BCHS physician to speak on breast cancer
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| Stephen Robinson, MD |
Breast cancer, the most common disease among women in the United States, accounts for nearly one of every three cancers diagnosed. With that statistic in mind, you no doubt know someone in your family or circle of friends and acquaintances that has been touched by this disease. Even though the vast majority of breast cancers occur in women, men are at risk as well.
Dr. Sue Tobin, board certified medical oncologist at The Cancer Care Center and member of the Battle Creek Health System medical staff, will talk about early detection, American Cancer Society guidelines, common causes, effective advances in mammography, and new treatment options related to breast cancer on Wednesday, October 22, at the Burnham Brook Center.
Senior Health Partners in coordination with Battle Creek Health System presents the program as part of its ongoing ‘Aging Well’ series, which is free to the public. A light luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by Dr. Tobin’s presentation at noon. Seating is limited. For reservations call toll free 1-877-GO2-BCHS (877-462-2247).
By the end of 2008, more than 180,000 women throughout the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Sadly about 40,000 women will die from this disease in the coming year. That is the bad news. The good news is that because of medical advancements in diagnosing and treating cancer, there are approximately 2.5 million breast cancer survivors!
Sadly many women refuse to take a proactive role against breast cancer and ignore the situation completely. Just being a female is the greatest risk factor for breast cancer. Yes, increasing in age and family history are other risk factors—and it can and does touch women of all races and ages. In fact, 90-95% of all breast cancers are found in women with no family history of the disease. That is why it is important to be vigilant.
There are things that can greatly reduce your chances of developing breast cancer. You can include regular exercise in your daily routine; eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet; avoid smoking; and use alcohol in moderation.
If you are 40 years of age or older, please get a mammogram and have a clinical breast exam every year. And don't forget the importance of monthly breast self-exams.
If you are a woman between the ages of 20 to 39, make certain you perform a monthly breast self-exam and have a clinical breast examination by your health care professional every three years.
Most breast lumps are benign; that is, they are not cancerous. Benign breast tumors are abnormal growths that do not spread outside of the breast and they are not life threatening. But some benign breast lumps can increase a woman’s future risk of getting breast cancer so it is important to have regular breast exams.
Senior Health Partners, a collaboration of Battle Creek Health System, Burnham Brook Center, and Summit Pointe, works to expand wellness and educational offerings to senior citizens in Calhoun and surrounding counties.
Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Battle Creek Health System as a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award™. HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective ‘report card’ ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.
About the Presenter:
Sue Tobin, D.O. received her undergraduate degree in pharmacy from Ferris State University. She then earned her medical degree from Michigan State University (MSU) College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed an internship and residency in internal medicine from Ingham Regional Medical Center and a clinical teaching fellowship from MSU, and an oncology fellowship, also from Ingham Regional Medical Center.
Prior to joining The Cancer Care Center at Battle Creek Health System, she practiced at Medical Oncology Associates and the Breslin Cancer Center at Ingham Regional Medical Center, Lansing Michigan. In addition, she was assistant professor of internal medicine at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Tobin is board certified in internal medicine and in medical oncology. She is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American College of Osteopathic Internists, and the American Osteopathic Association.
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