Cancer is a disease process in which mutated cells grow out of control and can eventually form a lump or mass called a tumor. Cancer is classified based on the organ from which it originates. Breast cancer begins in the breast and can arise from different structures of the breast tissue. The breast is comprised of ducts, lobules and fatty tissue. The two most common types of breast cancer (ductal and lobular) arise from these structures.

An estimated 1 in 8 (12%) women may develop breast cancer and this number can be even higher in women with a family history. In 2013, 39,620 women died from breast cancer, second only to lung cancer. It is not only a disease of women. In 2013, 2,240 men were diagnosed and 410 died from breast cancer. Knowledge of one's risk factors and early detection are key components in the treatment of this disease. 

Risk Factors

Risk factors are divided into two groups: ones you can change (modifiable) and ones you cannot (non-modifiable). Sex, age, family history, early menarche and late menopause are not modifiable. Other factors associated with increased risk can be modified and those are obesity, use of hormones and alcohol consumption. Strategies that may help reduce the risk of breast cancer include avoiding weight gain and obesity, engaging in regular physical activity, and minimizing alcohol intake. For certain patients who are high risk, certain medications may be used to decrease their risk.

Early Detections

Signs and symptoms

Breast cancer can be found just by doing monthly self-breast exams. The most common physical sign is a painless breast lump. Other signs and symptoms include breast pain or heaviness, skin changes such as redness or indentation, nipple changes such as retraction or discharge, and lumps in the underarm region. It is very important for women to perform monthly self-breast exams to look for these changes. 

Screening

Breast cancer typically produces no symptoms when the tumor is small and most easily cured. Therefore, it is extremely important for women to follow recommended screening guidelines. The American Cancer Society recommends that women receive an annual screening mammogram beginning at age 40. Several randomized control trials suggest that mammography can reduce the risk of death by one-third. Breast MRI may also be used as a screening tool for women whose lifetime risk exceeds 20%. Both of these may be implemented earlier than age 40 based on family history or symptoms. 

In Summary:

• Regular diet and exercise can reduce the risk of getting breast cancer.
• Some risk factors such as family history cannot be altered. It is very important to know who in your family had breast or ovarian cancer.
• Routine screening mammograms begin at age 40. High-risk patients will begin at an earlier age and breast MRI may also be used. 
• It is important to be evaluated by someone who specializes in diseases of the breast to have a risk assessment performed if one has a strong family history.
• Self-examination can be helpful in finding breast cancer.
• Breast cancer is not just a disease of women. Men can get breast cancer as well.

By Misti H. Wilson, MD

Virginia Breast Center

Northside, Southside, and West End Locations

Phone: 804-594-3130
 

 Source: American Cancer Society 

Hepatitis C is the No. 1 cause of cirrhosis in the United States, the No. 1 cause of liver cancer, and the No. 1 reason for liver transplants. But many people with Hepatitis C don't know they have it because they can go decades without symptoms. "A test to identify Hepatitis C virus was developed in 1990. Despite this, only about one-third of the estimated 4 million persons with HCV in the United States have been identified," said Bon Secours Virginia liver specialist Dr. Mitchell Shiffman, who has participated in more than 60 Hepatitis C trials in the last 10 years.

"Baby boomers make up 75 percent of all persons with HCV, and because of this, the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force have recommended that all people born between 1945 and 1965 be screened for HCV."

The reason to identify HCV is to treat and cure the disease. While treatment in the mid-1990s utilized a drug with many side effects that had to be taken up to a year and cured less than half of treated patients, Shiffman and his team at Bon Secours Liver Institute of Virginia can cure about 90 percent of patients using only oral antiviral agents with virtually no side effects in just two to three months. The FDA approved a recent breakthrough antiviral treatment, Sofosbuvir, thanks in part to Shiffman's efforts. 

Shiffman says screening by primary care physicians is critical to identifying HCV early, before patients develop advanced cirrhosis and liver cancer. "We have the advanced tools to eradicate HCV and reduce mortality from cirrhosis. It is up to our primary care colleagues to identify these patients."  

Mitchell Shiffman, MD

Liver Institute of Virginia

5855 Bremo Road, Suite 509, Richmond, VA 23226
Phone: 804-977-8920
 

Stretching Hip Flexors

Dr. Wilson received her medical degree from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in 2002, graduating with honors. She completed her general surgery residency at the University of South Florida. Dr. Wilson then completed a fellowship in diseases of the breast from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.

Board certification: 

Board certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery.

What do you enjoy most about being a breast surgeon? 

"I can't think of anything I don't love about being a breast surgeon! I am surrounded by courageous, strong fighters and survivors daily. I get to establish lifelong relationships 

with my patients. I love operating. I thank God daily

for His calling - it is truly an honor and a blessing to be 

Why did you choose Bon Secours Health System? 

"I was impressed by Bon Secours and their mission

of "good help to those in need." The Bon Secours

Cancer Institute is also a wonderful team of caring, intelligent

health care providers who offer world-class treatment."

What do you enjoy outside of your work? 

"My hobbies outside of work include running, baking, and most importantly, being a mom to my 2-year-old son, John. My favorite time outside of work is family time." 

Wellness Club Card Update

Check out our website for updates to the exciting discounts and promotions offered by the sponsors of our Wellness Club Card: http://wellness.bonsecours.com/services/sponsors. Our sponsors are local businesses focused on fitness, nutrition, or general wellness services to help you improve or maintain your health.   

If you are interested in making this free benefit available to your employees, please contact Carol Marin-Vargas at [email protected] or 804-316-2446.