SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT www.scdemocratonline.com
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
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Knowledge is the Rx cludes Catskill Regional Medical Group and Orange Regional Medical Group. “The process can begin at home with self-examinations, but it is also important to get screened during well woman visits. Regular mammograms can be even more effective, often revealing risk earlier than other methods.” Proactive steps to be taken at home include self-examination, which your doctor can help you learn how to perform. Knowing your body so you can recognize changes to your breasts is important, and things to watch for include: new lumps in the breast or underarm area; thickening or swelling of any part of your breast; skin irritations, dimpling of breast skin, and red or flaky skin on the breast or nipple; unusual discharge; an inward pointing nipple. When in doubt, report anything unusual you experience, including changes in size or shape of the breast, or generalized pain. “It’s always best to ask your provider when you have questions regarding your health and treatments,” added Dr. Adams. “Physicians and nurses can help you best when you stay proactive about your care, and that’s an important thing to remember when addressing dangerous but treatable conditions such as breast cancer.” The oncology program at Catskill Regional Medical Center offers access to comfortable and convenient cancer care that spans detection and diagnosis to treatment and recovery.
BY VARUN MODI, MD & DUMISA ADAMS, MD, FACOG
H
ow many women do you know? How many are beloved family members? Friends? Coworkers? One in every eight women will receive a diagnosis of breast cancer during their lifetime. It’s the most common cancer diagnosis among women, and its mortality rate is second only to lung cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to shine a light on the prevalence of breast cancer and these grim statistics. This is also a time to point out that breast cancer can be highly treatable with early detection. Early detection is your best defense against developing full blown breast cancer, and significantly increases your odds of positive outcomes. Early detection affords patients the opportunity to seek treatment while the disease is in its earliest, most easily and effectively treatable stages. Women, particularly those who exhibit risk factors for the disease, are encouraged to take a proactive approach and take appropriate preventive steps in partnership with their health care provider. “It is actually possible to identify a developing case of breast cancer before its outward symptoms become evident, and that is when we want to catch things,” said Dumisa Adams, MD, FACOG, Medical Director of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Greater Hudson Valley Health System Medical Group which in-
CONTRIBIUTED PHOTOS
Dumisa Adams, MD Medical Director, Obstetrics & Gynecology Greater Hudson Valley Health System Medical Group “Even with vigilant selfcare, however, it is important to understand that these early indicators don’t always present themselves,” said Varun Modi, MD, with Catskill Regional Medical Group’s hematology and oncology department. “Some patients never show any outward signs of breast cancer developing.” How early can mammography detect early signs of breast cancer? In some cases, as early as three years before being detected by physical examination. Because of their proven efficacy, regular mam-
mogram screenings are advisable even for women in good health. The American Cancer Society suggests screenings on a yearly schedule, or every two years, for women 40 to 44 years old. From 45 and up, annual mammograms are recommended. The National Breast Cancer Foundation supports having your physician check for abnormalities during regular well woman visits. The organization also stresses the importance of mammography as a preventive measure, especially since mammograms can detect cancer before a
Varun Modi, MD Hematology/Oncology Catskill Regional Medical Group
lump becomes large enough to be detected by touch. Studies have shown that women who get screened regularly have a lower morbidity rate due to breast cancer than those who don’t. The process is considered safe, quick and relatively painless. If you do not yet have a Women’s Health or Primary Care provider,with whom you can discuss your breast health, the doctors of Catskill Regional Medical Group are here for you. Along with Catskill Regional Medical Center, the Group offers a team of expert oncologists,
nurses and technicians that is available to help you. Get proactive about your health, and make an appointment at any of Catskill Regional Medical Group’s convenient Sullivan County locations in Monticello, Livingston Manor, Callicoon and Bethel. For hours and directions, please visit www.catskillregionalmedicalgroup.com. And, to learn more about the comprehensive cancer care program available at Catskill Regional Medical Center, please visit www.crmcny.org/cancer.
In Loving Memory of Mary May Schmidt
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save live es!
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