My name is Dr. Ahrin Koppel. I’m a Hematologist and Medical Oncologist here at the Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center. I’m also the Medical Director, and I wanted to speak today on mammography and the importance of early detection in breast cancer.
Breast cancer is one of the most common conditions we see here. It is very important and very common for women, and also for men. But in terms of female screening, I think it’s very important to have screening mammography to catch cancers early. There are only a handful of cancers we can actually catch early, breast cancer being one of them, skin cancer being another. So getting routine dermatologic evaluations is extremely important.
Cervical cancer screening with Pap smears is also something we can catch early. And of course prostate cancer and the ability to check a PSA. Of course, that’s a discussion to have with a primary care doctor to make sure that’s appropriate. But screening and catching cancers early definitely saves lives.
I also want to mention the benefit of doing colonoscopy. Colonoscopy to catch colon cancer is extremely important and absolutely saves lives by detecting cancers earlier and making treatments so much more tolerable and effective.
If a time comes that you or a loved one are diagnosed with a cancer, the center here is here for you. Not only do we have three medical oncologists/hematologists, we have a radiation oncologist, we have nurse navigators, we have a nurse practitioner, we have mental health providers, and other social support service providers.
Our services here include medical oncology, evaluating for benign blood conditions, and also radiation oncology. We are able to provide infusion services, blood transfusions, hydration, and we also have a surplus of oncology support services free to anyone that has a serious diagnosis. These services include psychology, acupuncture, massage, and these services are free because of support of our community, because of philanthropy.
We don’t just see patients as a number here. We see the whole patient, and that is a truly unique way that we have managed to care for our community, to care for our neighbors, our friends, and our family.
I’m Dr. Ahrin Koppel. Thanks so much for listening.
