4 141.11.10111011.1.111.•111.11111111•10. Name: David Nathanson, M.D. Specialty: Surgical Oncology Affiliations : Henry Ford Hospital Henry Ford Medical Center- West Bloomfield What advances have been made in your specialty in the past year? There are three treatment advances now available at Henry Ford Hospital for treating breast cancer. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, an innovative way to diagnose the spread of breast cancer that is being researched actively, is now available outside of a research trial for selected patients. It enhances a physician's ability to diagnose where breast cancer might spread and is less invasive than the standard treatment. Ductal lavage is a new technique for screening women at high risk or breast cancer. A tiny catheter is inserted into the nipple and the ducts are 'washed' with salt water. The cells obtained by this procedure are evalu- ted by a cytopathologist. This may diagnose early breast cancer, earlier than would be possible by mammogram, breast examination, MRI or ultra- ound. Ductoscopy is a procedure that allows us to insert a scope into the nipple to actually see the inside of the ducts. This may show a very small umor that can be removed in the operating room. Assessing women at high risk for developing breast cancer is now part of the mainstream for treat- ent. Are there any new options that women should consider? The three procedures discussed above are viable options for patients as well as our high-risk breast program, which assesses a patient's risk factors, provides counseling for prevention and offers screening and diagnostic tests for evaluation and detection. Is there any new research that you would like to address? Prevention of breast cancer is important and there are a number of clinical studies ongoing at Henry Ford Hospital that women are eligible to enter. One of these is the STAR trial in which tamoxifen is compared to raloxifen in women who have a high risk of developing breast cancer. Tamoxifen, commonly pre- scribed as a postcancer treatment, works by interfering with the hormone estrogen, which has been shown to help cancer cells grow. Raloxifen, a drug used to treat osteoporosis, works also to block estrogen but keep its positive effects. Another clinical trial is evaluating whether herceptin used after primary cancer treatments lessens the likelihood cancer will return. Many new drugs are also available for testing on suitable candidates. Your advice to women who have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer: Make sure you are treated by physicians using state-of-the-art treatment and technology. Do your own research either through the Internet, National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society or your local public library, and talk about your needs with a competent professional and with your family/friends. Get treatment as soon as possible. Your follow-up care is essential and should be done fastidiously. You may also consider volun- teering for a clinical trial in which you will have access to the latest research treatment options. Name: Specialty: Affiliations: Mark Segel M.D. Radiologist Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, A. Walt Comprehensive Breast Center, Berkley Detection Center What advances have been made in mammography? The newest technology is digital mammography (similar to a digital camera). Although newer, more expensive technology is presumed to be better, it takes five to 10 years for the technology to develop. Right now, the first machines don't necessarily reflect what the technology will be. There is no evi- dence to suggest that digital mammography is better than film screen mammography — the two technologies are equal. Our hope is that the newest dig- ital machines will have increased resolution, resulting in earlier detection. Editor's note: Digital mammography uses the same technique as film screen mammography, except that the image is recorded directly into a computer, where it can then be manipulated on the monitor. This may ultimately decrease the number of retakes women experience. breast cancer awareness month Halos for Hope Swingin' Safari Soiree Halos for Hope, a crystal angel, was commissioned to support City of Hope's breast cancer research program. The City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute is located in Los Angeles. Designed by Tom Suzuki, this 2-inch- high crystal col- lectible features the familiar pink ribbon, known as the symbol of the hope and awareness for breast cancer. For purchase information, visit www.crystalworld.com The inaugural benefit for the Henry Ford Health System Nathanson/Rands Endowment for Breast Cancer Research will be held 7 p.m. Oct. 11, at the Detroit Athletic Club. The event will honor Kim Nye, vice president and general manager of Saks Fifth Avenue. Jerilyn and S. David Nathanson M.D. Happy and Bill Rands are the honorary chairmen. For ticket infor- mation, call (313) 876-9234. 28 • oCTo ER 2002 • STYLE AT THE JN Healing Waters The Center for Jewish Healing, a program of Jewish Family Service, recently held a three-part pilot series for women living with breast cancer. The facilitators included Rabbi Lauren Berkun, Dr. Ruth Lerman and Rachel Yoskowitz. For information about possible future programs, call Rachel Yoskowitz at (248) 559-1500. Sharing and Caring Sharing and Caring, a patient-driv- en volunteer network affiliated with Beaumont Hospital, provides edu- cational programs for breast cancer survivors. In honor of breast cancer awareness month, Dr. Luana Kyselka will speak 6 p.m. Oct. 17, on "Understanding Studies on HRT and Breast Cancer." For more information, call (248) 551-8585. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer The American Cancer Society hosts a non-competitive walking event Oct. 12, at Belle Isle Park with registration at 8:30 a.m. For more information, call (248) 557-5353. Discovery Health The Discovery Health channel in cooperation with the American Cancer Society will air "Beating Breast Cancer" 9 p.m. Oct. 25, fol- lowed by a Berman & Berman: For Women Only breast cancer special.