Page 22 - The Jewish Voice - November '23

Page 22, The Jewish Voice

Lifestyles from page 21 Dr. Foster specializes in breast and gastrointestinal and her medical oncology and palliative medicine
cancers at TGH Cancer Institute in partnership with the fellowship training at McGaw Medical Center of
How do I go about comparing plans? As a consumer, Cancer Center of South Florida. Northwestern University. She received her undergraduate
there are two important lists you should have when At TGH Cancer Institute, a high-risk breast clinic, degree at UCLA and then moved to Chicago to complete
comparing plans and making the best decision for you: Dr. Foster works closely with patients to determine their medical school at Loyola University Chicago. She is
1) A list of your medical providers and 2) A list of your true risk percentage, and then designs an individualized board certified in medical oncology, internal medicine,
prescription drugs. You have several resources to assist imaging surveillance plan that includes risk reduction and palliative medicine, and is a member of the American
your decision-making process for AEP. You can contact strategies, state-of-the-art breast imaging, and referral Society of Clinical Oncology.
Medicare by phone at 800-MEDICARE or online at www. for ancillary services such as genetic counseling. TGH Cancer Institute oncologists work in collaboration
medicare.gov, or you can contact a local agent like me! TGH Cancer Institute recommends that patients to provide comprehensive treatment options in a seamless
What about ALL those commercials? These ads are receive a referral for a formal risk assessment if they are manner. The team takes a multidisciplinary approach and
designed to generate the most incoming calls possible. concerned about their lifetime risk of breast cancer and strongly emphasizes compassionate and personalized care
They list ALL possible free benefits, but include a have any of these risk factors: through a highly coordinated range of multidisciplinary
disclaimer that you may not qualify for these benefits. As • Any family history of breast or ovarian cancer specialties such as hematologic malignancies; thoracic
a local agent, I can help clarify which benefits you may • A male relative with breast cancer oncology; and breast, colorectal, and gynecologic
or may not be qualified for and assist you in enrolling in • Ashkenazi Jewish descent oncology.
a new plan. • Personal history of an atypical biopsy Patients who need a higher level of care have a
For a no-cost or -obligation plan review, please call me • Personal history of chest radiation direct connection to Tampa General’s academic health
at (561) 835-5413 or (561) 212-7640. I conduct reviews • Known or suspected genetic mutation carrier system resources, including research breakthroughs, a
in person and on the phone. I speak Medicare. (BRCA1 or BRCA2) wider variety of clinical trials and options for advanced
According to the American Cancer Society, breast immunotherapy procedures, enhanced personal treatment
Family History of Breast cancer is the most common female cancer, with plans, and a convenient path to complex surgeries
available through Tampa General Hospital. Patients who
approximately 194,000 new cases diagnosed each year in
Cancer? Doctor Encourages the U.S. More than 70 percent of breast cancers occur in receive more complex procedures or treatment at Tampa
High-Risk Assessment Early women who are 50 years of age and older. The incidence General will be able to follow up with their local physician
of breast cancer increases with age, beginning slowly
upon returning home.
between the ages of 45 and 50, and steadily rises each TGH Cancer Institute is nationally recognized by U.S.
Do you have a family history of breast cancer? You year. In addition, breast cancer is the leading cause of News & World Report and the Commission on Cancer
may be up to twice as likely to get the disease. And cancer deaths for women between the ages of 20 and 59. (CoC), and is home to the country’s top cancer specialists,
family history is only one of a handful of factors that can “Breast cancer is common and will affect one in eight surgeons, and research scientists. TGH Cancer Institute
determine your risk. women” says Dr. Foster. “The good thing is that the specialists collaborate with experienced oncologists and
Dr. Kelly Foster, a oncology field is constantly evolving and advancing. As surgeons across the state to deliver personalized medicine
medical oncologist at TGH an oncologist, I look for ways to improve screenings for and game-changing treatments fueled by academic
Cancer Institute in Palm early detection and discuss risk reduction strategies for medicine.
Beach County, encourages prevention.” “Again, I strongly encourage anyone with risk factors
women with a high risk for Early detection is also personal for Dr. Foster. Her to visit a high-risk breast clinic,” says Dr. Foster. “Getting
breast cancer to obtain a mother has battled breast cancer for 20 years. As a result, assessed early could mean the difference between life and
comprehensive assessment she is passionate about the science, as well as prevention, death.”
early. “It is important to patient communication, and advocacy. “My mom’s cancer For questions about detecting and assessing a high
visit a high-risk clinic journey has taught me a lot about the patient experience risk for breast cancer, contact the TGH Cancer Institute
for an individualized risk and motivates me to provide the best care for my patients.” at (561) 739-4TGH (4844).
assessment,” explained Dr. Dr. Foster completed her internal medicine residency
Foster. “It’s a key first
step in cancer prevention and early detection. If you’re
someone with risk factors, a routine annual mammogram
is not enough.”