妇女的健康

Treating the Whole Woman, Not Just Breast Cancer

作者：William Dugoni，医学博士
专业: 普通外科-住院医师

When we talk about women’s health, we tend to focus a lot on breast cancer and the need for regular screenings. 这是因为乳房 cancer is the second most common form of cancer in women after skin cancer. Statistics show that 1 in 8 women will develop the disease at some point 在他们的生活中.

什么是乳腺癌?

Breast cancer occurs when cells in breast tissue – typically in the milk ducts or glands – mutate and begin to invade surrounding tissues. Usually, these cells form malignant tumors that can be felt as a lump 或者在乳房x光检查中看到. There’s also a risk that it can metastasize 或者扩散到身体的其他部位.

我的风险是什么？?

While the exact cause 乳腺癌的发病率 is still unclear, there are biological and lifestyle factors that help determine whether you’re at increased 患病的风险. 除了作为女人，随着年龄的增长， especially if you’re over the age of 50 and/or an African-American woman, and family history are some of the most significant risk factors.

A woman whose first-degree relative (mother, sister or daughter) has had breast cancer has a significantly increased 患病的风险. 两个 基因突变 in particular, BRCA1 and BRCA2, have been identified to cause some instances 乳腺癌的发病率. However, it’s important to note that being genetically predisposed to developing breast cancer does not mean you will get the disease.

如何检测它?

和大多数癌症一样， 早期检测 这是取得更好结果的关键吗. 这就是为什么它如此重要 to regularly conduct self-examinations, have annual wellness check-ups, 还有推荐的乳房x光检查.

Regardless of age, it’s recommended that women perform 乳房自检 once a month to get familiar with the shape and consistency of your breasts, so you’re more likely to detect any abnormalities. 对病人 who are unsure about how to spot changes in breast tissue, I tell them to literally draw a picture of a clock, check “hour by hour”, and mark any lumps or fibrous tissue they may feel. 然后，当你这样做的时候 your self-exam next month, you have something to refer to.

A mammogram is essentially a specialized x-ray that can detect lumps within 乳房才能被感觉到. 即使你没有察觉 any abnormalities during self-examination or possess known risk factors, it’s recommended that women over the age of 40 receive a mammogram 每1-2年. Those known to be at an elevated risk for developing breast cancer should consult their doctor before scheduling a mammogram.

乳腺癌之外的问题

But, while it’s important to know the risks and symptoms of breast cancer, it’s just as important to understand the psychological and 它带来的情感影响.

At the Washington Hospital Women’s Center, we’ve put a lot of resources into creating an environment that promotes healing, more importantly, peace, during a scary time in the lives of our 病人. From the soothing, spa-like atmosphere to the care and support of our Nurse Navigators, we want to help treat our 病人’ minds, bodies 还有灵魂，而不仅仅是他们的癌症.

In addition to advanced diagnostic services, the Women’s Center offers massages and yoga for stress and pain management, breast health seminars and support groups, as well as bra and prosthetic fittings. 如果确诊, our Nurse Navigators work with 病人, their families and their physicians to ensure they’re getting the best possible treatments, support services, and guidance through their breast cancer journeys.

尽管有 超过300万女性 with a history 乳腺癌的发病率 living in the United States, it’s still a scary concept for many to grapple with – but it’s important to know that diagnosis isn’t necessarily a death sentence. Early detection, advanced treatments and greater awareness of the risks and dangers it poses have contributed to decreasing death rates over the 过去几十年. Knowing your body and receiving your recommended screenings are the first steps to finding, treating and beating this disease.

If you’d like to learn more about the Women’s Center and its 护士导航员，访问 威尼斯人官网医院网站. To learn about how the UCSF-Washington Hospital partnership is bringing comprehensive, specialized cancer care to the Tri-City Area, see this piece on 社区癌症护理.

发布于2019年1月

关于威廉·E. 马里兰州Dugoni
Dr. 威廉·E. 小Dugoni. is a 4th generation San Franciscan, specializing in general and oncologic surgery and is a member of Washington Township 弗里蒙特医学基金会. He is a graduate of University of California 旧金山医学院. In his work as both a surgeon and Director of 威尼斯人官网医院威尼斯人官网系统’s Women’s Center, he has been a partner in providing the best care possible for breast cancer 病人. He currently serves as the President of the Washington Outpatient Surgery Center 董事会, Trustee for the Washington 基金会 and Director of the Washington Hospital Surgical Hospitalist Program.