The leading New Orleans area OB/GYN & Women’s Health Clinic
Our team of Obstetrician-Gynecologists and support staff understand that your health is most important, and you deserve the highest quality individual attention and discrete treatment. Under our care, you’ll feel comfortable and safe as we continue to be sensitive to you and your needs. Throughout the course of your life, we’re here for you—from childbirth to menopause treatment and everything in between.
Our Mission Statement:
“Empowering women through compassionate, comprehensive, and personalized obstetric and gynecologic care, and fostering health and well-being at every stage of life.”
Our Vision Statement:
“Our vision is to be the leading OB GYN practice dedicated to providing comprehensive, innovative, and personalized care while striving to cultivate an inclusive, supportive and respectful environment where women can achieve optimal health and wellness at every stage of life.”
A Special October Message from the Nurse Navigator.
October is breast cancer awareness month, and what does that mean, exactly? Well, it is a month focused on raising awareness about how to prevent, identify, and treat breast cancer. This month we remember those we have lost to the disease, support those currently fighting, and celebrate those who have overcome it.
Why so much buzz?
Worldwide, breast cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers, with a staggering 1 in 8 women who will be diagnosed with a form of breast cancer in her their lifetime. And although rarer, breast cancer can affect men as well, with 1 in 100 breast cancers being found in men. In Louisiana as of 2020, 120 women in 100,000 were diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast divide and grow without their normal control. By the time a lump is discovered, the cancer may have been growing for years – which is why prevention is key!
There are several ways to get checked for breast cancer. First is to perform monthly self-breast exams. Pick the same time each month. Look at your breasts in a mirror, with your hands at your sides, then above your head. Use the pads of the fingers to feel for any unusual changes around the breasts and underarm. You know your body better than anyone, so if you see or feel anything different in your breasts or underarm area, let your doctor know right away.
Beginning at age 40, it is recommended to get yearly screening mammograms. Based on those results, you can follow up with more imaging such as breast ultrasounds if recommended. If you are not yet 40, and have breast pain or lumps, you can still get breast imaging to make sure everything looks reassuring. Mammograms are a great tool to identify any areas of concern early and can catch most early-stage cancers before any warning signs occur. Warning signs include lumps or knots in the breast or underarm area, change in shape or size of breast, swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening of the breast, itchy or sore nipples, nipple discharge, or new pain in one spot that will not go away. It is important to notify your doctor immediately of any of these signs so you can be evaluated with a breast exam and imaging right away.
There are several risk factors for the development of breast cancer, which can be found in this table. It is a good idea to review and see if you have any of these risks so you can talk to your doctor about screening tools available, no matter your age.
If you have questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us to make an appointment with any of our nine wonderful physicians at The Women’s Medical Center.
We are still celebrating National Hispanic Heritage month through October 15. This important month (Sept 15-Oct 15) celebrates Hispanic and Latino culture, achievement, and their contribution to American society.
October is also Domestic Violence Awareness month, with October 20th being the recognition day. Support is shown by wearing a purple ribbon. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men are victims of domestic violence, and as health care providers it is crucial that we screen patients and offer assistance and resources to those who need it. I have resources available if you suspect a patient to be a victim of abuse.
Also, in October we remember those affected by loss during National Pregnancy and Infant Loss month. This grief is often silent, so we must be aware of the words we choose and be mindful of the experience of others, especially as we deal with a very diverse patient population at various times in their lives. We care for many patients who undergo loss, and we are the ones they trust to be caring and understanding.
Additionally, the month of October is Ultrasound Awareness Month!
“Sonographers know immediately when your baby no longer has a heartbeat, when the cancer has spread, when a clot in your vein may kill you, when drugs have affected your heart, when your baby has a horrific fatal defect, when that aneurysm looks like it will burst at any time, when your baby is growing outside of your uterus and your life is in danger, etc.
…and we are not allowed to tell you any of it.
We also rejoice when you finally get pregnant after 10 years, have your rainbow baby after a terrifying loss, the mass isn’t cancer, the cancer didn’t spread, the surgery was successful, etc.
No, our job isn’t “fun” or “happy” all the time because we get to look at healthy babies or healthy people. It is devastating but rewarding, stressful but wonderful, challenging but worth it.” —–Rebecca Shrader
Lastly, this month is very well known for being Breast Cancer Awareness month. We recognize those patients and families affected by breast cancer and fight to increase the number of survivors by promoting prevention and early treatment. The Susan G Komen foundation was started in honor of Susan Komen, who died in her 30s of breast cancer and is one of the largest foundations for breast cancer resources and education.
Did you know that the modern mammogram was invented in 1969? And that the standard treatment for breast cancer in 1970 was a radical bilateral mastectomy? Thankfully, we have come a long way since then!
Please remember to wear your pink all month in honor of our breast cancer fighters, survivors, and those we have lost to the battle.
Have a wonderful October!
