BCHS physicians to speak on breast cancer

Breast cancer, the most common disease among women in the United States, accounts for nearly one of every three cancers diagnosed. With that statistic in mind, you no doubt know someone in your family or circle of friends and acquaintances that has been touched by this disease. Even though the vast majority of breast cancers occur in women, men are at risk as well.

Dr. Wendy French, board certified medical oncologist/hematologist at The Cancer Care Center and Dr. Kerri Murray, board certified general surgeon, both members of the Battle Creek Health System medical staff, will talk about early detection, common causes, effective advances in mammography, and new treatment options related to breast cancer on Wednesday, October 21, at the Burnham Brook Center. This program coincides with the national focus on breast cancer during the month of October.

Senior Health Partners in coordination with Battle Creek Health System presents the program as part of its ongoing 'Aging Well' series, which is free to the public. A light luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by Dr. French and Dr. Murray's presentation at noon. Seating is limited. For reservations call toll free 1-877-GO2-BCHS (877-462-2247).

By the end of 2008, more than 180,000 women throughout the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Sadly about 40,000 women will die from this disease in the coming year. That is the bad news. The good news is that because of medical advancements in diagnosing and treating cancer, there are approximately 2.5 million breast cancer survivors!

Sadly many women refuse to take a proactive role against breast cancer and ignore the situation completely. Just being a female is the greatest risk factor for breast cancer. Yes, increasing in age and family history are other risk factors-and it can and does touch women of all races and ages. In fact, 90-95% of all breast cancers are found in women with no family history of the disease. That is why it is important to be vigilant.

There are things that can greatly reduce your chances of developing breast cancer. You can include regular exercise in your daily routine; eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet; avoid smoking; and use alcohol in moderation.

If you are 40 years of age or older, please get a mammogram and have a clinical breast exam every year. And don't forget the importance of monthly breast self-exams.

If you are a woman between the ages of 20 to 39, make certain you perform a monthly breast self-exam and have a clinical breast examination by your health care professional every three years.

The Cancer Care Center at BCHS is pleased to announce that it will be offering a new radiation therapy treatment option for specific breast cancer patients meeting a defined protocol, based on the staging of their breast cancer and other clinical criteria. This high dose radiation therapy (brachytherapy) option can shorten the treatment time enabling patients to get back to their normal lives sooner, and resume the things they love and need to do, such as working, caring for their families, and staying active and traveling.

Senior Health Partners, a collaboration of Battle Creek Health System, Burnham Brook Center, and Summit Pointe, works to expand wellness and educational offerings to senior citizens in Calhoun and surrounding counties.

Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission. Battle Creek Health System, a member of the Mercy Cancer Network, is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm) and 2009 Five Star rated for joint replacement surgery and total knee replacement. HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.

About the Presenters:
Wendy French, DO is a graduate of Hope College. She earned her medical degree at Des Moines University before completing her internship at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in San Bernardino, California and residency in internal medicine from the University of Kentucky in Lexington. She also received a hematology/oncology fellowship at the Medical College of Virginia through Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. She joined the Battle Creek Health System medical staff in 2008. Dr. French is a board certified in medical oncology and in internal medicine.



Kerri Murray, MD received her undergraduate degree in biological chemistry at Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts. She completed her medical degree at Rush Medical College, Rush Presbyterian - St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, and her surgical residency and training at Finch University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School - Mount Sinai Hospital, Chicago, Illinois. She joined the Battle Creek Health System medical staff in 2004.

Dr. Murray is a board certified general surgeon.