NANCY DAWES - Ochsner.org

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:Healthy Living
“I can’t stress enough the
importance of journaling
during treatment.
Nancy DaweS
breast cancer survivor
4
DID YOU KNOW?
Ochsner’s Tansey Breast
Center is the only true
comprehensive breast
center in the Gulf South,
with dedicated breast
radiologists and direct
collaboration and
treatment planning
across disciplines.
Breast
assured
Early detection is key to surviving breast cancer
After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Nancy Dawes, an art teacher in the New Orleans Public School System
for 20 years, retired. She began painting full-time and loved it. Just days after an art show in January 2008,
she found a large lump in her breast. “I was appalled that I had not noticed it until then,” Nancy says.
“I was so consumed with my painting for three years, I realized that I was no longer attuned to my body
and healthcare regime.”
Dr. John Cole, Chairman of Hematology and Oncology at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, says
that although breast cancer awareness remains high, many women still don’t undergo regular screenings.
Dr. Cole says, “There are many reasons, but the message is: It’s an important thing to check off your list
of things to do for yourself.”
The current recommendation is for women to have a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35
and 40, followed by annual mammograms starting at age 40. For those with certain risk factors — such
as a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) or multiple family members with breast cancer — a baseline
mammogram may be recommended earlier.
While mammograms and self-exams are the best first steps, doctors are also utilizing breast MRIs
(magnetic resonance imaging) as a tool for screening women at high risk for breast cancer or who have
dense breast tissue. “MRIs can give us a clearer picture for certain women,” says Lynette Mauterer, R.N.,
Nurse Practitioner and Quality Director of Clinical Services at Ochsner’s Lieselotte Tansey Breast Center,
across from Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. “But it’s important to discuss their benefits and
limitations with a breast specialist.”
With awareness, better screening tools and always-improving treatment options, breast cancer
patients have more reason than ever for hope.
-BREAST FRIENDS
Learn more about the
breast cancer prevention,
detection, treatment and
support services available
at Ochsner’s Lieselotte
Tansey Breast Center.
Call 1-888-306-8817.
1-866-Ochsner www.ochsner.org