSTON METHODIST VOSS EMERGENCY CARE CENTER 1635 S. Voss Rd. Houston, Texas
Methodist Imaging Centers
9 HOUSTON METHODIST BREAST IMAGING CENTER 2615 Southwest Frwy., Suite 104 Houston, Texas 713.441.7765 3 HOUSTON METHODIST IMAGING CENTER 83333 Katy Frwy. Houston, Texas 713.797.XRAY (9729)
For more information about Houston Methodist or for a physician referral, please call 713.790.3333 or visit houstonmethodist.org.
LEARN MORE about our complimentary concierge services for out-of -town patients at 877.790.DOCS (3627) or visit houstonmethodist.org/usa.
SCHEDULE YOUR SCREENING MAMMOGRAM APPOINTMENT ONLINE
THE SIMPLEST WAY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT SCREENING MAMMOGRAM To schedule your appointment, go to houstonmethodist.org/online-scheduling. To subscribe to Leading Medicine, please call 713.790.3333 or visit houstonmethodist.org/subscribe. If you prefer not to receive future communication from Houston Methodist, please call 713.790.3333 or email optout@houstonmethodist.org.
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