- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s time to paint the town pink! Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center is hosting its annual Pink Ribbon Rally to raise awareness about breast cancer and the critical importance of early detection through mammograms. The event, taking place October 6 on our Lanham campus, will feature no-cost mammograms and clinical breast screenings, as well as life-saving information about the signs, symptoms, and early detection of breast cancer. “The Pink Ribbon Rally is not just an event; it’s a movement to empower our community with the knowledge and support in the fight against breast cancer,” said Deneen Richmond, president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. “Since Luminis Health’s mission is to enhance the health of the people and communities we serve, our goal is to raise awareness, provide support, and encourage all women to prioritize their breast health.” A recent study shows an alarming trend of cancer impacting younger Americans, particularly women, with gastrointestinal, endocrine and breast cancers climbing at the fastest rates, especially among age 30 to 39. “African American and women of color are especially at risk because we tend to get breast cancer at younger ages and a more aggressive form called triple negative breast cancer,” said Dr. Regina Hampton, chief of breast surgery at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. “With breast cancer being one of the leading causes of death among women in Prince George’s County, I can’t stress enough the importance of getting a mammogram. Early detection is the key to survival.” The hospital received a $1.3M state grant to provide breast cancer screenings to women in Prince George’s County over a three-year period. In the first year, Luminis Health administered 1,038 no-cost breast cancer screenings for women in the County. In addition to mammograms, the Pink Ribbon Rally will offer resources and guidance from local organizations, support groups, and healthcare professionals. There will also be inspirational stories from breast cancer survivors, bra fittings, live music, food, and games. Event Details: Date: Friday, October 6, 2023 Time: 8 am to 3 pm Location: Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center; top level of the Emergency Department garage Address: 8118 Good Luck Road, Lanham Admission: Free and open to the public
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt is never easy to hear that you have cancer, but it can be even harder for those who least suspect it because age is on their side. Yet more and more younger Americans are diagnosed with cancer in a concerning trend. A recent study shows an alarming increase of cancer impacting younger people, particularly women, with gastrointestinal, endocrine and breast cancers climbing at the fastest rates, especially among ages 30 to 39. Greater Risk for Women of Color These numbers are no surprise to Dr. Regina Hampton, chief of breast surgery at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center, whose practice primarily serves African-American and Latina women. “Breast cancer can occur more frequently in women under the age of 50 in the African-American population,” says Dr. Hampton. “It’s not uncommon for me to see someone in their thirties or forties who has received a breast cancer diagnosis.” Because of this, Dr. Hampton recommends women of color get a breast cancer risk assessment and start breast cancer screenings at age 30. Know Your Family History Family history of breast cancer is one of the biggest risk factors for diagnosis. It’s important to know if you have any of your close family members, such as mothers or sisters and even fathers and brothers who have been diagnosed. Men can’t be left out of the conversation, as they, too, can be diagnosed with breast cancer. Having open and honest conversations about your family’s history with breast cancer could save your life, or that of a loved one. Importance of Screening Sometimes women are unsure when they should start screening for breast cancer. You should receive a yearly mammogram starting at age 40, with 3D mammograms being the gold standard. If there is a family history of breast cancer, then you should start getting a mammogram ten years prior to the age your loved one was diagnosed. For example, if the mother was age 42 at diagnosis, the daughter should start getting mammograms at age 32 and enroll in a high-risk breast screening program. If you have no insurance or are underinsured, Luminis Health can help with your screening. We received a $1.3M state grant to provide breast cancer screenings to women in Prince George’s County over a three-year period. In the first year, Luminis Health administered 1,038 no-cost breast cancer screenings for women in the County. To see if you qualify for a no-cost mammogram, please call (301) 552-7724. Looking Ahead Although alarming, the increase in breast cancer diagnoses in younger women may be due, at least in part, to increased breast cancer awareness and improved technology. Regular breast self-exams are essential. Early breast cancer is best diagnosed when there are no symptoms and there is only a small abnormality on imaging. Whatever your age, if you are concerned about changes in your breast tissue, get it checked by your healthcare provider and continue to advocate for yourself until you get answers that satisfy your concerns. Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center is hosting its annual Pink Ribbon Rally on Friday, October 6 at its Lanham campus from 8 am to 3 pm. The event includes testimonials from survivors as well as opportunities to receive life-saving information about the signs, symptoms, and early detection of breast cancer. Please join us as we paint the town pink! Author Dr. Regina Hampton is the chief of breast surgery at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNo one ever wants to hear the words, “You have cancer.” Ever. It is, unfortunately, a reality that many people will face at some point in their lifetime. A cancer diagnosis is scary and comes with many uncertainties. Since you need as much support as possible, more and more doctors and patients are embracing integrative oncology. Think of it as using your mind, body, and soul to cope with symptoms and side effects. What is Integrative Oncology? Integrative oncology is a field of cancer care that combines conventional cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy with evidence-based complementary therapies to address the physical, emotional and psychological needs of cancer patients to enhance their overall well-being. Doctors and patients recognize that these treatments go beyond medical interventions and consider the complete needs of the patient. It incorporates a wide range of complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, mind-body techniques (for example: meditation, yoga, and guided imagery), nutritional counseling, and herbal and nutritional supplements. What Are the Benefits? The benefits of integrative oncology include: Management of cancer-related symptoms and treatment of side effects such as pain, fatigue, nausea, nerve pain/numbness and anxiety.By effectively managing these symptoms, patients can possibly tolerate conventional treatments better, allowing them to complete their treatment schedules as planned. Complementary therapies can help improve a patient’s quality of life during and after treatment. Supporting the immune system and overall well-being.Nutritional counseling focuses on strengthening the body’s natural defenses and improving overall health. This may involve herbal supplements, exercise programs, stress reduction techniques, and other strategies to support the immune system and promote well-being. Empowering the patient.Integrative oncology underscores patient-centered care and encourages active participation in the treatment process. Patients are provided with information, education and tools to make informed decisions about their care and take an active role in managing their health. Who Is It For? Integrative oncology is a good fit for those who value a wide-ranging approach to cancer care since it focuses on the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of each patient—recognizing the importance of addressing the whole person, not just the disease. Integrative oncology may be a good fit for cancer patients who: Desire to actively participate in their cancer treatment: Integrative oncology emphasizes the patient and healthcare providers making decisions together, as a team. Experience treatment-related side effects: Complementary therapies integrated into oncology care can help manage the side effects of conventional cancer treatments. For example, acupuncture may lessen nausea and pain caused by chemotherapy, naturopathic doctors may help relieve numbness/pain and digestive symptoms, and mind-body techniques like meditation or yoga can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Complete active treatment and wish to focus on living a healthy lifestyle: Integrative oncology can help with lifestyle changes, nutritional support, and stress management to enhance long-term health and well-being. In Conclusion A growing number of cancer patients are tapping into the benefits of integrative oncology, with nearly 80 percent using some form of complementary therapies. Integrative oncology is patient-centered and evidence-based, with a goal of maximizing cancer patients’ physical and emotional ability to undergo cancer treatments and improving quality of life. Ask your healthcare provider if integrative medicine might benefit your cancer journey. Authors Young Joo Lee, MD, is the medical director for Breast and Integrative Oncology at Luminis Health. Dr. Lee is passionate about providing the most effective cancer therapies with minimal toxicity. She is a strong supporter of integrating the wisdom of other traditional healing practices into modern medicine.
- Community, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe year was 1997 when Edward Zebovitz, DDS, first learned about the crucial need for medical and dental care in developing regions of the world such as the Philippines, Caribbean, East Africa, and Bangladesh. “A colleague of my father’s was doing mission trips, and I knew I had to get involved,” says the oral and maxillofacial surgeon with a practice based in Bowie. The non-profit organization Surgeons for Smiles was born. Seventeen years later, Dr. Zebovitz and his team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and support staff have completed their 34th mission trip. This time they went to Sorsogon, a province on the island of Luzon in the Philippines where genetic facial deformities like cleft lip and cleft palate are common. The team performed 50 cleft lip and palate surgeries on children in just five days. “The conditions are horrible,” Dr. Zebovitz says of the places he travels. “People’s basic needs, like shelter and food, aren’t always met. It is very sad to see.” They rely on donations to fund the missions. Whatever is not donated, Dr. Zebovitz personally finances. This spring, Dr. Zebovitz, who is married to OB-GYN Coryse Brathwaite, MD, and has four children ages 18, 20, 21, and 22, will go on another trip. This time, they will go to East Africa. “I hope to one day retire to Surgeons for Smiles,” says Dr. Zebovitz, with a smile.
- Community, Pediatrics, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen local pediatrician, Dr. Steve Brown, was young, he dreamed of being a doctor working on a boat. The first part of his dream defined his career as a pediatrician, and last year, he realized the second part while he served as a volunteer at The Lake Clinic, Cambodia. The clinic brings doctors, medical supplies and other services to seven floating villages on the Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia. Many of the houses in these villages are either floating structures or built on stilts over the water, and the area is so remote that the only way to bring a clinic to the people is by boat. Dr. Brown had been consulting with clinics (including one in Cuba) over the internet for a year or so, helping them to assess more difficult illnesses or conditions. “I’ll get pictures of dermatological conditions, or something that transmits in a photograph,” he says, “and it’s easy for me to get a specialist to take a look at it.” After helping patients online, Dr. Brown had an opportunity to spend a month at the clinic where he experienced first-hand the extreme needs of people in such a remote location. “We traveled three to four hours to reach people who couldn’t even seek medical care if they wanted to,” he says. “Families are living off of $2 per day and it cost $40 to $50 worth of fuel just to get us there.” He says the most rewarding aspect of the work is the appreciation shown by the people they were helping. “The people are just so grateful that you’re there helping them and it gives you a warm feeling inside to be able to do that.” Dr. Brown also volunteers for Project Angkor, a humanitarian mission that sets up free temporary clinics in remote areas to treat patients and help train Cambodian medical students. Cambodia has a special draw for Dr. Brown, but volunteerism has characterized his career both near and far. As a member of the Maryland Physician Emergency Volunteer Corps, he worked with the Red Cross after hurricane Katrina to see people in Maryland who had been displaced from homes and needed medical care. “This kind of work is definitely what I went into medicine for,” he says. “I wanted to be able to help people who need the help.”
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