 | Lisa Lovell has worked at Via Christi Hospital for 32 years and helped establish the accreditation of the Cancer Center program in 1989. She is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) and fills the position of Cancer Program Coordinator. Lisa is responsible for ensuring Program compliance for accreditation status by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer as a Community Hospital Program. The accreditation entails assurance of accurate and complete data submission to various entities, ensures that comprehensive cancer services are available to all patients as well as rehabilitation and support services to patients and families, and provision of community support and education. Lisa also serves on the local board of “Angels Among Us” – a nonprofit organization created to provide help to local cancer patients since 2000. |
Health & Wellness
2012-10-03 10:35:13
Breast cancer awareness 2012
Q- With Breast Cancer Awareness month being in October, what do we have here locally that helps in treatment and/ or diagnosis?
A- According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 226,870 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the U.S. during 2012. Excluding cancers of the skin, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. In addition to invasive breast cancer, 63,300 new cases of in situ breast cancer are expected to occur among women in 2012. Since 2004, in situ breast cancer incidence rates have been stable in white women and increasing in African American women by 2.0% per year. An estimated 39,920 breast cancer deaths (39,510 women, 410 men) are expected in 2012. Breast cancer ranks second as a cause of cancer death in women (after lung cancer). The decrease in breast cancer death rates represents progress in earlier detection, improved treatment, and possibly decreased incidence.
Besides being female, increasing age is the most important risk factor for breast cancer. Risk is also increased by a family history of one or more first-degree relatives with breast cancer (though most women with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease).
Mammography can often detect breast cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more effective and a cure is more likely. Numerous studies have shown that early detection with mammography saves lives and increases treatment options. Steady declines in breast cancer mortality among women since 1990 have been attributed to a combination of early detection and improvements in treatment. Mammography is a very accurate screening tool, both for women at average and increased risk. Concerted efforts are being made to improve access to health care and to encourage all women 40 and older to receive regular mammograms. Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg offers mammography services Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. daily with a physician’s order.
Via Christi Hospital also offers mobile mammography services at various locations in Missouri and Kansas through the Wellness on Wheels Van. The hospital is also a partner with the Early Detection works program for the state of Kansas to help provide services for the underinsured population.
Via Christi Hospital Pittsburg staff technicians are mammography ARRT board certified and our mammography program is accredited by the American College of Radiology. Digital mammographic technology is available on site as well as aboard the Wellness on Wheels Van. Stereotactic breast biopsies are also performed on site as an outpatient Monday –Friday. Appointments are required and may be scheduled at 620.232.0447.
Via Christi Cancer Program provides quality cancer care close to home. Surgical intervention for breast cancer is provided on an inpatient as well as outpatient basis. The Cancer Center provides radiation and medical oncology, Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Multiple support programs are available to assist the patient and families through this crucial time in their life. Patient Navigation as well as other rehabilitation services are also available for the patient. The Via Christi Cancer Center can be reached at 620.235.7900 or toll free at 855.822.7900.
Having gone through this personally with my mother having had breast cancer and now my sister, I can truly say, everyone here has been so awesome through these tough times in our lives. The staff has provided so much support to carry us on this journey. Friends, faith and family will sustain.
