October 22, 2009

Focus On:  Breast Cancer:

It should come as no surprise that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  From pink t-shirts, to pink hair extensions, to pink newspapers, to pink blenders – and everything in between – millions of Americans are helping spread the word about the importance of early detection.  Celebrity breast cancer survivors are telling their stories and hoping to inspire women, men, and families to take this disease seriously. 

Each year it is estimated that more than 190,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die. Approximately 1,900 men will also be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die each year.

UHealth’s Cancer Experts
At Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Braman Family Breast Cancer Institute has the top experts, board-certified breast cancer specialists who use the latest technology to detect cancer at the earliest sign.  If cancer is found, our specially trained physicians and caregivers can provide today’s most effective and innovative therapies.

The Braman Institute at Sylvester, part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System, uses state-of-the-art equipment and diagnostic procedures including:  digital mammography for screening and diagnosis; high-resolution breast ultrasound; breast MRI diagnostic studies including computer-aided diagnosis (CAD); image-guided biopsies using all available technologies including mammography (stereotactic), ultrasound, and MRI; and other procedures such as fine needle biopsy aspiration and sentinel lymph node biopsy. 

Research
In addition, the multidisciplinary team of physicians and scientists at the Braman Institute at Sylvester conduct innovative research to advance knowledge of the causes of breast cancer and to develop new means of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.  Our researchers have been awarded a number of highly competitive grants from the National Cancer Institute and other peer-reviewed awards. 

Clinical research scientists are spearheading clinical trials in areas such as breast cancer genetics, prevention, imaging, preoperative therapy, new surgical techniques, postsurgical chemotherapy, and radiation.  In addition, research is underway at the Braman Institute at Sylvester to improve mammography screening.  New compounds that target newly discovered molecules are currently in clinical trials, and patients with advanced breast cancer are benefiting from the translation of research from the lab to the bedside.  Novel approaches to treat breast cancer are under study in collaboration with two Nobel Prize Laureates.  

Free Mammogram
As a UM/Aetna member, preventive care benefits – including mammograms – are offered at no cost to you.  If you are 35 and older and missed one of our free screenings, please visit www.miami.edu/benefits/ask to learn more about this benefit.  You will need a prescription from your primary care physician or ob/gyn before scheduling your mammogram, and 365 days must have passed since your last screening mammography. 

More and more women are getting mammograms to detect cancer in its earliest stages.  As a result, breast cancer rates are on the decline.  Encourage the women in your life to get mammograms on a regular basis.

To read more about the exciting developments underway at the Braman Institute at Sylvester, visit www.sylvester.org.  Sylvester also offers a Clinical Trials Matching Service that can be accessed from the home page. 

The best of health to you and yours.

Sincerely,