Page 10 - Hobe Sound Reflections - November '23

Page 10, Hobe Sound

tampa GeneraL news

Family History Of Breast Foster specializes in breast and gastrointestinal Foster completed her internal medicine residency, and

Cancer? Doctor Encourages cancers at TGH Cancer Institute in partnership with the her medical oncology and palliative medicine fellowship
Cancer Center of South Florida.
training at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern
High-Risk Assessment Early At TGH Cancer Institute, a high-risk breast clinic, University. She received her undergraduate degree at
Foster works closely with patients to determine their UCLA and then moved to Chicago to complete medical
Do you have a family history of breast cancer? You true risk percentage, and then designs an individualized school at Loyola University Chicago. She is board-
may be up to twice as likely to get the disease. And imaging surveillance plan that includes risk reduction certified in medical oncology, internal medicine and
family history is only one of a handful of factors that can strategies, state-of-the-art breast imaging and referral for palliative medicine, and is a member of the American
determine your risk. ancillary services such as genetic counseling. Society of Clinical Oncology.
D r. K elly F os ter, TGH Cancer Institute recommends that patients TGH Cancer Institute oncologists work in collaboration
a medical oncologist at receive a referral for a formal risk assessment if they are to provide comprehensive treatment options in a seamless
Tampa General Hospital concerned about their lifetime risk of breast cancer and manner. The team takes a multidisciplinary approach and
(TGH) Cancer Institute have any of these risk factors: strongly emphasizes compassionate and personalized care
in Palm Beach County, • Any family history of breast or ovarian cancer through a highly coordinated range of multidisciplinary
encourages women with a • A male relative with breast cancer specialties such as hematologic malignancies; thoracic
high risk for breast cancer • Ashkenazi Jewish descent oncology; and breast, colorectal and gynecologic
to obtain a comprehensive • Personal history of an atypical biopsy oncology.
assessment early. “It is • Personal history of chest radiation Patients who need a higher level of care have a
important to visit a high-risk • Known or suspected genetic mutation carrier (BRCA1 direct connection to Tampa General’s academic health
clinic for an individualized or BRCA2) system resources, including research breakthroughs, a
risk assessment,” explained According to the American Cancer Society, breast wider variety of clinical trials and options for advanced
Foster. “It’s a key first step Dr. Kelly Foster cancer is the most common female cancer, with immunotherapy procedures, enhanced personal treatment
in cancer prevention and approximately 194,000 new cases diagnosed each year in plans, and a convenient path to complex surgeries
early detection. If you’re someone with risk factors, a the U.S. More than 70 percent of breast cancers occur in available through Tampa General Hospital. Patients
routine annual mammogram is not enough.” women who are 50 years of age and older. The incidence who receive more complex procedures or treatment at
of breast cancer increases with age, beginning slowly Tampa General will be able to follow up with their local
between the ages of 45 and 50, and steadily rises each
physician upon returning home.
HoLiday year. In addition, breast cancer is the leading cause of News & World Report and the Commission on Cancer
TGH Cancer Institute is nationally recognized by U.S.
cancer deaths for women between the ages of 20 and 59.
“Breast cancer is common and will affect one in (CoC), and is home to the country’s top cancer specialists,
eight women” says Foster. “The good thing is that the surgeons and research scientists. TGH Cancer Institute
HappeninGs oncology field is constantly evolving and advancing. As specialists collaborate with experienced oncologists and
an oncologist, I look for ways to improve screenings for
surgeons across the state to deliver personalized medicine
early detection and discuss risk reduction strategies for and game-changing treatments fueled by academic
prevention.” medicine.
CCKids Rolls Out Online Early detection is also personal for Foster. Her mother “Again, I strongly encourage anyone with risk factors

Toy Drive For 23rd has battled breast cancer for 20 years. As a result, she to visit a high-risk breast clinic,” says Foster. “Getting
is passionate about the science, as well as prevention,
assessed early could mean the difference between life
Anniversary Of Making patient communication and advocacy. “My mom’s and death.”
cancer journey has taught me a lot about the patient
For questions about detecting and assessing a high

Christmas Bright experience and motivates me to provide the best care for risk for breast cancer, contact the TGH Cancer Institute
my patients.” at (561) 739-4TGH (4844).
Just because you do something for decades, doesn’t
mean you can’t do it better.
For that reason, CCKids is rolling out an online
component to mark the 23rd anniversary of its Making
Christmas Bright holiday collection.
“We thought, ‘How can we make an already successful
project even better?’” said Christmas Kaiser, CCKids
community relations director. “The answer was pretty
obvious – let’s go online and reach more people.”
Participation is simple: Anyone interested in
supporting the drive can click the banner in our email and

Holiday Happenings on page 11

Captains-M&M

Airport, SeAport & CAr ServiCe

Palm Beach County Vehicle-For-Hire Call Us At:
Company (VFH212/VFH360) (800) 634-7890
4 Airport Arrival Today To Get Started!
& Departure info@captainsairport.com
4 Cruise Port Arrival
& Departure Make a future reservation online at
4 Medical Transportation www.captainsairport.com and save
4 Car Service 10% OFF each future reservation!

Your Nationwide Transportation Provider
All South Florida Airports & Cruise Ports