Cancer News and Reminders

Don’t Forget Your Screenings

Cancer deaths are down sharply this year, thanks to better treatment, prevention and early detection. But cancer remains a major killer, second only to heart disease. Do your part by getting the screenings you need. Besides mammograms (see below), skin cancer screenings and PSA tests, these include:

Colonoscopy—“It’s the most accurate way to screen for and also prevent colon cancer,” says Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network colon-rectal surgeon Linda Lapos, M.D., “because doctors can remove polyps, small growths that can eventually become cancerous.”

Lung cancer CT scan—This test detects lung cancers at the early, potentially curable stages. “Ask your doctor about a lung scan if you’re a current or former smoker, worked with chemicals like asbestos, or have a family history of lung cancer,” says oncologist Eliot Friedman, M.D.

Detecting Breast Cancer

Women age 40 and older are advised to get a mammogram every 1-2 years—but the latest statistics show a slight drop in the number who are actually doing so. If that trend continues, breast cancer deaths could rise in the future. Make sure you and the women you care about get regular mammograms!

If your doctor tells you you’re at high risk for breast cancer, you may need an MRI as well. Based on a recent study, the American Cancer Society has changed its screening guidelines for high-risk women. It now recommends annual MRIs (in addition to mammograms) for women with a family history of breast cancer or other factors that raise their lifetime risk above 20 percent, or who have had radiation therapy to the chest area before age 30. Breast MRI is available at Lehigh Valley Hospital’s Breast Health Services. Watch for a future Healthy You story.

A Celebration for Cancer Survivors

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7th Annual Cancer Survivors' Celebration. Call 610-402-CARE.

Sharing his message of hope, love and faith at the 7th Annual Cancer Survivors’ Celebration, guitarist/singer/songwriter David Bailey has an inspiring story to tell. As a child, he studied classical guitar, and over the years he composed, performed and toured as a street musician and with various ensembles. But after college, he put his passion aside and entered corporate America. Ten years later, doctors told Bailey he had a malignant brain tumor and only months to live. Bailey left his job and returned to his first love of songwriting and performing. Now—10 years and 14 albums later—he’ll celebrate surviving cancer with fellow survivors and their friends and families here in the Lehigh Valley.

Come listen to David Bailey’s music, and enjoy a light lunch and art therapy activities. Though the event is free, space is limited. For reservations, call 610-402-CARE.

Published from Healthy You Magazine May-June 2007

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