One-Third of Women Undergo Unnecessary Breast Biopsy Surgery

Texas Medical Center News, June 10, 2013

Roughly a third of Texas women with a breast lump end up having an old-fashioned surgical biopsy to determine whether the lump is cancerous. Yet since 2001, the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the American College of Radiology, and the National Cancer Center Network have recommended nonsurgical, minimally invasive biopsies as the first course of action for women with breast lumps or masses. These less invasive methods of sampling breast tissue provide results that are as accurate as surgical biopsies, the organizations say.
“We need to get the word out to women across the state that surgery is not the procedure of choice for definitive diagnosis of a breast mass,” said Taylor Riall, M.D., associate professor of surgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. [read story]

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KOMEN HOUSTON AWARDS THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH A $400,000 GRANT FOR BREAST HEALTH PROGRAM

HOUSTON (May 24, 2013) – The Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® recently presented The University of Texas Medical Branch with a community grant of $400,000 for the funding of the UTMB Komen Complete Care Project.

“The University of Texas Medical Branch is an extraordinary grant recipient organization that works endlessly to assist local women and men who are in great need of breast health services,” said Adriana M. Higgins, Ed. D., Executive Director of the Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. “Thanks to the devoted fundraisers in the Bayou City who support our fight to end breast cancer forever, we are able to fund breast health services and programs like this in the seven counties we serve.”

The UTMB Komen Complete Care Project is a program that provides breast health education, screening mammograms, diagnostic procedures, patient navigation and cancer surveillance to uninsured women.

UTMB is very grateful for the ongoing support and efforts of the Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®,” said Deana M. Gehring, UTMB Komen Complete Care Project Director. “We are both honored and privileged to move forward and broaden access to breast cancer screening and diagnostic services to uninsured women throughout southeast Texas. The Komen Complete Care Project is an emblem of UTMB’s commitment to serving the underserved.”

For more information on the granting process and other grant recipients please visit http://www.komen-houston.org/index.php/grants.

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Finding inspiration in the fight

In this guest column by UTMB’s Dr. Lyuba Levine: I am eternally grateful to all my cancer patients for their love of life and the sacrifices they make, for their patience with us doctors and nurses, and for their perseverance. I am also grateful to their families for all the support they give us. This National Cancer Survivors Day, June 5, I want to say thank you to all of the brave cancer survivors. It is easy to give up; it is not easy to fight! [see article]

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"Sunday Screenings"-- Free Screening Mammograms for uninsured return June 2 and 9

On June 2, the UTMB Sunday Screening Mammogram Program visited Greater Barbour’s Chapel church in Texas City, Texas. The visit was part of a partnership between UTMB Health and The Ruth Kempner Endowment for Breast Cancer Screening to provide free screening mammograms for uninsured women in our community. The Susan G. Komen Foundation has stated that a significant number of uninsured women in Galveston County are not receiving their annual screening mammograms. In an effort to reach these uninsured women, UTMB Health brought the mobile mammography van to churches in Galveston County in June. In addition to Greater Barbour's Chapel, the program visited St. Augustine Episcopal Church in Galveston on June 9.  

Above, from left to right are: transportation technician Jose Martinez, Pastor Andrew Berry, II (Greater Barbour’s Chapel church), Krystal Berry (First Lady of Greater Barbour’s Chapel church), UTMB mammography technologist Gena Slayton, UTMB mammography technologist Jennifer Thomas, Dr. Angelica S. Robinson (UTMB Radiology), Martha Swan (Health Awareness Team [H.A.T.] volunteer, Camila Phillips (H.A.T President), Barbara Brown (H.A.T. volunteer), Lynette Beagnyam (H.A.T. volunteer). 

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More than one third of Texas women still receive unnecessary breast biopsy surgery

Many women in Texas who are found to have an abnormality on routine mammogram or discover a lump in one of their breasts end up having an old-fashioned surgical biopsy to find out whether the breast abnormality is malignant. Since 2001, national expert panels have recommended that the first course of action for women with breast lumps or masses should be minimally invasive biopsy. At UTMB, minimally invasive biopsies are used more than 98 percent of the time. [read more]

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June 5: Cancer Survivors Day

On Wednesday, June 5, UTMB Health celebrated Cancer Survivors Day. Cancer is a journey that must not be taken alone. Help, support and guidance are available. At our events in League City and Galveston, we celebrated Cancer Survivorship. We know life after a cancer diagnosis is still meaningful and productive. If you are combating cancer or are a cancer survivor, love or care for someone affected by cancer, or are a health care professional with an interest in cancer, walk with us as we celebrate life. Events were at 1:30 at the Specialty Care Center at Victory Lakes, and at 4:30 outside the John Sealy Hospital on the UTMB main campus in Galveston. Join us for music, refreshments and fellowship.  [Get additional details]

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Breast imaging radiologist bringing health screening to the underserved

Change Magazine, March 2013

“To whom much is given, much is expected” is a phrase that motivates UTMB radiologist Dr. Angelica Robinson to give back to her community. With a collaborative team of professionals at UTMB and funds from the Ruth Kempner Endowment, Robinson brings UTMB’s mobile mammography unit to underinsured women of Galveston County for free breast cancer screening. Robinson is one of seven “Women Creating Change.” [see article]

 

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“Reconstruction of a Survivor” Breast Cancer Support Group

UTMB supports monthly “Reconstruction of a Survivor” Breast Cancer Support Group sessions at Christus Victor Lutheran Church located at 2098 West Main Street, League City, 77573.

These support groups are for women diagnosed with breast cancer. We help women at any stage of diagnosis and treatment understand that breast cancer affects them both emotionally and spiritually, not just physically. Our mission is to ensure, through information, empowerment and peer support, that no one faces breast cancer alone.

A light meal and refreshments are offered. Meetings are usually hosted the third Thursday of each month:

6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Christus Victor Lutheran Church
2098 West Main Street
League City, 77573

To RSVP for the event or to get more information, please contact Stella Turrubiate at scturrub@utmb.edu.

[See calendar listing]

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Jan 8, 2013: The Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club is a UTMB patient education series where attendees get to hear great speakers, gain new insights, and enjoy a free breakfast. It's a great way to start your day. Below, watch a webcast of Dr. Karen Powers' recent presentation:

“Going for Bust: Breast Reconstruction After Cancer Surgery”

Dr. Karen L. Powers earned her M.D. at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. She completed her general surgery and plastic surgery residencies at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Powers completed a fellowship in breast microsurgery at the University of Utah, Division of Plastic Surgery in Salt Lake City, Utah. As an Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Dr. Powers's special interests are breast reconstruction, microsurgery, wound healing, and medical education. Her research projects include: utilization and outcomes of breast reconstruction; national practice patterns and disparities in care among patients with breast cancer; and effects of radiation on reconstructed breasts.

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CLICK TO VIEW

Houston Univision Channel 45 highlighted the mobile mammography program and the free "Sunday Screenings" events (details are below). Dr. Tomas Uribe, staff from the Breast Health & Imaging Center, and patients all contributed to the interview. [view it in Spanish]

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UTMB offers Sunday mammograms at area churches

Guidry News, Nov. 3, 2012
Dr. Angelica Robinson is a woman on a mission: She wants to take breast cancer screening services on the road to as many underserved women in the community as she can possibly reach. One of her most successful programs involves taking the UTMB mobile mammography van to churches on Sunday mornings. With support from The Ruth Kempner Endowment for Breast Cancer Screening, Robinson has once again organized a fall “Sunday Screening” program.

[read more]

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Tanger Outlets and UTMB Breast Health and Imaging Center team up for grand opening

October event supported cancer patients and UTMB breast health efforts

A recent event provided a perfect opportunity for two great organizations to work together to get the word out about breast cancer and the importance of regular screenings. The new Tanger Outlets in Texas City hosted a “PinkSTYLE Grand Opening Weekend” on October 19-21. The event helped raise dollars to support breast cancer initiatives in the community through UTMB’s Breast Health and Imaging Center. [read more]

 

 

A PINKSTYLE GRAND OPENING!

Enjoy these photos from the recent PinkSTYLE Grand Opening at Tanger Outlets. One of the weekend's events benefited the cancer programs at UTMB Health, and helped increase awareness about breast cancer. UTMB volunteers were at the new outlet mall handing out information and sharing breast cancer information, and the mobile mammography van was on site, offering mammograms for $99.

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Breast cancer prevention beats treatment

Galveston Daily News, Oct. 12, 2012

In this guest column by UTMB’s Dr. Techksell McKnight Washington: Breast cancer can be prevented if at-risk women arm themselves with knowledge and work with their health care providers to determine an individual course of action. Some preventive treatments may seem daunting. But it’s so important to begin the conversation with your practitioner. October, Breast Cancer Awareness month, is the perfect time to make the appointment. I encourage you to take that step. [read more]

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UTMB offers ‘Sunday Screenings’

Free screening mammograms for uninsured Galveston County residents

UTMB and The Ruth Kempner Endowment for Breast Cancer Screening are partnering once again to provide free screening mammograms for uninsured women in Galveston County. Uninsured women with limited transportation and resources may have difficulty getting to scheduled mammography screenings, or forgo their annual mammograms completely. In an effort to reach these women, UTMB Health's mobile mammography van will be offering services at several areas churches. [get details]

Last May, the UTMB Sunday Screening Mammogram Program visited Avenue L Baptist Church, in Galveston. From left to right are Dr. Angelica S. Robinson (UTMB Radiology), Reverend E. R. Johnson (Avenue L Baptist Church), Mrs. Della Ewing (volunteer, Avenue L Baptist Church), mammography technician Denise Shaw, Dr. Snehal More (UTMB Radiology volunteer), mammography technician Madeline Goldenschue, and transportation technician Jose Martinez. The program returns, visiting three area churches in October and November 2012. 

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Breast health specials in October: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston is hosting numerous special events and programs to encourage breast health at its breast imaging locations throughout the Bay Area. Specials include free and reduced-price screening mammograms for uninsured women, a mammogram mobile van program, extended clinic hours and self-referral screening mammograms. [read more]

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UTMB Health marks "BRA" Day Oct. 17

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day is an initiative designed to promote education, awareness and access for women who may wish to consider post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. It is a collaborative effort that includes plastic surgeons specializing in breast surgery, plastic surgery nurse specialists, medical device industry representatives and breast cancer support groups.

UTMB hosted a breakfast on October 17, 2012 at the Specialty Care Center at Victory Lakes. For more information, please contact Yvonne Rendon at (409) 772-1255 or yrendon@utmb.edu.

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D'Feet Breast Cancer: 2012 Fun Run / Walk

More than just a run and walk, this fun annual event is a gathering of people, breast cancer survivors, family members of all ages who come to celebrate life, to memorialize loved ones lost to breast cancer, and to honor those men and women undergoing treatment. D'Feet Breast Cancer, Inc., is a grass-roots, all volunteer organization which provides mammograms to more than 800 uninsured and underserved Galveston County women ages 40 to 64. Race day is Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012 at Moody Gardens. Get more information

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Look Good…Feel Better Program

The Look Good … Feel Better program is a free workshop that helps women to cope with the side effects of cancer treatment. However, participants say it’s less about what it does for women on the outside and more about how it makes them feel on the inside.

The national program, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, has served more 650,000 women since its inception 20+ years ago. UTMB has been offering the popular program for several years. Experts will provide step-by-step guidance on makeup and skin care, and tips on prosthesis fittings and hair pieces. The workshop provides a comfortable, supportive atmosphere with other women coping with cancer treatment, those about to go through it and those who have been there.

The event was hosted at the Specialty Care Center at Victory Lakes on Monday, October 15, 2012.

The program is free. To inquire about future dates, please call (832) 505-1700.

 

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UTMB earns national accreditation for highest level of breast care

GALVESTON, Texas – The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has been granted a three-year, full accreditation designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.

Accreditation by the NAPBC, a program administered by the American College of Surgeons, is given only to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of quality breast care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance.

“We are honored to have earned this accreditation. It’s a tremendous testament to the dedication and commitment that we have to delivering the best possible care,” said Donna K. Sollenberger, executive vice president and CEO of the UTMB Health System.

[Read full news release]

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Komen spotlights UTMB Heath in "Komen Complete Care Project"

Since 2004, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has received annual grant funding from The Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® to provide comprehensive breast health services to underserved and uninsured women in Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty and Montgomery counties. Last year, UTMB received $687,686 in funding for its Komen Complete Care Project. Those funds provided:

• 1,146 screening mammograms
• 892 breast diagnostic procedures
• 7 full cancer treatment programs
• 352 navigation services for patients with breast abnormalities
• 92 navigation services to women diagnosed with breast cancer
• 843 instances of breast health education for patients at well-woman exams

“The UTMB Komen Complete Care Project is unique in that it helps us bridge the gap in services that currently exists in our community, particularly for uninsured women aged 40-49 years,” says Deana Gehring, grant coordinator for UTMB’s breast and cervical cancer programs. Numerous institutions and local organizations offer free or reduced-cost screening mammograms for women, but few are able to offer a complete continuum of care from screening through full treatment. UTMB is able to do this because of the funding it receives from Komen Houston, says Gehring.

Read the full article on the Susan G. Komen web site ...

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Dr. Robinson appointed to leadership role with statewide Breast Health Collaborative

Dr. Angelica S. Robinson has accepted a role as Director-at-Large for the Gulf Coast Region of the Breast Health Collaborative of Texas. The Breast Health Collaborative is a network of more than 350 nonprofit and corporate organizations and individuals dedicated to improving access to breast health services. Their mission is to educate, advocate, and leverage resources to ensure no Texan goes without breast health care.

The responsibilities of a Director-at-Large include representing and reporting on breast health information, access issues, disparities and needs in their public health service region. There are eight total public health service regions in the state of Texas. UTMB has been a member of the collaborative since it was founded; other academic institutions actively involved with this statewide effort include Baylor College of Medicine and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Dr. Robinson specializes in breast imaging and intervention, and is board certified by the American Board of Radiology. She performs a wide variety of exams and procedures including mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, and image-guided biopsy procedures. In addition, she works closely with the UTMB Nuclear Medicine Section to interpret molecular breast imaging examinations which serve as a critical adjunct to mammography in appropriate cases.

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New treatments leading to better outcomes

Galveston County Daily News, Oct. 31, 2011. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, it’s important to reflect on why it has become a nationally recognized cause, writes UTMB’s Dr. H. Colleen Silva. According to the 2010 American Cancer Society data, breast cancer remains the No. 1 cancer diagnosis in women with an estimated 207,090 cases predicted for this year. In Texas, an estimated 12,920 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and 2,780 women will die. As October closes, with all the pink ribbons around, I hope you took a few minutes to ask, “Is it time for my mammogram? Am I doing everything I can to stay healthy and decrease my risk of breast cancer?”

Read article 

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October a good time to think about breast cancer

Galveston County Daily News, Oct. 15, 2011 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and a good time to reflect on the current advances in breast cancer detection and treatment, says Dr. Angelica Robinson, a breast imaging radiologist at UTMB's Breast Health & Imaging Center. Early detection programs and increased public awareness have significantly decreased the number of breast cancer deaths each year. The American Cancer Society reports there are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. She believes this reflects new and innovative breast cancer research, improved treatment regimens, advances in breast imaging capabilities and the benefits of early detection.

Read article

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D'Feet Breast Cancer: 2011 Fun Run / Walk

It is more than just a run and walk. It is the gathering of people, breast cancer survivors, family members of all ages who come to celebrate life, memorialize those loved ones lost to breast cancer, and honor those men and women undergoing treatment.

The early morning was filled with enjoying the floral and fauna of Moody Gardens as the dew on the ground disappeared. Runners, walkers, and kids gathered for their events. Various street characters were roaming around to greet the public. It was a great event.

D'Feet Breast Cancer, Inc., is a grassroots, all volunteer organization. D'Feet Breast Cancer provides mammograms to more than 800 uninsured and underserved Galveston County women ages 40 to 64. Early detection gives women the best option for treatment.

Race day was Saturday, October 29, 2011 at Moody Gardens. Among the crowd were 28 UTMB employees and family members who made up the "Wonder Walkers" team.

Get more information

 

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Osher LifeLong learning Institute (OLLI) schedule includes sessions at Victory Lakes

OLLI provides a welcoming environment for all those 55 or over through a collaborative program that offers courses and special presentations. Curriculum is designed by learners to meet specialized interests, capitalize on unique regional resources and environment, and use local experts for faculty.

Get details on upcoming sessions and how to become an OLLI member.

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Cancer Survivors Day June 14-15

See a recap of recent events for Cancer Survivors Day at UTMB. We know life after a cancer diagnosis can be meaningful and productive. If you are combating cancer or are a cancer survivor, love or care for someone affected by cancer, or are a health care professional with an interest in cancer, come learn and celebrate life with us.

• SEE A RECAP OF THE EVENTS

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Two new free programs benefitting patients offered at Victory Lakes

The Breast Health and Imaging Center at Victory Lakes now offers the Breast Prosthesis Program and Look Good ... Feel Better Program. Both are free, supported by the American Cancer Society and available to UTMB and non UTMB patients alike.

UTMB's expert staff can help women feel good and look beautiful after breast surgery. The American Cancer Society’s Breast Prosthesis Program, together with support from the Susan G. Komen Foundation, provides each patient one white and black prosthetic bra with prosthesis. Patients can schedule an appointment for breast prosthesis fitting by calling the center at (832) 505-1700. [get flyer]

The Look Good…Feel Better Program is a collaboration between the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the National Cosmetology Association (NCA). All three sponsoring organizations work together to provide patient education, free program materials and free makeup kits for each patient participating in a group workshop. The group program is open to all women with cancer who are undergoing radiation, chemotherapy or other forms of treatment. Volunteer cosmetologists are trained and certified by Personal Care Products Council Foundation, ACS and NCA. The Look Good...Feel Better workshop is held every other month at Victory Lakes. The next session is Monday, Feb. 7 at 9 a.m.. Patients can register or get more information by calling (832) 505-1700. [get flyer]

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It’s a whole new game in breast cancer therapy

By MARY ALYS CHERRY, Houston Community Newspapers

Less is more nowadays in the fight against breast cancer.

“In the past, if you got breast cancer, you were going to get a radical mastectomy,” Dr. Colleen Silva says.

“They were going to remove your entire breast. They were going to take the muscles underneath your breast and they were going to remove all the lymph nodes from underneath your arms.”

Not so today.

“One of the surprising things about breast surgery today is we have moved into an era of less is more,” explains the medical director at the UTMB Breast Health and Imaging Center on I-45 in League City.

Today, she said, “we’ve moved into this area of minimal surgery for women with early (breast) disease. Most people find it is not as bad as they feared.” Read entire article in Houston Community Newspapers