Tom Fallon, 69, was in a shower about a year ago when he accidentally touched a lump on his left breast. The Florida retiree didn't take the matter to heart at first. However, just a few months later, the lump not only grew rapidly, but was also accompanied by bouts of pain. This forced him to seek the help of an internist. The doctor's words were like a bolt from the blue, and he was told that he had breast cancer. What shocked him even more was that the doctors planned to perform a mastectomy on him immediately. However, his family was convinced that something was wrong and urged him to seek a second opinion. "I never thought men would get breast cancer," Tom Fallon said. I've always been fit and eating healthy. It's just shocking. ”
After much searching, he met breast surgeon Katherina Zabicki Calvillo. She worked as a breast surgeon at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for 16 years and opened her own practice earlier this year. With Dr. Calvillo's patient explanations and professional advice, Tom Fallon gradually accepted the reality and actively cooperated**. Calvillo's clinic is one of the many breast health centers that have sprung up across the country in recent years. Her practice is a beacon focused on shining a light on the path to breast health – from meticulous assessment of cancer risk, to careful management of breast cancer patients**, to thorough screening for high-risk populations, all underwritten by insurance companies.
She recommended hormone blocking** to Fallon, an innovative approach designed to shrink lumps so that only lumps are removed and breasts are preserved. Her doctor took this well-thought-out advice, and now, Fallon has successfully defeated the cancer and his left breast has been saved. Not only that, but Fallon also bravely underwent genetic screening. The test is like a key to the family's secrets, and if the cancer gene is found, it may provide an early warning for the lives of his brothers, sisters, sons and grandchildren. Fortunately, the test results did not reveal any traces of the cancer gene.
One-stop shop for breast cancer**
When people walk into Calvillo's clinic, they are greeted with a comprehensive and accurate breast cancer risk analysis. This is not only an in-depth exploration of breast cancer, but also a detailed interpretation of genes. If necessary, she conducts comprehensive testing for 77 oncogenes. These genes, like stars in the dark, may predict the risk of other cancers, including colon, breast, ovarian, pancreatic, brain and prostate cancers. "We're not just looking for breast cancer genes, we're digging deeper into each woman's lifetime risk of developing breast cancer," says Calvillo, "so that we can decide if we need to introduce other breast cancer screening methods or preventive drugs." "For those high-risk patients, in addition to genetic testing, they need to undergo other imaging tests to make sure they are safe. In the clinic, people seeking a second opinion coexist with people who are constantly being monitored and monitored, forming a diverse and deep picture.
I was in a top academic health care clinic in my 50s, but I had never undergone a formal cancer risk assessment or a lifelong breast assessment. This is Calvillo's sentiment and a reflection on the current medical situation, "We need to change from reactive to proactive, and actively face the challenges of life." Kathy M, 54, a self-employed retailer outside Boston, was diagnosed with aggressive triple-negative breast cancer in January. Before meeting Calvillo, she had consulted with several surgeons. After chemotherapy and a mastectomy, she chose Calvillo for her nipple-sparing surgery to hide the scar. Today, she is using tissue expanders to make room for breast implants. Calvillo's professional advice made her more aware of the pros and cons of each procedure. Although her initial doctor recommended that she have an annual follow-up check-up, Kathy prefers to maintain a close relationship with her doctor to make sure the cancer is not **. That's why she walks into Calvillo's clinic several times a year to find peace of mind, a commitment to life.
Tailor-made**
Breast cancer experts point out that for breast cancer patients or those at risk, the key is to find the best solution. Dr. Marisa Weiss emphasized: "As breast cancer care becomes more specialized and patients play a more active role in the process, it has become the trend to specialise care. "We strongly believe that everyone facing the challenges of breast cancer has the right to the best**. This involves the best practices in various specialties: radiology, surgery, pathology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, tumor genes and genetic testing, etc. Specialty clinics or hospitals should offer these options, but the actual choice should also take into account the place of residence, health insurance coverage, cultural background, and the psychological needs of the individual. ”
Dr. Sarah Cate, said, "The Cancer Center is the perfect place for cancer**. We have the resources to provide same-day imaging, genetic counseling and testing services. She added, "Some patients may need more time to understand screening options or determine their next steps after mammogram abnormalities." Many primary care physicians or obstetricians and gynecologists may not have enough time to discuss these issues in depth with patients. Therefore, small breast health clinics also play an indispensable role. Focus on breast health