Coalition hosts Breast Cancer Update

The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition recently hosted its 19th annual Breast Cancer Update to share the most up-to-date information and research at Dover Downs.

Each year, the event brings together clinicians, survivors, vendors and members of the public to share research and holistic approaches to treatment and recovery from breast cancer, which, according to breastcancer.org, affects nearly 12 percent of the population.

According to coalition representative Kelly Paustian, the day-long event is offered for free to the general public, and clinicians receive continuing-education credits for attending four sessions throughout the day.

Advances in diagnosis and treatment as well as translational research, complementary medicine and breast reconstruction were among the day's topics.

Clinical scientist Jennifer Sims-Mourtada said she sees advances in a laboratory setting, but she called for translating clinical advances into treatments through better communication in the breast cancer community.

"We are not here to get scientific research published. We are here to cure a disease," Sims-Mourdada said. "You really need communication between physicians, scientists and the community."

Program participants and panelists included a diagnostic radiologist, naturopathic physician, clinical scientist, general surgeon and even a micro-pigmentation specialist, or tattoo artist, who specializes in nipple re-creation after mastectomy.

"We offer a lot of subjects that are of interest to the whole community," Paustian said. "We have speakers to talk about advances and diagnosis and also spirituality and how that can help a woman or man."

For more information about the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, go to www.debreastcancer.org or call 302-672-6435.