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PROFNET EXPERT ALERTS: New Mammogram Guidelines

Saturday, November 21, 2009 General News
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NEW MAMMOGRAM GUIDELINES

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a government panel ofdoctors and scientists, most women don't need mammograms in their 40s andshould only get them every two years starting at 50 -- a reversal of theAmerican Cancer Society's long-standing position that women should get annualmammograms beginning at age 40. The panel also said breast self-exams do nogood, and women shouldn't be taught to do them. Following are experts who cancomment on the report and its impact:
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1. SAMI BEG, M.D., MPA, MPH, associate medical director of U.S. PREVENTIVEMEDICINE and noted speaker on prevention and public health: "The U.S.Preventive Services Task Force decision looks at screening from a publichealth perspective. However, women and their doctors need to decide what isappropriate on an individual level. Women should talk to their doctors todecide the appropriate screening based on individual family histories andother risks, as well as personal circumstances, including anxiety from notbeing screened." The document "U.S. Preventive Medicine Position on NewMammogram Guidelines from U.S. Preventive Services Task Force" is availablefor review. He is located in Jacksonville, Fla. News Contact: Denise Bauwens,[email protected] Phone: +1-610-891-7560 (11/20/09)
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2. DEB WEINTRAUB, director of mission programs, the Los Angeles affiliate forSUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE: "Susan G. Komen for the Cure wants to eliminateany impediments to regular mammography screening for women age 40 and older.While there is no question that mammograms save lives for women over 50 andwomen 40-49, there is enough uncertainty about the age at which mammographyshould begin and the frequency of screening that we would not want to see achange in policy for screening mammography at this time. One-third of thewomen who qualify for screening under today's guidelines are not beingscreened due to lack of access, education or awareness. That issue needs focusand attention: If we can make progress with screening in vulnerablepopulations, we could make more progress in the fight against breast cancer."News Contact: Lily De Smedt, [email protected] Phone: +1-310-689-7586 Website: http://www.komenlacounty.org (11/20/09)

3. CAROL H. LEE, M.D., chair of the AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY BreastImaging Commission, is at SLOAN-KETTERING in New York City: "These unfoundedUSPSTF recommendations ignore the valid scientific data and place a great manywomen at risk of dying unnecessarily from a disease that we have madesignificant headway against over the past 20 years. Mammography is not aperfect test, but it has unquestionably been shown to save lives -- includingin women aged 40-49. These new recommendations seem to reflect a consciousdecision to ration care. If Medicare and private insurers adopt theseincredibly flawed USPSTF recommendations as a rationale for refusing womencoverage of these life-saving exams, it could have deadly effects for Americanwomen. The USPSTF claims that the 'harms' of mammography, including discomfortof the exam, anxiety over positive results, and possibility of overtreatment,because medical science cannot distinguish which cancers will become deadlymost quickly, outweigh the greatly decreased number of deaths each yearresulting from breast cancer screening. Without doubt, the possibility ofhaving one's life saved through early detection far outweighs any of theseconcerns. Their premise is tragically incorrect and will result in manyneedless deaths if their recommendations are adopted by the American public."News Contact: Shawn Farley, [email protected] Phone: +1-703-648-8936(11/20/09)

4. W. PHIL EVANS, M.D., FACR, president of the SOCIETY OF BREAST IMAGING(SBI), is at UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER in Dallas: "The USPSTFrecommendations are a step backward and represent a significant harm towomen's health. To tell women they should not get regular mammograms startingat 40, when this approach has overwhelmingly been shown to save lives, isshocking. At least 40 percent of the patient life years saved by mammographicscreening are of women aged 40-49. These recommendations are inconsistent withcurrent science and apparently have been developed in an attempt to reducecosts. Unfortunately, many women may pay for this unsound approach with theirlives." News Contact: Shawn Farley, [email protected] Phone: +1-703-648-8936 (11/20/09)

5. RACHEL BREM, M.D., director of breast imaging and professor of radiology,THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL: "For the past 20 years, the deathrate from breast cancer has declined by 30 percent, more in younger women, andis due largely to the increased use of mammography. The United StatesPreventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) chose to ignore modern, compellingclinical trials that demonstrated a 40 percent reduction in breast cancerdeaths and, rather, based their flawed recommendations on old data andmathematical models. Their recommendations also contradict the biology ofbreast cancer, which is more aggressive and faster growing in younger women.Comparing women 40 to 49 with a much wider age group, i.e., 50 to 74, isunscientific and pure data manipulation. These age groups deserve the benefitsof mammography, and denying that would amount to nothing less than reversingthe reduction in breast cancer mortality we have achieved in the past 20years." Brem is located in Washington, D.C. News Contact: Heather B. Oldham,[email protected] Phone: +1-202-715-4447 (11/20/09)

6. DAWN LEONARD, M.D., breast surgeon and medical director of NORTHWESTHOSPITAL's Herman & Walter Samuelson Breast Care Center in Randallstown, Md.:"Current standards, as outlined by organizations such as the American CancerSociety and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, should still befollowed. Annual mammograms, in conjunction with annual clinical breastexaminations, should begin for women starting at age 40 -- and perhaps evenearlier, if a woman has a strong family history of breast cancer. Practiceguidelines that postpone mammographic screening and eradicate self- andclinical examinations will have detrimental impacts on early diagnosis andcancer survival. The medical community and the advocacy community have workedtirelessly since the '70s to empower women to be more aware of their breasthealth needs and to make choices that improve breast cancer survival. Therecent USPSTF recommendations appear to be a step in the wrong direction."News Contact: Holly Hosler, [email protected] Phone: +1-410-601-8678 (11/20/09)

7. HAYTHEM ALI, M.D., senior staff oncologist, specializing in breast cancer,at HENRY FORD HOSPITAL in Detroit: "I don't think these guidelines are goingto change our recommendations for what women can do to detect cancer. The taskforce is actually describing the limits of current screening technology. Somaybe our efforts should now concentrate more on finding causes for cancer andconcentrate on other forms of prevention. In the USPSTF's opinion, thebenefits do not outweigh the risks in women age 40-49. On the other hand, thisrisk-benefit balance may change for each individual patient. Therefore,patients with a higher than average risk, such as those with family history,should be given the option of screening -- and that is in the guidelines."News Contact: Krista Hopson, [email protected] Phone: +1-313-874-7207(11/20/09)

8. DR. LAWRENCE BASSETT, director, Iris Canter Center for Breast Imaging atUCLA'S JONSSON COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER: "Since 1990, breast cancer deathsin the United States have decreased by 30 percent, primarily due to screeningmammography. The United States Preventive Services Task Force considered onlyold data in its analysis and ignored newer data that comes from a study inSweden, which shows a decrease in death rates by 40 percent with mammography.I think that they're taking a real risk for patients, probably to decreasecosts, and they are overly concerned about anxiety from recalls, ultrasoundand needle biopsy procedures. People understand that mammography is not aperfect test, but they want to maximize their opportunity at finding thecancer earlier. Studies show cancers are smaller and found at an earlier stagewhen screening is annual. Would you rather give a cancer two years to growbefore finding it, or would you rather have it grow for only one year?"Bassett is located in Los Angeles. News Contact: Kim Irwin,[email protected] Phone: +1-310-206-2805 (11/20/09)

9. DR. JACK LYONS, medical staff president and chairman of the Department ofRadiology, SAINT JOSEPH HOSPITAL in Chicago: "While imperfect, annualmammography and regular breast self-exams are opportunities to identify cancerbefore it becomes locally invasive or metastatic. This is particularlyimportant in younger women, between the ages of 40 and 50, in whom breastcancers are often more aggressive, and who have the most life to lose. Thereis abundant support in medical literature of statistical analysis over manyyears of the benefits of early detection of breast cancer that we can cite. Inmy 10 years of active practice as a radiologist, I have personally diagnosedinnumerable cases of breast cancer, including many in this age group. Many ofthe cases I have seen have been brought to medical attention by the patientsthemselves. I will continue to encourage my family members, friends andpatients to continue breast self-examination and screening mammography. To dootherwise would be irresponsible." Lyons is fluent in German. News Contact:Susan White, [email protected] Phone: +1-773-665-3445 Web site:http://tinyurl.com/ygb2wmo (11/20/09)

10. DR. JENNIFER KAM, SOUTHTOWNS RADIOLOGY, a leader in diagnostic imaging inwestern New York, is board certified in radiology and can provide additionalexpertise in pelvic MR, ultrasound and breast imaging: "American CancerSociety guidelines recommend annual screening at the age of 40 because itsaves lives, not to mention that earlier intervention and detection allows formore options in treatment, including breast conservation. The number ofcancers we are seeing at an early age is alarming, and although saving one in1,900 lives may be trivialized by the government panel, I would say that eachof the women, sisters, mothers and daughters who are with us today because ofearly detection would challenge that supposition." News Contact: Brittany J.Frey, [email protected] Phone: +1-716-842-2222, ext. 378 (11/20/09)

11. JOHN D. CUNNINGHAM, M.D., surgical oncology, SUMMIT MEDICAL GROUP,Berkeley Heights, N.J.: "We are against the new mammography recommendations bythe USPSTF, as we believe the recommendations represent a step backward in theearly detection and treatment of breast cancer. In women age 40-49, theroutine use of annual mammography has been shown to increase the rate ofdetection of early breast cancer and has been shown to decrease the mortalityrate in this group. Furthermore, breast self-exams by women are also effectivein early detection of changes in breast tissue. A woman can do a self-exam andif she feels that there is something different in her breast(s), she can seeher physician and be screened." Cunningham is available to speak on breasthealth, early detection and treatment of breast cancer, mammograms, andsurgical oncology. News Contact: Maureen Bennett, [email protected] Phone:+1-908-277-8834 (11/20/09)

12. DAVIDE BOVA, M.D., medical director, Diagnostic Imaging, LOYOLAUNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER: "The controversy illustrates the need for screeningthat is tailored to each woman's specific risk factors. A 39-year-old womanwith a strong family history may need more extensive screening than a 50-year-old woman with no known risk factors. We're dealing with imperfect tools. Thismay push people to analyze a little more carefully what their risks are." Bovais fluent in Italian and Spanish, and is located in Maywood, Ill., a suburb ofChicago. News Contact: Jim Ritter, [email protected] Phone: +1-708-216-2445(11/20/09)

13. DR. KERRI DIAS, radiologist and associate director of ST. JOHN'S MERCYBREAST CENTER in St. Louis: "Currently, the best way to detect early breastcancer is through annual mammography. The benefits of annual mammography havebeen extensively studied for more than 40 years, proving the effectiveness ofannual mammography in reducing breast cancer mortality, both worldwide and inthe United States. While mammography is not a perfect tool, it does detect thevast majority of breast cancers." News Contact: Bethany Pope,[email protected] Phone: +1-314-364-4258 (11/20/09)

14. NANCY SHARTS-HOPKO, Ph.D., RN, doctoral program professor at VILLANOVAUNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF NURSING, is an expert in maternal-infant and women'shealth: "I understand the disquiet that individuals may experience by thechange in recommendations. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, anagency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the parent ofthe U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, has the advantage of being able toaccess very large data sets over time to evaluate cost-effectiveness ofvarious tests and interventions." Sharts-Hopko has published research onwomen's health perceptions during various health and life transitions. NewsContact: Sarah Christy, [email protected] Phone: +1-610-519-7357 Website: http://tinyurl.com/yle3gf6 (11/20/09)

15. BETSY ANGELAKIS, M.D., chief of breast imaging at LAHEY CLINIC MEDICALCENTER in Burlington, Mass., and assistant professor at TUFTS UNIVERSITY'sSchool of Medicine: "Since the advent of mammogram screening some 20 yearsago, we have been winning the battle against breast cancer. However,decreasing the frequency or delaying the starting point for screening from 40to 50 years of age would have dire consequences. The lives of many youngerpatients would be lost because we would miss the very cancer types that tendto be the most aggressive and most deadly." News Contact: Steve Danehy,[email protected] Phone: +1-781-744-5440 Web site: http://www.lahey.org(11/20/09)

16. DR. MARK CONNOLLY, chairman of the Department of Surgery, SurgicalOncology, SAINT JOSEPH HOSPITAL in Chicago: "Women not reporting any newchanges or symptoms that are significant have historically led to breastcancer diagnosis in approximately 20 percent of my patients. Seventy percentof women have no known risk, so regular monitoring, especially at a youngerage, is particularly important. There are several studies that prove theeffectiveness of mammograms in women." News Contact: Susan White,[email protected] Phone: +1-773-665-3445 Web site:http://tinyurl.com/yj5t55c (11/20/09)

17. JAMES H. THRALL, M.D., FACR, is chair of the AMERICAN COLLEGE OFRADIOLOGY's Board of Chancellors, and chair of radiology at MASSACHUSETTSGENERAL HOSPITAL in Boston: "I am deeply concerned about the actions of theUSPSTF in severely limiting screening for breast cancer. Theserecommendations, in combination with recent CMS imaging cuts, jeopardizeaccess to both long-proven and cutting-edge diagnostic imaging technologies.Government policy makers need to consider the consequences of such decisions.I can't help but think that we are moving toward a new health care rationingpolicy that will turn back the clock on medicine for decades and needlesslyreverse advances in cancer detection that have saved countless lives." NewsContact: Shawn Farley, [email protected] Phone: +1-703-648-8936 (11/20/09)

18. DR. THOMAS SAMUEL is an oncologist, and medical director of the MCGHEALTHBREAST CANCER CLINIC. He is also an oncology researcher and assistantprofessor at the MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA in Augusta, Ga.: "Despite theUSPSTF recommendations to delay mammograms until age 50 and not do self-exams,MCGHealth Medical Center will continue with current guidelines: Teach self-exams for home; and begin mammograms at age 40 and repeat annually. MCG is inagreement with the American Cancer Society, the AMA and the NationalComprehensive Cancer Network guidelines." Samuel is fluent in Malayalam. NewsContact: Denise Parrish, [email protected] Phone: +1-706-721-9566 (11/20/09)

19. CHARLES C. CAMOSY, assistant professor of Christian ethics at FORDHAMUNIVERSITY in New York: "Women who follow the task force's recommendation get82 percent of the value for only 50 percent of the cost, making it cost-effective to screen biennially, rather than annually. The American CancerSociety and other interest groups don't agree with this because they don'tlook at this aspect of health care as part of the bigger picture." Camosyholds many provocative opinions about issues such as these, and argues that amoral case can be made for the rationing of health care. News Contact: SydSteinhardt, [email protected] Phone: +1-212-636-6534 (11/20/09)

20. WILLIAM DUNN, M.D., practicing oncologist who specializes in thetreatment and prevention of cancer: "The U.S. Preventive Services Task Forcerecently released an update effectively reversing their recommendation foryearly mammograms for women over age 40, yet no oncologist was on the board torecommend such a reversal. As a cancer physician, I'd like to discuss thiscontroversial decision, and why I support the continuation of annualmammograms for women above 40. Cutting back on established medical screeningpatterns to reduce costs is the wrong place to start. In contrast to therecent updates regarding Pap smears that the American College of Obstetriciansand Gynecologists announced, the changes sought by the task force were notdone in conjunction with any radiologists, nor any cancer specialist groups.In fact, the American Cancer Society stands firm in their opposition to thesechanges." Dunn is located in Kalamazoo, Mich. (11/20/09)

21. BIREN SHAH, M.D., senior staff radiologist, specializing in mammography,at HENRY FORD HOSPITAL in Detroit: "At Henry Ford Health System, about 25percent of patients diagnosed with breast cancer are younger than 50. It isthe patient and her physician that should decide what is in the best interestsof her care." News Contact: Krista Hopson, [email protected] Phone: +1-313-874-7207 (11/20/09)

22. EDWARD DONAHUE, M.D., medical director and breast cancer specialist ofthe Comprehensive Cancer Center at ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER inPhoenix: "Women should continue to have their annual mammograms, beginning at40 years of age, and should be encouraged to do breast self-exams." NewsContact: Carmelle Malkovich, [email protected] Phone: +1-602-406-3319(11/20/09)

23. RITA FREIMANIS, M.D., associate professor of radiology, section head forbreast imaging, WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C.: "There have been many, many studies that show the benefits ofearly screening." News Contacts: Jessica Guenzel, [email protected] Phone:+1-336-716-3487, Jonnie Rohrer, [email protected] Phone: +1-336-716-6972, andBonnie Davis, [email protected] Phone: +1-336-716-4977 (11/20/09)

24. NEIL B. FRIEDMAN, M.D., F.A.C.S., medical director with The HoffbergerBreast Center at MERCY MEDICAL CENTER in Baltimore, is board certified by theAmerican Board of Surgery, and a graduate of the University of Maryland Schoolof Medicine. He is on the active staff in the Department of Surgery andOncology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, as well as an instructor in surgeryand oncology with the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Friedman is adiplomate of the American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the AmericanCollege of Surgeons. He is also a member of the Baltimore City Medical Societyand the Maryland chapter of Med-Chi. Friedman has an extensive knowledge inthe field of oncology, and has published papers examining treatment for breastcancer, as well as anal/rectal tumors, Hodgkin's Disease and lung cancer. Hehas been involved in clinical research for breast cancer treatment anddiagnosis, including clinical trials for sentinel lymph node biopsy and totest the efficacy of raloxifene vs. tamoxifen in treating/preventing breastcancer. Friedman has been an outspoken proponent of annual mammograms forwomen ages 40-49. In 2006, he was named the national spokesperson for Bath &Bodyworks' "In Touch" Breast Self-Exam Glove, a unique breast self-exam tooldesigned to educate women on how to perform self-exams while facilitatingtheir ability to do so. Friedman's interview on WBAL-TV11's "Woman's Doctor"can be accessed at the second link listed below. News Contacts: MartaMarkline, [email protected] Phone: +1-410-332-9336, and Dan Collins,[email protected] Phone: +1-410-332-9714 Cell: +1-410-375-7342 Web sites:http://www.mdmercy.com and http://tinyurl.com/yd4bgs3 (11/20/09)

25. JEAN K. WARNER, M.D., is the director of The Tyanna O'Brien Center forWomen's Imaging at MERCY MEDICAL CENTER in Baltimore. Board certified, Warnerbrings extensive experience in women's imaging, including digital mammography,ultrasound and MRI. She also has experience in all imaging-guidedinterventional procedures, including MRI-guided biopsy, with amultidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of breast disease.Warner earned her medical degree from the Ohio State University College ofMedicine. She completed residencies in internal medicine and diagnosticradiology at the University of Maryland Medical System. While at theUniversity of Maryland, she served as co-director of The Breast Center, aswell as a consultant for breast imaging on "Ask the Expert," a programfeatured on the University's Web site. Warner also served as diagnosticradiologist, specializing in breast imaging, at the Anne Arundel MedicalBreast Center. Warner has a variety of clinical publications to her credit inthe field of breast imaging. Her professional affiliations include membershipin the American College of Radiology, American Roentgen Ray Society,Radiological Society of North America and Society of Breast Imaging. Warnerwas recently quoted in The Baltimore Sun regarding the mammogram controversy,which can be accessed at the second link listed below. News Contacts: PamWaller, [email protected] Phone: +1-410-332-9024, and Dan Collins,[email protected] Phone: +1-410-332-9714 Cell: +1-410-375-7342 Web site:http://www.mdmercy.com and http://tinyurl.com/yeop2gq (11/20/09)

26. DR. MARGARET LEWIN, leading breast cancer and prevention expert in theU.S., is a medical director of CINERGY HEALTH and board-certified in internalmedicine, hematology and medical oncology. She is a Fellow of the AmericanCollege of Physicians and clinical assistant professor of medicine at WeillMedical College of Cornell University. She is affiliated with New York-Presbyterian Hospital and The Hospital for Special Surgery. Lewin has workedthroughout her career to improve the American healthcare system. She has beenon the boards of state and local medical societies and is immediate pastpresident of the New York County Medical Society and immediate past districtpresident of the American College of Physicians. Her decades-long volunteerwork has included service to many local projects and organizations, and hasbeen enriched by her medical missions to the Third World. Lewin has authorednumerous articles in leading medical journals and lay magazines, as well aschapters for medical textbooks. Her areas of special interest and expertiseinclude primary and preventive care, travel medicine, and men's and women'shealth. News Contact: Susan Rotante, [email protected] Phone: +1-212-584-4317(11/20/09)

27. STANLEY E. WAINTRAUB, M.D., F.A.C.P., co-chief of the division of breastoncology, John Theurer Cancer Center, HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER,and clinical assistant professor of medicine, UMDNJ-NEW JERSEY MEDICAL SCHOOL,is available to discuss why he is strongly against this new recommendation andsupports the American Cancer Society's current guidelines. Waintraub has beenworking in the breast oncology field for more than 15 years. He has publisheda number of research studies on treatments for metastatic breast cancer andother types of cancer in leading journals, such as The Journal of ClinicalOncology and Blood. He is also a leading expert in the diagnosis and treatmentof gestational thrombophilia, a serious blood clotting disorder that canresult in fetal death, stillbirth, pre-term birth, or low birth weight. He islocated in Hackensack, N.J. News Contact: Amy Leahing,[email protected] Phone: +1-646-213-7245 (11/20/09)

28. STEPHANIE F. BERNIK, M.D., FACS, is chief of breast surgery for thecomprehensive breast program at ST. VINCENT'S COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER(SVCCC) in New York City. Bernik specializes in treating young women under 40diagnosed with breast cancer. She is a principal investigator for breastdisease research at St. Vincent's, and has presented her research at symposiaacross the country. Bernik graduated from Yale University School of Medicineand completed her internship and residency at St. Vincent's HospitalManhattan. News Contact: Mary Mooney, [email protected] Phone: +1-212-604-2675 (11/20/09)

29. DR. ABRAHAM PORT is director of breast imaging at the Complete Women'sImaging Center, SOUTH NASSAU COMMUNITIES HOSPITAL. Port previously served asdirector of women's imaging, ultrasound and breast interventional proceduresat a prominent radiology practice for more than five years. He also served asdirector of breast imaging and assistant professor of radiology at Mount SinaiMedical Center in New York, and has served as director of radiology at MountKisco Medical Group in New York. Port has been an adjunct lecturer at the CityCollege of New York. Port oversees and directs a state-of-the-art facilitywith a variety of services that focus on breast health and women's healthimaging. He is located in Oceanside, N.Y., and is fluent in Hebrew. NewsContact: Damian Becker, [email protected] Phone: +1-516-377-5370 (11/20/09)

30. DR. CHRISTINE HODYL is director of breast health services at SOUTH NASSAUCOMMUNITIES HOSPITAL. She completed a residency in surgery at MaimonidesMedical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., and a research fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. In 2006, Hodyl completed additional training inbreast ultrasound, oncoplastic surgery and laparoscopic inguinal herniarepair. Hodyl has had numerous research published, including, "The Effect ofHepatic Cryosurgery on Tumor Growth of the Liver" and "Pretreatment with IFNDecreases Infectious Complications After Partial Hepatectomy." She is a memberof the American College of Surgeons and the American Osteopathic Association.Hodyl is located in Oceanside, N.Y. News Contact: Damian Becker,[email protected] Phone: +1-516-377-5370 (11/20/09)

31. Following are experts from MOFFITT CANCER CENTER, Florida's only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, located in Tampa, Fla.:

-- DR. CHRISTINE LARONGA is the program leader of the Don and Erika WallaceComprehensive Breast Program. The program at the center will not be changingits screening guidelines and recommendations at this current time. As a centerthat provides high-volume screening and diagnostic breast services to thecommunity, the goal is prevention and early detection of breast cancer.

-- DR. THOMAS SELLERS is the executive vice president and associate centerdirector of cancer prevention and control.

-- DR. RICHARD ROETZHEIM is the medical director of the Lifetime CancerScreening and Prevention Center.

-- DR. MARGARET SZABUNIO is an associate member in the diagnostic radiology,and ultrasound and breast imaging departments.

News Contact: Patty Kim, [email protected] Phone: +1-813-745-7322(11/20/09)

1. FAMILY ISSUES: HOW FAMILIES CAN STRIVE TO ACHIEVE BALANCE IN FAMILY LIFE.LYSA PARKER, M.S., CFLE (Certified Family Life Educator), co-founder ofATTACHMENT PARENTING INTERNATIONAL, a nonprofit organization that helps createlocal support groups and publishes educational and research materials forparents and professionals, can discuss how families can strive to achievebalance in family life, in light of the holiday season: "Parents should notlet pride interfere with asking for help; healthy and happy parents are ableto better respond to their children. When you do get it right and have a greatday, don't forget to acknowledge that to yourself. It's too easy to focus onthe negative, so try to focus on the positive and make a point of expressinggratitude every day." Parker is based in Huntsville, Ala. News Contact: JackieO'Neal, [email protected] Phone: +1-609-334-8621 Web site:http://www.attachmentparenting.org (11/20/09)

2. FAMILY ISSUES: HOW PARENTS CAN GIVE THEIR CHILDREN A MEANINGFUL CHRISTMAS.BARBARA NICHOLSON, M.Ed., co-founder, ATTACHMENT PARENTING INTERNATIONAL, anonprofit organization that helps create local support groups and publisheseducational and research materials for parents and professionals, can discusshow parents can give their children a meaningful Christmas holiday, despiteeconomic uncertainty: "In these challenging economic times, parents may feelconcerned that they may not be able to provide the usual abundance under theChristmas tree, or other holiday giving. The good news is that what childrenreally need and want is our presence, not necessarily presents. Think aboutother ways to make your holidays rich this year by providing more time forgames, cooking together and, perhaps, making gifts together that will betreasured through the years." Nicholson is based in Nashville, Tenn. NewsContact: Jackie O'Neal, [email protected] Phone: +1-609 334 8621 Website: http://www.attachmentparenting.org (11/20/09)

3. HEALTH: MEDICARE PART D OPEN ENROLLMENT: HOW TO SAVE ON DRUG COSTS IN2010. JEFF MCCLUSKY, caregiver and CVS pharmacist in Houston: "While mostseniors are aware of the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit, manyaren't aware that they should review their options each year. Monthly premiumsand prescription co-pays can fluctuate, and the risk of falling into thecoverage gap, known as the 'doughnut hole,' continues to loom large. Whenevaluating Part D plans, seniors and their caregivers should always considerthe 'three Cs': cost, coverage and convenience." McClusky can comment onchanges in prescription drug benefits for the new year and how seniors cansave an average of $612 on prescriptions. News Contact: Jon Tashjian,[email protected] Phone: +1-617-520-7118 (11/20/09)

4. HEALTH: COAL POLLUTION IMPACTS HUMAN HEALTH AT EVERY STAGE OF COAL LIFECYCLE. DR. ALAN H. LOCKWOOD, M.D. FAAN, PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY,and author of a new report about coal's impact on health and the environment:"While the U.S. relies heavily on coal for its energy needs, the consequencesof that reliance for our health are grave. These stark conclusions leave noroom for doubt or delay. The time has come for our nation to establish ahealth-driven energy policy that replaces our dependence on coal with clean,safe alternatives. Business as usual is extracting a deadly price on ourhealth. Coal is no longer an option." Lockwood is available to comment on howcoal impacts human health at every stage of the coal life cycle, and thespecific policy changes that can help protect our communities and environmentfrom coal pollution. He is located in Buffalo, N.Y. News Contact: Aric Caplan,[email protected] Phone: +1-301-998-6592 (11/20/09)

5. HEALTH: SAVVY EMPLOYERS STEPPING UP TO CREATE HEALTHIER WORKFORCES. CHRISBOYCE, CEO of VIRGIN HEALTHMILES: "Beating obesity starts in the workplace.Savvy employers recognize they have a vested interest in helping employeesstay healthier. Rising health care costs are squeezing corporate profitmargins, threatening the very lifeblood of business. Promoting employee healthis an investment, not only in human capital, but in preserving the bottomline. Employees are more likely to be on the job and productive when they'rein optimal physical health. They're also more likely to be attracted to,remain with and value a company that values them. And healthier employeesrequire less health care intervention, lowering overall costs." Two newreports this week reveal that obesity is growing faster than any previouschronic health issue our nation has faced. Obesity is related to the onset ofmany other illnesses, and stopping its growth in the U.S. is vital, not onlyto our nation's health, but also our nation's healthcare budget. Boyce canshare examples of companies taking a leadership position around tacklinghealthcare costs by creating healthier workforces. News Contact: MarianHughes, [email protected] Phone: +1-708-246-0083 (11/20/09)

6. TELEVISION: HOW 'SESAME STREET' TRANSFORMED THE CHILDREN'S TELEVISIONSPACE. ANNA AKERMAN, assistant professor in the Department of Communicationsat ADELPHI UNIVERSITY, Garden City, N.Y.: "'Sesame Street' transformed thechildren's television space by merging an educationally sound curriculum witha highly entertaining format. The current abundance of educational preschooltelevision shows, which are often modeled after this early pioneer, is clearevidence of its success. 'Sesame Street' showed the world that learningthrough television was not only possible, but fun -- a groundbreaking conceptthat is now commonly accepted. The secret to the show's longevity is itsconstant evolution; each season's goals are created to reflect preschoolers'current needs. The result? A timeless show that parents and children can enjoytogether." Akerman has worked with organizations, such as Nickelodeon andSesame Workshop, on issues related to the impact of media on children's lives.She has participated in field research assessing children's responses to"Sesame Street" programming. She has a Ph.D. in social and organizationalpsychology, with a concentration in child development. News Contact: KaliChan, [email protected] Cell: +1-631-521-5513 (11/20/09)

7. SOCIAL MEDIA: AMERICANS ARE REDEFINING THEIR LIVES ONLINE AND OFFLINE.MARIAN SALZMAN, president of EURO RSCG WORLDWIDE PR, NORTH AMERICA, andleading trendspotter, is available to discuss how consumers and culture arechanging through social media tools: "Americans are redefining their livesboth online and offline. Consumers are engaging in trialogue -- a multi-wayexchange of ideas and opinions. I call this 'preview dating,' where people andbrands can be tried out online before we experience them face-to-face. This isthe new normal for shopping and dating. We make chat dates, and we visitarticles of clothing -- and any variety of other consumer products -- manytimes before we purchase them." Salzman can also discuss the results of a newEuro RSCG social media study that explored how Americans have dramaticallyintegrated social networking tools into their lives (see link below). She islocated in New York City. News Contact: Jamie Bernheim,[email protected] Web site: http://tinyurl.com/ydkuowk (11/20/09)

PROFNET is an exclusive service of PR Newswire.To submit an Opportunity by e-mail: [email protected] consult the ProfNet Experts Database: http://www.prnewswire.com/profnetTo contact ProfNet by phone: +1-800-PROFNET, ext. 1To share a thought on ProfNet Expert Alerts: [email protected] ALERT New Mammogram Guidelines (34 responses) EXPERT ALERTS 1. Family Issues: How Families Can Achieve Balance in Family Life 2. Family Issues: How Parents Can Give Children a Meaningful Christmas 3. Health: Medicare Part D Open Enrollment: Save on Drug Costs in 2010 4. Health: Coal Pollution Impacts Human Health 5. Health: Savvy Employers Stepping up to Create Healthier Workforces 6. Television: How 'Sesame Street' Transformed the Children's TV Space 7. Social Media: Americans Are Redefining Their Lives Online and Offline

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