Lee Memorial Health System Well Informed Lecture to Discuss Breast Cancer Prevention, Treatment

As the second leading cause of death in women, breast cancer is a disease that has touched nearly every American’s life, either through a personal diagnosis or that of a loved one. That’s why Lee Memorial Health System is hosting a panel lecture and question and answer session devoted to breast cancer on Jan. 13 as part of its Well Informed lecture series.

Fort Myers, FL, January 10, 2010 --(PR.com)-- According to U.S. Census records, Fort Myers’ population grew by approximately 12,300 people between 2000 and 2006. Many area residents can probably recall what this growth was like. Now, imagine that each one of these 12,300 new residents had breast cancer. It may be hard to fathom, but it’s nearly equal to the number of new breast cancer cases estimated in the past year in Florida alone, according to the American Cancer Society.

As the second leading cause of death in women, breast cancer is a disease that has touched nearly every American’s life, either through a personal diagnosis or that of a loved one. However, with more than 194,000 new cases expected in 2009 in the United States – 12,650 in Florida alone – prevention, detection and treatment remain important health topics in our community. That’s why Lee Memorial Health System is hosting a panel lecture and question and answer session devoted to breast cancer on Jan. 13 as part of its Well Informed lecture series.

“Advances are being made in breast cancer treatment, but early detection is key,” says Lea Blackwell, M.D., a general surgeon. “The most recent statistics show that the survival rate is as high as 98 percent if it caught early, before it has spread.” According to American Cancer Society Statistics, Florida is fourth in the nation in estimated number of new breast cancer cases and second in breast cancer deaths.

Dr. Blackwell will join cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon, Drew Kreegel, M.D., and LMHS’ breast cancer navigator, Dara Leichter, RN, to discuss all aspects of breast cancer – from detection to treatment to recovery at the January seminar.

Date:

Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010

Time:

5 – 7 p.m.

Location:

Hyatt Place Coconut Point, located at Coconut Point mall
23120 Via Villagio, Estero, FL 33928

Reservations:

239-433-8505 or www.HealthyBonitaEstero.org

About Lea Blackwell, M.D.
Originally from Panama City, Fla., Dr. Blackwell earned her medical degree from and completed a surgical residency at Louisiana State University. She also completed a surgical breast oncology fellowship at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. prior to joining Associates in General & Vascular Surgery in Fort Myers. She is a member of the American College of Surgeons, the Society of Surgical Oncology and the American Society of Breast Disease. Dr. Blackwell specializes in breast cancer treatment and monitoring high-risk patients for evidence of breast disease.

About Drew Kreegel, M.D.
Drew Kreegel, M.D., is board certified and has been dedicated to providing quality, state-of-the-art plastic surgery since he began practicing in 1991. He specializes in cosmetic (aesthetic) surgery, breast reconstruction (following mastectomy), hand surgery, head and neck surgery, skin cancer surgery and general reconstruction. Dr. Kreegel is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and an active member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Inc., and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

About Dara Leichter, RN
With nearly 35 years of health care experience, Dara Leichter, RN, is uniquely qualified to serve as Lee Memorial Health System’s breast cancer navigator. For the past 20 years, she has devoted herself to oncologic roles as a nurse, administrator and navigator. She completed her nursing education at Raleigh County Vocational-Technical Center in Beckley, West Va. and Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Fla. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in health care leadership and master’s degree in health care administration from National-Louis University of Chicago.

About Lee Memorial Health System
Lee Memorial Health System is a community-owned health system in Lee County, Fla. It employs more than 9,000 people and is the fifth largest public health system in the United States. LMHS operates four acute care hospitals and two specialty hospitals, as well as outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers and primary care and specialist physician offices. Additionally, LMHS is the operator of the area’s only Trauma Center and Children’s Hospital, serving community residents from Tampa to Miami. Visit www.LeeMemorial.org for more information.

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Contact
Lee Memorial Health System
Erika Houser
239 278 3900
www.leememorial.org
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