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
Q A Why GO & DIGITAL? Q Why go digital for mammograms? A While traditional film mammography is good at helping doctors detect breast cancers, digital mammograms offer slight improvements in detection, particularly for younger patients and those with denser breast tissue. It’s also quicker, and we can magnify and post process the images on the monitor, which may make abnormalities easier to identify. Traditional films can be lost — some were damaged during Katrina — or may be difficult to retrieve, but digital files are easily retrievable so we can quickly compare previous mammograms against new images to see if subtle changes are happening. Ochsner is now using digital mammography. £ To schedule a digital mammography appointment, call the location nearest you: Ochsner’s Lieselotte Tansey Breast Center: 504-842-6406 Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner: 504-712-2800 Ochsner Health Center – Metairie: 504-842-6406 Ochsner Health Center – Marrero: 504-842-6406 Meet the Doctor DANA smetherman, M.D. Section Head, Breast Imaging at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans 5 AStonishing detail The same high-definition technology that allows you to enjoy every tiny detail of the big game on TV is now helping detect and prevent colon cancer. Every colonoscopy performed at Ochsner uses high-definition equipment, giving physicians a clear, easily manipulated view, even detecting previously hard-to-see flat polyps. “The image is much clearer,” says Dr. Aldo Russo, Section Head of Gastroenterology at Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge. “The details are accentuated, making it easier for us to detect and prevent colon cancer.” “It allows us to do a quicker, safer, more accurate exam,” agrees Dr. David Beck, Chairman of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. £ Have your first colonoscopy when you turn 50, or younger if you are at higher risk for colon cancer. If you’re due, get a referral from your physician and call 1-888-212-6995 in Baton Rouge or 1-888-306-9325 in New Orleans to schedule your colonoscopy.
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