Dr. Lori Gore-Green | Women's Health Professional

Dr. Lori Gore-Green's Portfolio of Experience as a Women's Health Professional

Understanding the Stages of Breast Cancer

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Mammograms are an essential part of cancer prevention. Regular screening provides the best chance of early detection when cancer is easiest to treat and cure.

When breast cancer is detected, its pathology report will place it in one of five stages. Categorizing cancer into stages helps the doctor and patient decide upon and implement the best treatment options.

Recent advances in cancer staging guidelines from the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) make the staging and treatment of breast cancer more complex but more accurate. Information on tumor grade, hormone-receptor status, and possible Oncotype DX test results are considered in all stages when developing a treatment plan.

One of the best ways a patient can alleviate fears of a cancer diagnosis is to understand the stages of breast cancer and the treatment options available.

Stage 0

Stage 0 defines non-invasive breast cancer such as DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). There is no evidence of cancerous or other abnormal cells invading tissue outside of the immediate area where cancer began.

Stage I

Stage I defines invasive breast cancer, meaning that cancer cells are present in normal tissue immediately outside of where cancer started but still confined to the breast. The chance of cure for Stage 0 or Stage I is high. Stage I is further divided into subcategories IA and IB.

Stage II

Stage II describes invasive and growing breast cancer that’s larger but still confined to the breast. It may have spread to some axillary lymph nodes. Stage II divides cancer into subcategories IIA and IIB.

Stage III

Stage III comprises three subcategories–IIIA, IIIB, IIIC. Stage III generally describes a more aggressive and invasive cancer. Its size is more than 5cm and, it may be spreading into nearby muscle and lymph nodes. But it has not spread to distant organs.

Stage IV

In Stage IV, breast cancer has become metastatic. This means that it has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to distant organs in the body such as the lungs, liver, brain, or bones.

The cure rate of stage IV is reduced dramatically. But, with today’s treatments, a relatively normal life can be prolonged for several years.

Dangerous Breast Cancer Myths

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Breast cancer is a dangerous disease that will affect roughly 13 percent of women at some point in their life. This makes it the second-most common form of cancer in women. Just like other types of cancer, the disease forms when the cells in the breast start to grow abnormally. Despite the prevalence of the disease, there is still a lot of misinformation out there regarding breast cancer. These are the most dangerous breast cancer myths.

There’s Always a Lump

While a lump in the breast is the most common symptom of breast cancer, they are not present in every case. This is why it is important to get regular screenings. You may think nothing is wrong, but a mammogram can find breast cancer in the early stages. Make sure to look out for the other common symptoms including breast swelling, inverted nipples, and flaky skin around the nipple.

Problem is Almost Solved

There are still a lot of people that think breast cancer is nothing to worry about because it is easily cured. While advancements in science have drastically reduced the death rate associated with breast cancer, it is still the second-deadliest form of cancer in women. A little more than 40,000 women are still dying every year from this horrible disease. A full cure is coming soon, but we are not there yet.

Screenings Are Only Defense

Regular screenings and self-checks at home are great ways to detect breast cancer in the early stages, but they are not your only defense against the disease. You can drastically reduce your chances of developing this disease by living a healthy lifestyle. Obese women are nearly twice as likely to develop breast cancer after menopause as those living at a healthy weight. The regular consumption of alcohol also drastically boosts your chances of getting breast cancer.

No Family History, No Problem

You should not take things lightly just because there is no history of breast cancer in your family. Roughly 85 percent of breast cancer patients have no family link to the disease. Those that do have a family history of breast cancer need to be extra cautious because your risk of developing the disease is nearly double of those without a family link.

Importance of Cervical Cancer Awareness

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Invasive cervical cancer holds the eighth position in most occurring cancer in the United States, with more than 13,800 women diagnosed with it, where 4000 die from the disease annually. January is cervical cancer awareness month. With the help of renowned gynecologists and obstetricians, American Cancer Society, focuses in increasing public awareness and sensitization, offer the best treatment options and resources with updated information regarding cervical cancer.

Most Appropriate Time to Get Tested For Cervical Cancer

January is not only the most appropriate time to book an appointment with a gynecologist or obstetrician for a cervical screening test, but any time of the year is suitable. However, different age groups have different testing options. At 21-29 years, it’s most recommendable to go for a Pap test and wait for three years to get another test. Between 30 to 60 years, a doctor can recommend three different screening options such as HPV test only, Pap test only, or a combination of Pap and HPV test. For women above 65 years, a gynecologist can recommend not to be screened anymore, if the previous year’s results were normal or the cervix was removed through a hysterectomy.

Fundamental Vital Aspects to Understand Before Booking Cervical Screening

1. Be optimistic about the screening and Speak Up if you feel Pain.
Many women believe cervical cancer screening is painful; thus, they feel uncomfortable about the process. Therefore, it’s recommendable to be at ease while the speculum is being inserted, and in case of some pain, inform the gynecologist immediately.

2. Go for Regular Screening Even if you have Been Vaccinated.
In most instances, 10 percent to 30 percent of cervical cancer cases are caused by Human Papilloma Virus subtypes, which cannot be prevented through vaccination. So, it’s good to go for an HPV test after every five years and a Pap test every three years.

3. If you are on your Period, Don’t go for screening.
It’s always recommendable to book an appointment with doctor 14 days before your period starts. If screening is carried out at this time accuracy of the results might be affected owing to blood cells shed during your periods.

How to Prevent Cervical Cancer

The most crucial ways to prevent cervical cancer is through regular screening and HPV vaccination if eligible. To reduce exposure to HPV, it’s recommendable to avoid sex with people who have multiple sex partners, use condom protection and reduce smoking since it lowers the risk of cervical pre-cancer.

What You Need to Know About Ovarian Cysts

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During the time that you are menstruating, there’s a possibility you may develop an ovarian cyst and not even realize it. But before you start to worry, realize that ovarian cysts are usually harmless. In some cases, however, ovarian cysts can cause pelvic pain and lead to more serious complications. To be more knowledgable on the matter here’s everything you need to know about this common cyst.

Ovarian cysts form relatively easily.

Under normal circumstances, one of your ovaries will wrap an egg in a follicle and release the egg into the fallopian tube every month. The follicle will typically dissipate and absorb into the body. In the case that the follicle does not release the egg, it can become bigger and develop further into a follicle cyst. Another type of cyst, a , can form after the follicle combusts and releases the egg. Theses cysts, however, can bleed and cause women pain in the pelvic area. These types of cysts are relatively small (1 to 2 millimeters) and will typically resolve itself in a few weeks.

A dermoid cyst can be more serious, but they are not common.

A starts to form when the cells in an ovary start to divide but haven’t been fertilized. This type of cyst isn’t as common a the cysts mentioned above, but they can grow relatively large, up to four inches. Due to how big these cysts can get, they often have to be surgically removed.

Normal ovarian cysts often do not display any symptoms.

Ovarian cysts usually don’t trigger any symptoms and will often go away on their own. A corpus luteum cyst may result in some minor bleeding, but follicle cysts won’t change your menstrual cycle.

However, there are severe symptoms of ovarian cysts, such as fever, nausea, and vomiting, which are usually the result of infection. If this is the case, see a doctor immediately.

Ovarian cysts can be found during a routine gyno visit.

Women typically find out if they have an ovarian cyst during a routine gyno visit, during a pelvic exam, or during an ultrasound. Women who are experiencing pelvic pain will usually make an appointment with their doctor anyway, and they will most likely find the root of the problem.

Surgery is only necessary in some cases.

If your ovarian cyst has not gone after three menstrual cycles, is bigger than 4 inches, or there is suspicion of a tumor, you may need to get surgery. If you are at risk for “twisting”, which is when the blood supply to the ovary gets cut off, you will also need to undergo surgery.

Can You Safely Have Enjoyable Sex During Your Pregnancy?

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Can You Safely Have Enjoyable Sex During Your Pregnancy_ Dr. Lori Gore-GreenYou probably already know that sex during pregnancy is typically safe. Myths surrounding pregnancy sex have died down over the last several decades, but there are still several things to note before carrying on with your pre-pregnancy intercourse habits.

There are only two major reasons why you shouldn’t have sex during pregnancy

First, we just want to establish that no, your baby cannot be poked by a penis during sex. Your baby won’t be able to feel you having sex and can’t be harmed by normal intercourse. There are only two reasons to avoid sex during pregnancy:

  • You don’t want to or don’t feel like having sex.
  • Your doctor has advised against intercourse during your pregnancy due to a medical reason, such as placenta previa or history of preterm labor.

How to enjoy sex during pregnancy: You might need to switch positions

Your favorite positions maybe become uncomfortable for you and your partner. You can alleviate this problem by changing positions. Many couples opt to use a spooning position because it’s more comfortable for the woman to lay on her side. Some couples find it easier and more enjoyable for the pregnant woman to remain on top during intercourse. If you’re having trouble getting comfortable during sex, do a little research about sex positions that work best for pregnant women – you’ll be surprised at the number of options you still have.

How to have safe sex during pregnancy

 

Do not have unprotected sex with new partners

Infections like Chlamydia and HIV can be transmitted to your baby and cause serious harm. Additionally, the Zika virus can be sexually transmitted. It’s always a good idea to use protection no matter who you engage in intercourse with, but it’s crucial to do so if you choose to have sex with someone new during pregnancy.

Get to all of your prenatal appointments

Your doctor will check you multiple times for STDs during your prenatal visits because many STDs are life-threatening if passed on to your baby during birth. go to all of your appointments and if you have the slightest suspicion you might have contracted an STD, inform your doctor immediately so that you can receive treatment before your baby is born.

When in doubt, talk to your doctor

If you have any concerns or lingering fears about sex during pregnancy, ask your doctor about whatever is bothering you. Don’t be embarrassed to bring up questions about sex – your doctor probably answers dozens of similar questions every day and will be more than happy to put your fears to rest.

Medical Screenings & Tests Save the Lives of Women

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Dr. Lori Gore-GreenWomen benefit from routine medical screenings, which are necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Women, as well as men, encounter gender-specific testing that acts as a tactical preventative step for ensuring they’re in tune with their personal health. There are a number of important tests and screenings women should submit themselves to, so that they stay abreast of diseases or conditions that threaten their long-term health, such as exams that screen for breast, lung, cervical, skin, colon, endometrial, and ovarian cancers.

Cervical Cancer: Health care professionals ask that women receive pelvic examinations as early as 21-year-old, or earlier if a woman is sexually active. Pap smear testing is instrumental for discovering if cancerous cells are present on and/or around the cervix, which could suggest cervical cancer. The general consensus is that women age 30 and older should receive pap smears every three years if they had no abnormal tests in the past. However, women who have abnormalities should chat with their gynecologist with regards to how frequently they should be tested for cervical testing.

Breast Cancer: Woman and men alike can develop breast cancer, but women face a greater risk of falling victim to cancer that develops from breast tissue. Approximately one-in-eight women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in her lifetime, according to BreastCancer.org. The sooner a woman learns she has breast cancer, the more likely she is to survive. Breast cancer that’s discovered early on is more likely to be caught, and less likely to spread to the lymph nodes. Industry professionals recommend that women self-examine, but they should also receive mammograms. Women should develop an individualized plan with their doctors regarding a mammogram screening schedule.

Skin Cancer: There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell cancer, squamous cell skin carcinoma, and melanoma, with the most serious being melanoma. These deadly forms of cancer have increased in incidence among young women. Screenings can help to identify melanoma and nonmelanoma cancer early on. Dermatologists and other healthcare professionals should be able to diagnose melanoma.

Osteoporosis: Bone density tests are administered to screen for the weakening of bones, which leads to fragility. This is also known as osteoporosis, a condition that’s frequently discovered after a fracture. Women face the additional risk of osteoporosis, particularly those going through menopause. Estrogen declines during menopause can lead to bone loss. Screening for changes through bone mineral density tests and embracing healthy living habits can help to identify issues early on. Women should begin receiving bone density tests ahead of their 65th birthday.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women get screened for a number of conditions in the interest of disease prevention, including colorectal cancer, cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes.

4 Reasons to Get Your Flu Shot Today

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Dr. Lori Gore-Green

Pregnant Women : Protect Yourself, Protect Your Newborn

The U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends an annual flu vaccine for anyone 6 months of age or older. This includes pregnant women, if there are no contraindications (however, if you are pregnant, make sure to consult with your physician prior to receiving a flu shot). It’s important to note that pregnant women cannot use the FluMist live nasal flu vaccine and must receive the inactivated influenza vaccine. Even with these standards in place, in addition to the vaccine protecting pregnant women against the flu, there’s an added value of protecting their newborn infants for up to the first six months of life. This is great to keep in mind since infants are too young to receive the vaccine themselves. 

Collect Your Paycheck

If someone gave you the choice of getting compensated for your work or staying home, feeling ill and not getting paid or using up vacation days, it’s unlikely that you would choose the latter. Every year, the flu season costs millions of lost work days and billions of dollars. And even though the general public is advised to get the flu vaccine when it first becomes available (generally in mid-August), most people wait until the temperatures drop. Although the vaccine doesn’t always cover every strain of the actual virus, it will undoubtedly provide more protection than not getting vaccinated. And the 2015-2016 vaccine has even been updated with 2 new strains.

Protect Loved Ones and Those at Risk

Every year, thousands of children under five years of age are hospitalized owing to the flu. Young children and those with health problems such as asthma or diabetes are at an even higher risk, because they have a greater chance of developing complications. With this in mind, unless you or your family members are contraindicated for receiving the vaccine, you owe it to others who are at a higher risk, to get vaccinated and prevent the infection of others. 

Inexpensive and Accessible

We are lucky in that we now live in a time when the flu vaccine has never been easier to obtain. Waiting in endless lines and making  follow up appointments are a thing of the past. Now the flu vaccine is available at many pharmacies and large retailers like; Target, CVS or Walgreens. Throughout the country, the majority of pharmacists are licensed to immunize, which means that they can administer the vaccine with little waiting. Furthermore, most pharmacies and clinics accept insurance for the vaccine which translates to little or no copay for you. And even if you don’t have insurance, find out if your local health clinic or retail pharmacy offers free vaccines. If not, however, the average vaccine costs roughly thirty dollars.