Stop Cancer Dead in its Tracks

As a physician, I know there’s nothing more devastating to my patients than receiving a cancer diagnosis. For many, they feel as if they’ve been given a death sentence. However, early screening and better treatment methods are saving many lives. And that’s why I wanted to talk about this very serious topic. I have assembled a group of experts specializing in various types of cancer to talk about early detection, treatment options, and survival rates.

Tammy Thompson: Surviving Breast Cancer

My first guest is Tammy Thompson. One day after church, Tammy noticed a big bump on her right breast that didn’t belong there and wasn’t there before. It was foreign and sensitive. She had regular mammograms, yet, it was self-examination when she first found the lump. She called her doctor and got a biopsy right away. She felt devastated by the cancer diagnosis. It felt like a death sentence to her. She is here to tell her story on how her world suddenly changed and what she believes saved her life.

Dr. Eric Brown: Breast Cancer and Early Detection

My second guest, Dr. Eric Brown was Tammy’s surgeon. He explains that many women are confused about self-examination since everything is lumpy. Since you can develop cancer between mammograms, it is important to do self-examination and be familiar with your body to notice changes. Breast cancer is treatable and early detection is important to increase your chances of recovery. Besides self-examination, Dr. Brown also shares his thoughts on mammograms, the best age to start them and the challenge of insurance companies paying for this potentially life-saving test.

Dr. Brian Torok: Cervical Cancer

My third guest, Dr. Brian Torok is an OB-GYN who shares his knowledge on cervical cancer. Although cervical cancer is still a worldwide problem, rates have decreased by 50% over the past 30 years due to extremely effective screen protocols. Having a pap smear is the general screening method and a great way to see if cervical cells are changing. Women between 20 and 29 are suggested to have this test every three years. Because having HPV virus in your system means that you are at a higher risk for cervical cancer. Dr. Torok also shares how cervical cancer in your family is a risk factor and highlights other key risk factors that every woman should certainly be aware of.

Dr. Andrew Chang: Esophageal Cancer

My fourth guest, Dr. Andrew Chang is a gastric surgeon. We discuss a rare but silent and lethal disease, esophageal cancer. It is a form of cancer that basically affects your swallowing tube. By the time people show symptoms, it’s often at an advanced stage. Since all the gastric juices coming up to your throat are not the best for your esophagus, having GERD may put you under a greater risk. People often think they just have reflux when they come in, but can end up with a very frightening diagnosis. Dr. Chang also shares vital ways to reduce your risks of esophageal cancer.

Dr. Amir Damadi: Colon Cancer

My fifth guest, Dr. Amir Damadi is a colorectal surgeon who shares his expertise on colon cancer. Colon cancer is one of the deadliest cancers and the third leading cause of death. However, it is also one of the most preventable cancers. Colonoscopy as a preventative screening tool is important for early detection, early treatment, and the best outcome. Guidelines recommend starting them at age 50 unless your health or family history indicates otherwise. We also explain symptoms and prevention tips.

Dr. Wendy Sadoff: Melanoma

My sixth guest is Dr. Wendy Sadoff, a dermatologist. We discuss a deadly disease that is preventable and treatable, melanoma. Since this type of skin cancer is visible, it is easy to see new or changing moles or strange marks on the skin. And it’s extremely important to visit your doctor at the first sign to get tested. The examination is simple and it can really save lives. We also talk about methods of prevention, including the importance of sunscreen and the dangers of tanning beds.

Tammy Thompson

Tammy Thompson is a breast cancer survivor who owes her life to self-exams and early detection. It was during a self-exam in 2006 that she discovered a cancerous lump in her breast. She had surgery to remove the lump and underwent chemotherapy and radiation. Although, Tammy had faithfully gotten mammograms regularly, she feels if she would have not done the self-exam, she wouldn’t be here today. Tammy believes in self-love and self-care, and recommends that all women take care of themselves, get to know their bodies, eat well, and see their doctor regularly.

Eric Brown

Dr. Brown has been involved in the care of breast patients for 20 years. He is Board Certified in General Surgery and Certified in Breast Ultrasound. Dr. Brown believes women over 40 should get a mammogram once a year and be familiar with their own breasts, the way they look and feel because women do find lumps that are cancerous. Dr. Brown is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the William Beaumont Oakland University School of Medicine. He is actively involved in research and is the principle investigator for Beaumont Hospital, on a number of national clinical trials.

Brian Torok

A graduate of the University Of Cincinnati College Of Medicine, Dr Torok completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Beaumont, Royal Oak. Dr. Torok is chief of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Beaumont Hospital Troy campus. He speaks on the importance of cervical cancer screenings and how often women should get screened.

Andrew Chang

Dr. Andrew Chang is a thoracic and cardiac surgeon. He received his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years. Typically he treats 80 to 120 patients a year. Dr. Chang is a John Alexander Distinguished Professor and head of the Section of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Michigan. Dr. Chang's research focus includes thoracic oncology, particularly studying the tumorigenesis of esophageal cancer, as well as studying patient-related outcomes following thoracic operations.

Amir Damadi

Dr. Amir Damadi is a colon & rectal surgery doctor and has been practicing for 16 years. He graduated from George Washington University, School of Medicine & Health Sciences. He is Chief of Colorectal Surgery at Providence Hospital and performs close to 120 colon surgeries a year. Dr. Damadi has also co-authored multiple award-winning scholarly publications.

Wendy Sadoff

Dr. Sadoff treats patients with a wide variety of dermatologic medical and surgical conditions, and also addresses their aesthetic concerns. She treats pediatric, adolescent and adult patients, and enjoys meeting the skin care needs of the entire family. Dr. Sadoff graduated from the University of Wisconsin with highest honors and a degree in Nutritional Biochemistry, and received her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Dr. Sadoff is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is on staff at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. She has been published in dermatology journals and participates in clinical research studies.

`Partha Nandi MD, FACP`

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Partha Nandi MD, FACP