BCHS physicians to speak on breast
cancer
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. Wendy French, board certified medical oncologist/hematologist
at The Cancer Care Center and Dr. Kerri Murray, board
certified general surgeon, both members of the Battle
Creek Health System medical staff, will talk about early
detection, common causes, effective advances in mammography,
and new treatment options related to breast cancer on
Wednesday, October 21, at the Burnham Brook Center. This
program coincides with the national focus on breast cancer
during the month of October.
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.
French and Dr. Murray'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.
The Cancer Care Center at BCHS is pleased to announce
that it will be offering a new radiation therapy treatment
option for specific breast cancer patients meeting a
defined protocol, based on the staging of their breast
cancer and other clinical criteria. This high dose radiation
therapy (brachytherapy) option can shorten the treatment
time enabling patients to get back to their normal lives
sooner, and resume the things they love and need to do,
such as working, caring for their families, and staying
active and traveling.
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, a member of the Mercy Cancer Network,
is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery
Excellence Award(tm) and 2009 Five Star rated for joint
replacement surgery and total knee replacement. 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 Presenters:
Wendy French, DO is a graduate of Hope College. She earned
her medical degree at Des Moines University before completing
her internship at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in
San Bernardino, California and residency in internal
medicine from the University of Kentucky in Lexington.
She also received a hematology/oncology fellowship at
the Medical College of Virginia through Virginia Commonwealth
University in Richmond. She joined the Battle Creek Health
System medical staff in 2008.
Dr. French is a board certified in medical oncology and in internal medicine.
Kerri Murray, MD received her undergraduate degree in
biological chemistry a t Wellesley College, Wellesley,
Massachusetts. She completed her medical degree at Rush
Medical College, Rush Presbyterian - St. Luke's Medical
Center, Chicago, Illinois, and her surgical residency
and training at Finch University of Health Sciences/Chicago
Medical School - Mount Sinai Hospital, Chicago, Illinois.
She joined the Battle Creek Health System medical staff
in 2004.
Dr. Murray is a board certified general surgeon.
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