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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. Although the prognosis has improved over time, it remains the second leading cause of cancer death in women in general and the leading cause in Hispanic women. Black women have a higher breast cancer death rate than white women.
Florida has the second highest overall cancer burden in the United States, replacing heart disease as the leading cause of death. In addition, Duval County has a breast cancer rate higher than the national average; however, substantial support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped advance the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Additionally, Governor Ron DeSantis announced this week that his wife, Casey DeSantis, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Guest: Dr Diane Johnson, diagnostic radiologist, Hill Breast Center, MD Anderson.
Treatment options
All breast cancer treatments have two goals: to rid the body of as much cancer as possible and to prevent the disease from coming back.
Treatments for breast cancer have evolved considerably over the past decade. Now, more individualized options exist depending on the patient’s preferences, the type of breast cancer and its extent.
Surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, biological therapy and radiotherapy are the most common treatments. Additionally, 14 new targeted breast cancer drugs hit the market last year, with dozens more in clinical trials and hundreds in development.
Creating an individualized treatment plan requires a multidisciplinary approach. Surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists work together to provide the best care for their patients.
Guest: Dr. Saranya Chumsri, hematologist and oncologist at the Mayo Clinic.
Breast cancer in men
In the United States, human breast cancer accounts for 1 percent of all breast cancers. In contrast, in parts of Central Africa, male breast cancer accounts for 6 percent of all cancers. As in women, the incidence of breast cancer in men increases with age, and men tend to be five to ten years older than women at the time of diagnosis. The diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of breast cancer in men are similar to those in women.
Guest: David luckin, director of the WJCT station and music director.
The DONNA Foundation
With regard to breast cancer awareness at the local level, the DONNA Foundation is an important force in helping people with breast cancer.
In addition to the famous DONNA Marathon, the organization participates in various community outreach and education programs and organizes several fundraising events to support its mission.
Guest: Donna Deegan, founder of the DONNA Foundation and of the DONNA Marathon.
What does health have to do with it? Associate producer Katherine Hobbs can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @KatherineGHobbs.
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