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Continued From Page 14 that feed certain tumors . It can be effective before and after surgery or if there is a recurrence . Immunotherapies stimulate the immune system to kill cancer cells and can be used , with other therapies , to treat some of the most aggressive types of the disease , such as triple-negative breast cancer . There are several options depending on tumor type and progression of disease . For instance , new monoclonal antibodies target specific proteins that feed cancer cells . In addition to the latest medical therapies to treat cancer , we take a holistic approach at Holy Name , offering nutritional counseling , support groups , education and a supportive , compassionate environment .
Inspira Health By Nandini Kulkarni , M . D ., Medical Director of Surgical Oncology
The three most common cancers in women are breast , lung and colorectal . In the United States , they make up approximately 50 percent of all cancers found in women each year . Advances in early detection and treatment continue to improve survival rates and reduce the burden of these cancers in our communities . For breast cancer , advances in 3-D mammography , ultrasound and MRI allow for earlier , more accurate diagnoses . Non-radioactive reflector localization allows for more precise localization of the tumor , increasing accuracy of surgical excision . Advances in plastic surgical reconstruction make it possible for improved cosmetic appearance after breast conservation and after mastectomy , including skin sparing and nipple sparing techniques . Lowdose CT screenings and advances in navigational and robotic bronchoscopy continue to improve
The Human Papilloma vaccine protects against nine types of HPV and is FDA approved up to age 45 .
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Breast cancer accounts for 30 percent of all new cancer diagnoses in women .
early detection of lung cancer . Minimally invasive surgeries ( VATS procedures ) and adjuvant therapies , including immunotherapy , are improving survival rates and quality of life . New screening guidelines for colonoscopy , beginning at age 45 , combined with improved endoscopy procedures and the arrival of non-invasive home kits allow more colon cancers to be detected earlier . Newer laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques for colon and rectal cancer significantly reduce the risk of serious complications , while advances in pre-surgery therapies , including chemotherapy and radiation therapy , are improving outcomes .
Jefferson Health – New Jersey By Ana Maria Lopez , M . D ., MPH , Professor and Vice Chair of Medical Oncology at Sidney Kimmel Medical College and Medical Director and Chief of Cancer Services
When we think about women ’ s cancers , we often think the conversation will now focus on the cancers associated with the organs that only women have ; that is , breasts , uterus and ovaries . Although that is how we have historically considered women ’ s cancers , we now know that every cell has a sex . We have long been aware of the impact of gender as a modulator of disease ; and how society perceives women and addresses women ’ s concerns about women ’ s health . We are learning that there are sex-specific differences in cancer biology . Our entire bodies are different , depending on our sex . These sex-specific differences have been noted in lung cancer , colon cancer and kidney cancer , just to name a few . In addition , there may be differences in the immune system , the cancer risk profile and the body ’ s processing of cancer treatments . The 21st century has brought incredible progress in the field of cancer biology and has shed new and
important light on what is now known as sex and gender-specific medicine . This additional knowledge has allowed us to expand our treatments to the molecular level .
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center By Isabel Preeshagul , D . O ., MBS Medical Oncologist
For the first time in history , women are being diagnosed with lung cancer more often than men . Data from the American Lung Association shows that lung cancer diagnoses in women have increased by 84 percent versus 36 percent among men in the last 42 years . In the United States , more women die from lung cancer than uterine , breast and ovarian cancers combined . Worldwide , 25 percent of lung cancer patients are non-smokers and non-smoking women are three times more likely than non-smoking men to be diagnosed . Prospective work is underway to better understand this finding . Research conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has led to big strides in this space as well as in personalized medicine . This has revolutionized the way my colleagues and I care for our patients . How can you reduce your risk ? Prevention is key . Tobacco cessation decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and developing other malignancies . Screening saves lives . In 2021 , the United States Preventive Services Taskforce updated their lung cancer screening guidelines and recommends annual screening with a low dose CT scan of the chest in adults aged 50-80 who have a 20-pack per year smoking history , currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years . Other methods of risk reduction : limiting exposure to secondhand smoke , radon gas and other carcinogens .
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