Healthy RGV Issue 107 - October Has Us Thinking Pink

COVER STORY · OCTOBER 2017
These guidelines can help you maintain good nutrition:
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Aim to eat at least two-and-a-half cups of fruits and vegetables
per day.
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Reduce intake of foods preserved with salt and high in fat, as
well as red meat and avoid processed meats.
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Limit sugary drinks and energy-dense foods.
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Opt for whole grains instead of processed or refined grains.
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Limit alcohol consumption. Women should have no more than
one drink per day.
SCREENING AND EARLY DETECTION
Breast cancer cannot be completely prevented, but
women can take steps to decrease risk and improve early
detection of the disease.
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Women should check their breasts monthly and
report any changes to a physician immediately.
Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical
breast exam every three years.
Women in their 30s should discuss their breast cancer
risk level with a physician to determine the most appropriate
cancer screening options, including mammograms and MRI
screenings.
Women age 40 and older should discuss individual risk factors
with a physician to determine recommended timing and most
appropriate screenings, including annual mammogram, annual
clinical breast exam, and annual MRI screening.
Women age 50 and older should have a mammogram and a
clinical breast exam at least every two years after discussion with
her physician, and if recommended by a physician, an annual MRI
screening.
BREAST CANCER RESEARCH
With more discoveries about how cancer cells work, researchers
are developing new ways to target them, interrupting the signals
they send and receive to control growth, and harnessing a patient’s
immune system to fight cancer with fewer side effects. Through
Texas Oncology’s clinical trial programs, women in McAllen are
benefitting from some of the most promising trials, without having to
leave their family and friends close to home.
In addition to enabling patients to stay near their communities
of support, Texas Oncology helps patients address needs beyond
cancer. This includes providing information about the importance of
nutrition and exercise, and working with community organizations,
volunteers, and support groups.
Overall, treatment advances combined with greater awareness of
prevention and screenings have led to this remarkable outcome:
When cancer is located only in the breast the survival rate is 99
percent. That means more patients are getting the good news that
they are cancer free – important progress and hope represented so
visibly in pink each October.
CONTINUED COMMUNITY SUPPORT
As part of Texas Oncology’s continued efforts to support cancer
patients and caregivers in the community, Texas Oncology–McAllen
is hosting several events throughout the month of October. On
October 13, Texas Oncology will host the inaugural Cancerathlon
Annual Symposium. Several physicians will be presenting on the
advances in cancer care and technology in oncology. Healthcare
professionals and the public are welcome to join. To register, visit
https://mve.webconnex.com/texas10day1.
The symposium leads up to the much anticipated 10th Annual
McAllen Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, Run, & Ride on October
14. This event was established in McAllen in 2007, and raises funds
for cancer patients and survivors. No matter your fitness level, it’s
a great opportunity to join the fight against cancer with a 2.5 or 4.5
mile walk, a 5K run, or a 20/40/60 mile bike ride. There are a variety
of activities and plenty of volunteer options, so that everyone can
join in the event. Learn more or register to participate at https://mve.
webconnex.com/texas10
Texas Oncology–McAllen is also sponsoring the
One Night One Cause: Beat Breast Cancer benefit
concert at 7 p.m. on October 27 at the Havana Club.
Alvaro Restrepo, M.D., Texas Oncology is a
medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–
McAllen, 1901 South 2nd Street in McAllen, Texas.
17 HEALTHY MAGAZINE