Just Above the Waves
Charismatic. Type-A. Determined. Sharon Marcotte is a self-starter who loves to be on the go. She can often be found traveling with her husband of 54 years, John, in their motorhome. Her world stopped, however, in June 2019 when she discovered a marble-sized lump in her left breast. Sharon was a nurse for 50 years, […]
A Tall Order: Beating Breast Cancer and Lymphedema
Shannon Watson’s phone began to ring. As a Riverview Health employee herself, she quickly recognized the number as her doctor’s office. Shannon excused herself from her desk to take the call in private. During the call Shannon got the news she had been fearing—she had breast cancer. Once back at her desk, the severity of […]
Detecting Cancer With the Most Accurate Mammogram
Sarah Ochs Riverview Health Bone & Breast Center supervisor While getting an annual mammogram is certainly not the most pleasant experience for a woman, it’s a necessary one. One woman in eight will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime, and 80 percent of those diagnosed have no family history. While there is no definitive research […]
Self-Breast Exam: The Right Way
By Dr. Katheryn Moreira Riverview Health Physicians OB/GYN Knowing your body is one of the single best ways to stay healthy, since it allows you to recognize and address issues early, when they’re easier to treat. That’s why it’s so important to examine your breasts regularly and to do it correctly. Here’s how: 1: Look […]
When Prevention is No Longer an Option
By Brittany Nelson, MS, RD, CHWC Taking active steps to prevent breast cancer is something all women (and men) can do. There are many risk factors that can increase the risk of breast cancer. The National Cancer Institute provides an excellent tool called the “Gail Model” which can be helpful in determining your specific risk. […]
How Diet Can Decrease Your Risk for Breast Cancer
By Katie Boscia, MS, RD, IBCLC, CDE There is no one food or diet that can prevent breast cancer. However, there are certain foods that can help boost your immune system and make you healthier, which can decrease the risk of breast cancer. Some foods can help decrease the side effects of treatment and help […]
Exercising During Breast Cancer Treatment
By Ryan Lawson, Exercise Specialist Research strongly suggests that exercise is safe both during and after breast cancer treatment, provided it’s integrated correctly. By exercising during treatment, you can improve your overall wellbeing and develop bodily efficiency. Exercise has also been shown to ease side effects of cancer treatment and boost energy. There are some […]
Better Breast Cancer Detection with 3D Mammography
By Parin Bhayani, MD, Mammography Radiologist at Riverview Health According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, all women should begin yearly mammograms at age 40. Clinical breast exams should start even earlier at age 20. It’s important to keep up with these health screenings, as early detection is vital when it comes to […]
5 Things Your OB/GYN Wants You to Know
As an OB/GYN specialist with Riverview Health Physicians, Cameual Wright, MD, focuses on treating a woman as a whole. Dr. Wright strives to create a place for open communication between her and her patients, and education is a large part of that. By educating women on the five key areas below, she hopes to provide […]
When Should You Start Getting Mammograms?
Mammogram screenings play an important role in the early detection of breast cancer and breast disease. The American Cancer Society recommends the following guidelines for screenings: Yearly mammograms should start at age 40 and continue every year, as long as you’re healthy. Clinical breast exams should occur about every three years for women in their […]