Despite scientific strides, early detection still the key

By Cindy Ward (ward@wsbt.com)

Tools

Digital mammography has allowed doctors to see smaller things and potentially catch cancer earlier, though there are more false positives

Digital mammography has allowed doctors to see smaller things and potentially catch cancer earlier, though there are more false positives. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Feb 23, 2009 at 2:34 PM EST

Story Updated: Feb 23, 2009 at 5:49 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — Over the last 15 years, there have been big strides in the treatment of and recovery from breast cancer. Screening is even more available, digital mammography and MRIs give even better pictures of the breast, and more breast sparing surgeries are done.

"We have stopped doing those big massive surgeries where we were taking all the lymph nodes from the armpit, and we've moved into what’s called a sentinel lymph node,” explained Dr. Bilal Ansari of Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center. “We see where the tumor is, we inject dye and remove lymph nodes, draining the tumor, and that way we can save the armpit and only remove the remaining lymph nodes if the first one is positive."

That means fewer women suffer from lymphodema in their arm.

Dr. Ansari says there are newer drugs that are more effective and better tolerated, and genetic testing is now available.

But the doctor says it still all hinges on early detection.

That’s why we've partnered with Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center to bring you the Pink Pack program.

Here's how it works:

You pick a friend to be your Pink Pack Pal. Then you request a Pink Pack.

You'll get a breast self-exam guide, a pen and a kitchen magnet — one for you and one for your Pink Pack Pal. We'll remind you on the 22nd of every month to call your Pink Pal and remind her to do her breast self-exam. And remember to do yours the same day. Early detection saves lives.

Become a member of the Pink Pack right away — it could save a life.

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