OCTOBER 2020 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 29
The prognosis following a breast cancer diagnosis is not nearly as grim as it was even five years ago. (Getty Images)
PINK MAKES PROGRESS
GREATER TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS
BY MICHELLE GABRIELLE CENTAMORE
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States,
according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
Between 2012 and 2016, the Nassau County Department of Health estimated 1298.6
annual cases for females; Suffolk County Department of Health estimated 1314.2 cases in
females. Although it is rare, breast cancer can also be diagnosed in males. The good news
is, experts say the prognosis following a breast cancer diagnosis is not nearly as grim as it
was even five years ago. Better screening, diagnosis and treatment are paving the way for a
greater quality of life and longevity for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Decades ago, everyone had the same treatment — some did well, some didn’t — but now
we know what each patient’s needs are across the board of surgical treatment, medical
oncology treatment, and radiation,” says Dr. Christine Hodyl, director of Mount Sinai South
Nassau’s Center for Breast Services. “What I’m seeing with breast cancer management is
that we are moving towards personalized care.”
PRESS HEALTH
WHAT’S INSIDE continued on page 30
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CANCER
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BREAST CANCER
NONPROFITS
MYTHS
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