CANCER
Q
I don’t have any family
history of breast
cancer. Why should I have a
mammogram?
A
Of breast cancer patients,
85 percent have no family
history of the disease. According
to the American Cancer Society,
women age 40 and older should
have a screening mammogram
every year and should continue to
do so for as long as they are in good
health. These annual screenings
can help identify abnormalities in
your breast tissue that might be
cancerous, increasing the possibility
of early detection.
3-D mammography is a
revolutionary new screening
and diagnostic tool designed for
early breast cancer detection
that can be done in conjunction
with a traditional 2-D digital
mammogram. During the 3-D part
of the exam, the x-ray arm sweeps
in a slight arc over the breast,
taking multiple breast images in
millimeter slices, allowing the
radiologist to see breast detail in
a way never before possible.
Kearney Breast Center at
PeaceHealth in Longview recently
installed this type of equipment in
its newly renovated breast center to
offer patients the greatest chance
of early detection.
MAMMOGRAMS
CHILDREN’S HEALTH
Q
I’ve been experiencing
cramping in my lower
abdomen lately. Could it be
colon cancer?
A
Abdominal cramping can
be caused by a number of
conditions, from diarrhea and
constipation to colon cancer. If you
have had this pain for more than
two weeks, you should see your
provider right away for an exam and
to begin a treatment plan.
Despite its high incidence,
colon cancer is one of the most
detectable—and curable when
found early—forms of cancer. Most
cases of colon cancer begin with
precancerous polyps located in the
colon or rectum. They are usually
diagnosed and treated at the same
time—during a colonoscopy.
According to the Colon Cancer
Alliance, more than 90 percent
of all cases of colon cancer can
be prevented with recommended
screening. For people who have no
previous symptoms, personal history,
or family history of colorectal cancer,
it is recommended to have an initial
colonoscopy at age 50 and then every
10 years after that, as long as you
remain symptom-free.
Prakish Thapaliya, MD
Oncologist
PeaceHealth Lower Columbia
Cancer Center
1615 Delaware St.
Longview, WA 98632
360-414-7878
Q
My son came home
sick from preschool.
One of the teachers said it
could be rotavirus. What is
that?
A
It could be rotavirus or one
of a number of viruses that
cause vomiting and diarrhea this
time of year. The cause is usually
a virus, and the treatment is
similar in most cases.
One is tummy rest. Stop
complicated intake and restrict the
diet first to clear liquids—ideally a
balanced electrolyte solution like
Pedialyte or your own favorite store’s
“same as” product for children’s
rehydration. Give small amounts at a
time for any child with vomiting.
Watch for wet diapers or
urination at least every six hours
or so and increase the fluids if
it is taking a while before the
next time they urinate.
For diarrhea, using starchy
foods—such as bananas, breads,
toast, rice, or potatoes (not
fried)—can be helpful.
Remember good handwashing
so as not to pass the virus
from person to person!
Erin Harnish, MD
Pediatrician
PeaceHealth Medical Group
Pediatrics
1615 Delaware St.
Longview, WA 98632
360-414-2385
Ruth Melvin, RT(M)
Radiologic Technologist
Kearney Breast Center,
PeaceHealth St. John
Medical Center
1615 Delaware St.
Longview, WA 98632
360-414-2701
3-DMammography
When:
Thursday,
February 13, 10 a.m. social,
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
presentation
Info:
Ruth Melvin, RT(M),
will lead a discussion
about mammography
for the golden years in a
casual atmosphere. Call
360-501-3701
to register.
Golden Health
When:
Thursday,
March 13, 10 a.m. social,
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
presentation
Where:
Women’s Health
Pavilion, 1660 Delaware St.
Info:
Meet PeaceHealth’s
new oncologist, Prakish
Thapaliya, MD, and learn
about cancer screening
and prevention education.
Call
360-501-3701
to
register.
TALK WITH A DOC
5
Golden Health
Cancer
Screening and
Prevention
