• Breast Health Updates
• EWBC Opens New Office in Greece
• Breast Health Updates
• Our Response to U.S. Task Force Mammography Guidelines
• Have You Had a Bone Density Test to Help Detect Osteoporosis?
• Upcoming Events for Patients and Our Community
• The Many Healing Benefits of Massage Therapy

All of us at Elizabeth Wende Breast Care, LLC would like to welcome you to the premier issue of our new online newsletter. This issue, as well as future editions, will keep you apprised of the latest advancements in — and topics related to — breast health and imaging. We hope you find this newsletter both enjoyable and informative. We also appreciate your feedback. Please send your comments to: annette@ewbc.com.

In September 2010, Elizabeth Wende Breast Care, LLC opened a new office in Greece. Located at 103 Canal Landing Blvd., Rochester, NY 14626, this facility offers digital mammograms for patients who do not wish to wait for their results. Bone density testing is also available at this location. For the convenience of our patients, and for those who have a limited amount of time, appointments can be scheduled as early as 7:00 am. Our regular office hours are 7:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday, and EWBC radiologists will read all mammograms done at our Greece office throughout the day.

As a patient at our Greece location, you will be in and out in less than a half hour — and you will receive your mammogram results by mail the next day. (Bone density test results are sent to your referring physician within a week.) If one of our doctors recalls you for more views, our main office located at 170 Sawgrass Dr. in Brighton will schedule the appointment. All diagnostic appointments will also take place at our main facility.

Over the past couple of years, conflicting reports for mammography screening guidelines have been in the news. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has commented on these guidelines adding, "Mammograms have always been an important life-saving tool in the fight against breast cancer and they still are today."

At EWBC, we also believe that screening mammography saves lives. The goal of a screening test for breast cancer is to find a tumor at an early stage before it becomes palpable or causes other symptoms — and before it has a chance to spread outside the breast tissue. By finding the cancer early, we reduce mortality (death rate).

Mammography statistics:

• Since 1990, the breast cancer death rate in the U.S. has decreased by 30%, primarily due to screening mammography.
• Cancers in many younger women tend to be more aggressive and faster growing. Therefore, leading experts from many health care organizations and advocacy groups believe it is very important to begin annual screening mammography at age 40.
• Mammography has limitations, particularly in women with dense breast tissue. Women should be told of the benefit and limitations of screening mammography.
• Some cancers will be missed. And some women will need additional imaging examinations or biopsies for areas detected on screening mammography that turn out not to be non-cancerous.

To schedule your yearly mammogram, please call (585) 442-2190 and select option 1.

Osteoporosis is a disorder in which the bones become increasingly porous, brittle and subject to fracture, owing to the loss of calcium and other mineral components. It sometimes results in pain, decreased height and skeletal deformities that are common in older persons, primarily postmenopausal women.

Gender, age, family history, body size, ethnicity and certain diseases and conditions, as well as hormone levels, diet, exercise patterns and lifestyle choices, are all risk factors for osteoporosis. This condition is also associated with long-term steroid therapy.

About bone density testing

A specialized test, called a bone mineral density (BMD) test, measures the density of bone in various parts of the body. The lower your bone mineral density, the greater your risk of a fracture. Testing used at EWBC is the DXA (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry), which measures the bone mineral density of your spine and hip. After your test is completed, results will be sent to your referring physician to help determine if any bone-building therapy is needed, as well as assist with follow-up checks.

Frequently asked questions:

Q: What happens during the exam?
During a bone density exam, all you need to do is lie on your back and let the technologist and the machine do the work. As you are lying on a padded cushion, scans are taken of your spine and hip to determine your density.

Q: Will the exam hurt?
No, there is no pain associated with the test. You will be lying on your back for about 10 to 15 minutes. If you can't safely lie on your back, are not able to transfer onto the table or if your weight exceeds the table limit (350 lbs.), we may scan your forearm instead from a chair.

Q: Is the exam safe?
Yes, bone densitometry uses only minimal radiation. The amount is about 1/10 the dosage of a chest x-ray — an amount so small that the technologist remains in the same room during the entire exam. Please Note: Patients who believe they may be pregnant should inform their physician and the technologist before having this exam.

Q: Is there any special preparation?
No special preparation is required for bone density testing.

Q: Can I eat and take my medications before the exam?
Yes, you may eat as you normally would. Please do take your regular prescription medications. However, do not take your vitamins, calcium supplements and Tums/Rolaids the morning prior to your exam. If you need an antacid, take liquid Mylanta or Pepto Bismol.

Q: What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing, but please refrain from wearing underwire bras or any clothing with metal snaps or zippers around the waist.

Q: How long does the exam take?
The complete exam should take about 15 to 20 minutes.

Q: When will I receive my results?
Your results are sent to your referring physician within a week of your appointment.

Due to the relaxation and pain-relieving benefits of Massage Therapy, the American Cancer Society has recognized it as an important complementary method for cancer patients.

Elizabeth Wende Breast Care, LLC understands the relevance of this therapy — and has responded by opening Rejuvenate at Elizabeth Wende. In addition to offering a wide range of relaxation treatments for the general public, including chair massage, hot stone massage, hand and foot treatments, facelift massage and our very own Rejuvenate Signature Massage, Rejuvenate at Elizabeth Wende is sensitive to the needs of cancer patients in our community.

We have added two services with the cancer patient in mind: a comfort-oriented massage for those living with cancer or well on their way to recovery, as well as for their caregivers. Rejuvenate at Elizabeth Wende also offers Manual Lymph Drainage Massage, a very gentle therapy that helps improve lymph flow. This treatment is indicated for many conditions, including lymphedema.