Understanding Breast Cancer Risks & Management

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

National Breast Cancer Expert Available for Comment—October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

WHO: Karen Karsif, MD, Director of The Breast Center at New York Hospital Queens, as well as other experts from The Cancer Center are available to speak about breast cancer risks, prevention and the importance of early detection. New York Hospital Queens has services for breast cancer patients to facilitate their treatment planning, such as a patient ‘navigator’ who help guide patients through the medical system and their decisions.

WHAT: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Breast Center at New York Hospital Queens offers an ongoing message of hope and knowledge: “Be aware. You can take control of your risks.”

WHY: Many individuals have a significant opportunity to protect breast health in addition to regular breast self-exams and annual mammograms. Specifically:

• Gender does not equal protection. Approximately 2,000 new cases of male breast cancer are diagnosed in America each year; 180,000 cases are diagnosed in women, according to the American Cancer Society.
• Genetic risks can be profiled. A counselor can help determine risk level, recommend further evaluation and early detection screenings. The Breast Center offers the services of a genetic counselor to help individuals understand their risk of cancers involving genetic issues. Some insurance plans will cover genetic counseling.
• Clinical studies show that daily living choices can make an impact, including: alcohol consumption, diet, and exercise.

UPCOMING BREAST CANCER AWARENESS EVENTS
FOR THE COMMUNITY

St. Johns University, Jamaica, NY— Thursday, October 2, 2008
12:15 p.m.

Making Strides Against
Breast Cancer Walk, Rego Park, NY— Sunday, October 19, 2008
11 a.m.

Jamaica YMCA, Jamaica, NY— Wednesday, October 22, 2008
6:30 p.m.

Queens College, Flushing, NY— Wednesday, October 29, 2008
12 p.m.

The public is welcomed to take part in the above listed breast cancer awareness activities featuring Karen Karsif, MD, Director, The Breast Center.

These dates are subject to change. Outreach presentations that are not open to the public have been excluded from this list. Those organizations have requested a closed audience for their members.

For more event information, contact Cynthia Bacon, Public Affairs & Marketing, (718) 670-2515.