Dr. Ramakrishna discusses the latest data, treatment, and prevention
From Doris MacFarquhar, Monday Club Publicist
The featured speaker for the final fall program at the Monday Club was Dr. Karan Ramakrishna, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, UR Medicine, Wilmot Cancer Institute, Wellsville and Olean. “Women and Cancer” is a broad topic of concern to many women, and he described types of cancer, risk factors, signs to watch for, diagnosis, and treatment procedures, as well as tests to screen for early detection.
Different types are three most common: breast, 1 in 8 detected, lung, 1 in 17, and rectal, 1 in 25, as well as uterine cervical, and ovarian. Many cancers are now being detected in younger women.
Risk factors include having a family history of cancers, having a first child after age 30, having hormone replacement therapy, radiation at an early age, genetic mutation, and unhealthy weight.
Some signs that a person may notice that should cause concern include skin changes, unusual bleeding, chronic cough, pain or nausea, unexplained weight loss, bruising and frequent fever.
A checkup to diagnose possible cancer may include biopsy to determine spread of cancer, blood tests and scans, to determine stage of the cancer. Stage one is early detection. Stages one through three are considered curable. Stage four is advanced, often involving liver and other organs. Various types of treatment may involve surgery and radiation, Chemo for five years, hormone therapy for seven years. There are nine million survivors of breast cancer.
Dr. Ramakrishna’s suggestions for personal care include Mammography every one or two years after age 40, colonoscopy every 10 years from age 45 to 75, following a healthful diet with lots of varied vegetables and fruits, a rainbow of colors! The good news is that huge advances in detection and treatment have been made in recent years.
The Monday Club will not meet next week because of Thanksgiving, and on December 2nd, will enjoy their final fall meeting with the traditional Christmas Silver Tea.
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