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With October serving as National Breast
Cancer Awareness Month, it seems appropriate to summarize the
expanded breast cancer services now available through Lee
Memorial Health System.
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women,
after skin cancers. About one in every eight women will be
diagnosed with the disease. The American Cancer Society
recommends a woman begin yearly mammograms at age 40 or earlier
if there is a family history or a lump is discovered in her
breast.
The Sanctuary, LMHS’ newest development,
includes the Regional Cancer Center and the Outpatient Center.
Located near Interstate-75 and Colonial Boulevard, The Sanctuary
provides expanded diagnostic and treatment services, as well as
navigation and support services, to help patients with every
step of their cancer journeys.
This is what one of our breast cancer
patients, Leesa Crapa, 47, of Cape Coral, has to say about LMHS’
services:
I was diagnosed with breast cancer June 25. I had to have a
biopsy and a mastectomy. I begin chemotherapy treatment
September 18. I’ve received absolutely great care at The
Sanctuary, where they have the Regional Cancer Center and the
Outpatient Center. Having cancer is such an unpleasant thing,
but the staff has really made it as pleasant as possible. It is
very convenient for me that I’ve been able to get all of my care
at The Sanctuary, with just a few things I needed in Cape Coral.
I moved here from Memphis a few years ago. There, it would take
you anywhere from 45 minutes to one and a half hours to get to
an emergency room. This is so much better, and it really helps.
I’ve been very well taken care of.
It is stories like Lisa’s that truly do
inspire us as we strive to continue to offer the best possible
care for our patients.
The Breast Health Center located in the
Outpatient Center at The Sanctuary offers the latest digital
mammography, which provides computer-generated images of the
breast, and breast MRI, which enables physicians to view some
parts of the breast that may not show up with a mammogram.
At the Cancer Center, genetic risk
counseling helps patients gain a more accurate understanding of
their cancer risks by doing a family pedigree, or family tree,
and having a simple blood test. The most common type of genetic
testing is BRCA testing, which looks for the genes associated
with breast and ovarian cancers.
The Cancer Center also provides a variety
of supplemental services. These include several workshops about
the basics, such as Breast Cancer 101, Cancer Symptom Management
101, Lymphedema 101 and Oncology Pharmacy 101.
There are also nontraditional support
classes for patients, including Yoga; Labyrinth, Meditation and
Mandala; Creative Scrapbooking and Not Too Young to Fight, a
group for women younger than 40.
The Regional Cancer Center has an
impressive and supportive boutique, Cookie’s Place, which
provides high-quality wigs, mastectomy products, massage and
aromatherapy products in a soothing and discreet atmosphere, and
a medical library.
When the ambulatory surgery center opens
at the Outpatient Center in 2011, The Sanctuary will truly be
able to provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services
from beginning to end for those fighting breast cancers, all in
one location.
Peace,
Jim Nathan, LMHS President
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