Page 49 - KC Cunningham Issue

What exactly can you expect from this procedure? It is a simple test which
causes minimal discomfort. A visit to one of the doctors performing the proce-
dure is the first step. The equipment utilized is a flower shaped apparatus which
is attached to the breast. A warming sensation begins and a gentle massage Halo Doctors
brings the nipple aspirate fluid to the surface of the nipple where it is collected
and sent to a lab for testing. Once collected, it takes approximately 4 days (de- Robert Biter, MD
pending on your laboratory) to receive the results. Not all women will produce 499 N. El Camino Real
fluid but lack of fluid is considered a normal result. An abnormal HALO result Encinitas, CA 92024
does not mean that cancer is inevitable, but it does indicate 4 to 5 times the risk (760) 642-0800
compared to someone who doesn’t produce a fluid sample. The lab work for
the HALO test is typically covered by insurance. However, the sample collection Andrea Cole Raub, DO
procedure, although FDA cleared, is too new to be covered by most insurance Center for Age Management
companies. The good news is that the test is not too costly at approximately 561 Saxony Place, Suite 101
$100.00. For more information and to view the actual procedure as performed Encinitas, CA 92024
on The Doctors and Rachel Ray, visit HALO’s website at http://www.neomatrix. (760) 633-1315
www.agingbetter.com
com/.
Scripps Clinic Encinitas
I recently revisited Dr. Drosman, the physician we spoke to three years ago in OBGYN Department
our premier issue. I was curious about his success in using the HALO system 310 Santa Fe Drive
and he responded with enthusiasm, “This is probably much more than you want Encinitas, CA 92024
to hear, but enthusiasm has a tendency to make me somewhat verbose: It is (760) 753-5594
important to emphasize that the Breast HALO Pap Test is a risk assessment test
(actually the only one) as opposed to mammograms and MRIs which look for Angelica Zaid, MD, Sieu Truong, MD Samina
actual lesions. HALO does not replace the need for regular mammograms. . Makani, MD
However, we have detected several cases of early breast cancer using the Women's Integrated Health
Breast HALO method which were not found by routine mammograms. The 477 N. El Camino Real, Suite C304
Encinitas, CA 92024
Breast HALO test should be combined on a yearly basis with the mammo- (760) 635-3777
gram for best results in the prevention and detection of breast cancer” One of www.encinitasobgyn.com
Dr.Drosman’s patients, ’Sue,’ (not her real name) is highlighted in the HALO
case studies found on their website. Had Sue not had the HALO procedure her Rahele Mazarei, DO
breast cancer would have gone undetected… no wonder Dr. Drosman is excited 3230 Waring Ct, Suite D
and so are we! Remember the HALO system is not a replacement for the yearly Oceanside, CA 92056
mammogram, but instead should be used as an additional risk assessment test (760) 758-2820
to identify a propensity towards breast cancer years before the same can be
accomplished through traditional methods. If a women’s HALO test shows an Maria Castillo, MD
abnormality then further testing is suggested and the patient is directed to pay 15725 Pomerado Road, Suite 201
closer attention to her breast health, by following up on regular breast examina- Poway, CA 92064
(619) 462-2385
tions as suggested by her physician. San Diego
Steven R. Drosman, MD Woman
Yearly health exams are by nature not one of our favorite events (and most of 3651 Fourth Avenue, Suite 200
us cringe at the idea of adding additional procedures to the poking and prodding San Diego, CA 92103
done at these exams), but there are times when common sense must prevail. (619) 260-0066 49
How can you not have the HALO procedure at your next yearly exam?
Remember this one extra five minute test can help assure that you will be Robin Wedberg, MD
around to watch your children and grandchildren grow. Take the extra time out 5030 Camino De La Siesta, Suite 106
of your hectic daily schedules - it can mean the difference between life and San Diego, CA 92108
death. (619) 220-0999
www.robinwedbergmd.com
WHAT IS THE EARLY ACT? John Willems, MD
Authored by Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL), a breast cancer survivor, 3811 Valley Center Drive
and sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), the EARLY Act San Diego, CA 92130
would direct the Centers for Disease Control to develop and implement a na- (858) 764-9080
tional education campaign about the threat breast cancer poses to young adult
women. Colette M. Eastman, MD
The EARLY ACT would also create a national education campaign for health- Pomerado Professional Plaza
care professionals and create materials to help patients address the long-term 15706 Pomerado Road, Suite 110
effects and challenges associated with breast cancer. The EARLY Act would Poway, CA 92064
implement a national education campaign about the risks that young adult (858) 485-0130
women (under 45) face from breast cancer. The bill, with $9 million per year in Kim Goodwin, MD Craig Saffer, MD Lauren
proposed funding for five years, would also provide assistance to young women Bales, MD Amy French, MD, Gwendolyn Henao,
who have the disease. The EARLYAct will also provide grants to organizations MD,Casey Lynch, NP, Mona Nuthall, NP
that support young women diagnosed with breast cancer in West Coast OBGYN
order to receive the assistance they need—including social and psychological 7910 Frost Street, Suite 400
support, fertility preservation counseling, and recurrence prevention training. San Diego, CA 92123
The EARLY Act has generated widespread support both in Congress and from (858) 277-9378
national organizations, including the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Breast www.wcobgyn.com
Cancer Network of Strength (formerly Y-Me) and NeoMatrix. The legislation has
more than 365 cosponsors in the House of Representatives and more than 30 in Visit NeoMatrix website for a complete
the Senate. For more information on the Early Act and its current progress visit listing statewide of doctors
performing the Halo procedure
their website at: http://wassermanschultz.house.gov/earlyact/index.shtml
March/April 2010