October is celebrated nationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We hope that during this time you will pause to reflect on women’s health issues, take proactive steps to monitor and improve your own health, and encourage those you love to do so as well.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, not counting some kinds of skin cancer. About 40,000 women die each year from breast cancer in the United States. As alarming as these statistics may be, hope, healing and discovery still prevail. Increased awareness about the importance of early detection and diagnosis, and advanced treatment options are improving survival rates for breast cancer patients.
At Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center, our breast cancer team works diligently to provide efficient and innovative care using multidisciplinary, individualized therapies. As part of that team, we are pleased to present our two new breast surgeons, Toan Nguyen, MD, and Vanessa Prowler, MD. Our dedication to excellence was resoundingly affirmed when we were re-accredited through 2018 by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, overseen by the American College of Surgeons. Becker’s Hospital Review named Lakeland Regional Health one of the top 101 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs in 2016.
We hope that in October and always, you will do what is in your power to pursue wellness and prevent cancer. Take charge of your health. Eat well. Exercise. Know yourself and your family history. Choose knowledge and early detection over unsettled emotions and fear. Help raise awareness among your friends and loved ones and provide resources for cancer care and treatment. Thank you to all of you who joined us to raise breast cancer awareness at our first Ladies’ Night Out for Breast Health at our Hollis Cancer Center.
Vigilant, informed and empowered patients have the advantage. We are here to provide you with information and compassionate care every step of the way. Please do not hesitate to call 863.603.6565 if our Hollis Cancer Center team can be of service to you.