Breast Cancer Awareness
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.
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Finding Cures for Liver Disease
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
Domestic Violence Awareness
October is domestic violence awareness month, and a new regional hotline will serve survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The hotline is a program from the regional collaborative efforts of five domestic and sexual violence service providers: the YWCA of Richmond, Hanover Safe Place, Safe Harbor, The James House, and Project Hope at Quin Rivers. The Greater Richmond Regional Hotline is now available via one number, 804-612-6126, and serves survivors and their loved ones who need support navigating domestic, intimate partner, family, and/or sexual violence in Chesterfield, Richmond, Hanover, Henrico, Powhatan, Goochland, the Tri-Cities, King William, King and Queen, New Kent, and Charles City. If you believe you or a loved one has experienced one of these types of violence, please call the Greater Richmond Regional Hotline. All calls are confidential.
Exercise Video
| Stretching Hip Flexors |
Submitted by our sponsor:
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Misti H. Wilson, MD Northside, Southside, and West End locations Phone: 804-594-3130
Education:
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
able to serve people in this way."
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 carol_marin-vargas@bshsi.org or 804-316-2446.
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Recipe
Brussels Sprouts in Mustard Sauce
Ingredients
▪ 1 tbsp olive oil
▪ 1 tbsp garlic; minced
▪ 1 cup red onion; chopped
▪ 1 lb Brussels sprouts; halved
▪ 1/2 cup low sodium vegetable broth; divided
▪ 2 tbsp mustard of choice (Dijon is a favorite)
▪ Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
In a large pan, add oil and place on medium heat. Add garlic and onion and sauté for a minute. Add Brussels sprouts with insides facing down then cover and cook about 5 minutes. Add half of the broth, then stir and cover. Cook another 10 minutes until charred and tender. Remove the mixture from the pan and place in a serving bowl. Add the remainder of the broth with mustard, reduce heat and stir until thickening. Drizzle sauce over the dish and serve!
Yield: 4 one-cup servings Nutritional Information per serving:
Calories 120, Total Fat 4g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 280mg, Carbohydrates 17g, Dietary Fiber 5g, Protein 4g
Submitted by our sponsor:
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Stay Active:
Check out these fun upcoming events!
Pink Bag Promotion
All of October!
All Bon Secours Imaging locations
Have your mammogram performed in October for a chance to win a pink designer purse.
Flu Shot Clinics
Bon Secours Good Health Express
9851 Brook Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23059
Every Thursday from 4:00-8:00 pm
Protecting you against the flu! Extra nurses will be on-site to administer flu shots to anyone interested. Standard copays/coinsurance applies. Shots are $30 if not covered by insurance. Flu shots are available for people 3 years and older.
Visit here or call 804-893-8702
Free Zumba Classes
Richmond Curves locations
Mechanicsville location: 8324 Bell Creek Road
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs & Fri, 9:00 am
Mon, Tues & Thurs, 6:00 pm
Sat, 9:30 am
Glen Allen location: 10278 Staples Mill Road
Tues & Thurs, 11:30 am
Healthy Living Grocery Tour
Thursday, October 16th, 5:30 pm
Whole Foods: 11173 West Broad Street, Glen Allen, VA 23060
Enjoy an interactive aisle-by-aisle tour of the store. Includes handouts and lots of helpful information. There will be an emphasis on what are the good, better and best choices to make to start and maintain a low-glycemic lifestyle. Discussion about toxins in our food, label reading, and highlighted product recommendation.
Bottom to Tap
Saturday, October 18th
100 N. 17th St., Richmond, VA 23219
How far is it from Bottom to Tap? Only three miles but you'll be thirsty when you get here! This casual run starts in Shockoe Bottom, goes through historic Church Hill and returns to the 17th Street Farmers Market for a great post-run celebration.
Ashland Harvest & Pumpkin Walk
Saturday, October 18th
Carter Park: 1112 Maple Street, Ashland, VA 23005
The Ashland Woman's Club and Hanover Safe Place have merged their fall runs! This family fun philanthropic event is a certified 10K/5K run/walk through the beautiful town of Ashland and includes a family 1-mile walk. Monies raised will benefit Hanover Safe Place, Comfort Zone Camp, and Hanover Interfaith Free Clinics.
Register here
Call Federal Marathon, Jr.
Saturday, October 25th
Byrd Park- 600 S. Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23230
Halloween-themed kids run event. 1/2 mile (for ages 7 and under) and 1-mile option (for ages 12 and under). Festival from 10am-2pm. Race time is 12pm.
Register here
Lobs & Lights
Saturday, October 25th
Mary and Frances Youth Center- 120 S. Linden St., Richmond, VA 23220
The 10 year anniversary celebration of the Lobs & Lessons program. When the sun goes down the lights will heat up and create a visual masterpiece. The UV lighting will create a space like atmosphere where only the lines of the court, net tape and tennis ball can be seen! Tennis, table tennis, tennis soccer, cornhole, bowling, face painting, music, food, prizes-
everything will glow!
Register here
Dorey & Her Story 5k
Sunday, October 26th
Bryan Park- 4308 Hermitage Rd., Richmond, VA 23227
Meet Dorey, the a-dorey-able little mutt with three good legs, who loves to tear up the pavement on runs. She was rescued earlier this year from Richmond Animal Control & Care. All proceeds raised will benefit RACC to save other animals like Dorey. This is a pet-friendly event so get ready for this paws for a cause event!
Register here
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