Page 18 - Talk of Tequesta - November '23

Page 18, The Talk Of Tequesta

TamPa general news

Family History Of Breast Cancer?

Doctor Encourages High-Risk Assessment Early

Do you have a family history of breast cancer? You • A male relative with breast cancer palliative medicine, and is a member of the American
may be up to twice as likely to get the disease. And • Ashkenazi Jewish descent Society of Clinical Oncology.
family history is only one of a handful of factors that can • Personal history of an atypical biopsy TGH Cancer Institute oncologists work in collaboration
determine your risk. • Personal history of chest radiation to provide comprehensive treatment options in a seamless
Dr. Kelly Foster, • Known or suspected genetic mutation carrier (BRCA1 manner. The team takes a multidisciplinary approach and
a medical oncologist at or BRCA2) strongly emphasizes compassionate and personalized care
Tampa General Hospital According to the American Cancer Society, breast through a highly coordinated range of multidisciplinary
(TGH) Cancer Institute cancer is the most common female cancer, with specialties such as hematologic malignancies; thoracic
in Palm Beach County, approximately 194,000 new cases diagnosed each year in oncology; and breast, colorectal and gynecologic
encourages women with a the U.S. More than 70 percent of breast cancers occur in oncology.
high risk for breast cancer women who are 50 years of age and older. The incidence Patients who need a higher level of care have a
to obtain a comprehensive of breast cancer increases with age, beginning slowly direct connection to Tampa General’s academic health
assessment early. “It is between the ages of 45 and 50, and steadily rises each system resources, including research breakthroughs, a
important to visit a high-risk year. In addition, breast cancer is the leading cause of wider variety of clinical trials and options for advanced
clinic for an individualized cancer deaths for women between the ages of 20 and 59. immunotherapy procedures, enhanced personal treatment
risk assessment,” explained “Breast cancer is common and will affect one in plans, and a convenient path to complex surgeries
Foster. “It’s a key first step Dr. Kelly Foster eight women” says Foster. “The good thing is that the available through Tampa General Hospital. Patients who
in cancer prevention and oncology field is constantly evolving and advancing. As receive more complex procedures or treatment at Tampa
early detection. If you’re someone with risk factors, a an oncologist, I look for ways to improve screenings for General will be able to follow up with their local physician
routine annual mammogram is not enough.” early detection and discuss risk reduction strategies for upon returning home.
Foster specializes in breast and gastrointestinal cancers prevention.” TGH Cancer Institute is nationally recognized by U.S.
at TGH Cancer Institute in partnership with the Cancer Early detection is also personal for Foster. Her mother News & World Report and the Commission on Cancer (CoC),
Center of South Florida. has battled breast cancer for 20 years. As a result, she and is home to the country’s top cancer specialists, surgeons
At TGH Cancer Institute, a high-risk breast clinic, is passionate about the science, as well as prevention, and research scientists. TGH Cancer Institute specialists
Foster works closely with patients to determine their patient communication and advocacy. “My mom’s cancer collaborate with experienced oncologists and surgeons across
true risk percentage, and then designs an individualized journey has taught me a lot about the patient experience the state to deliver personalized medicine and game-changing
imaging surveillance plan that includes risk reduction and motivates me to provide the best care for my patients.” treatments fueled by academic medicine.
strategies, state-of-the-art breast imaging and referral for Foster completed her internal medicine residency, and “Again, I strongly encourage anyone with risk factors
ancillary services such as genetic counseling. her medical oncology and palliative medicine fellowship to visit a high-risk breast clinic,” says Foster. “Getting
TGH Cancer Institute recommends that patients training at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern assessed early could mean the difference between life and
receive a referral for a formal risk assessment if they are University. She received her undergraduate degree at death.”
concerned about their lifetime risk of breast cancer and UCLA and then moved to Chicago to complete medical For questions about detecting and assessing a high
have any of these risk factors: school at Loyola University Chicago. She is board- risk for breast cancer, contact the TGH Cancer Institute
• Any family history of breast or ovarian cancer certified in medical oncology, internal medicine and at (561) 739-4TGH (4844).