PROFNET EXPERT ALERTS: New Mammogram Guidelines

PROFNET EXPERT ALERTS: New Mammogram Guidelines

    TOPIC ALERT    New Mammogram Guidelines (34 responses)     EXPERT ALERTS    1.  Family Issues: How Families Can Achieve Balance in Family Life   2.  Family Issues: How Parents Can Give Children a Meaningful Christmas   3.  Health: Medicare Part D Open Enrollment: Save on Drug Costs in 2010   4.  Health: Coal Pollution Impacts Human Health   5.  Health: Savvy Employers Stepping up to Create Healthier Workforces   6.  Television: How 'Sesame Street' Transformed the Children's TV Space   7.  Social Media: Americans Are Redefining Their Lives Online and Offline   

NEW MAMMOGRAM GUIDELINES

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a government panel of doctors and scientists, most women don't need mammograms in their 40s and should only get them every two years starting at 50 -- a reversal of the American Cancer Society's long-standing position that women should get annual mammograms beginning at age 40. The panel also said breast self-exams do no good, and women shouldn't be taught to do them. Following are experts who can comment on the report and its impact:

1. SAMI BEG, M.D., MPA, MPH, associate medical director of U.S. PREVENTIVE MEDICINE and noted speaker on prevention and public health: "The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force decision looks at screening from a public health perspective. However, women and their doctors need to decide what is appropriate on an individual level. Women should talk to their doctors to decide the appropriate screening based on individual family histories and other risks, as well as personal circumstances, including anxiety from not being screened." The document "U.S. Preventive Medicine Position on New Mammogram Guidelines from U.S. Preventive Services Task Force" is available for review. He is located in Jacksonville, Fla. News Contact: Denise Bauwens, dbauwens@marcomexchange.com Phone: +1-610-891-7560 (11/20/09)

2. DEB WEINTRAUB, director of mission programs, the Los Angeles affiliate for SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE: "Susan G. Komen for the Cure wants to eliminate any impediments to regular mammography screening for women age 40 and older. While there is no question that mammograms save lives for women over 50 and women 40-49, there is enough uncertainty about the age at which mammography should begin and the frequency of screening that we would not want to see a change in policy for screening mammography at this time. One-third of the women who qualify for screening under today's guidelines are not being screened due to lack of access, education or awareness. That issue needs focus and attention: If we can make progress with screening in vulnerable populations, we could make more progress in the fight against breast cancer." News Contact: Lily De Smedt, lily@atomicpr.com Phone: +1-310-689-7586 Web site: http://www.komenlacounty.org/ (11/20/09)

3. CAROL H. LEE, M.D., chair of the AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY Breast Imaging Commission, is at SLOAN-KETTERING in New York City: "These unfounded USPSTF recommendations ignore the valid scientific data and place a great many women at risk of dying unnecessarily from a disease that we have made significant headway against over the past 20 years. Mammography is not a perfect test, but it has unquestionably been shown to save lives -- including in women aged 40-49. These new recommendations seem to reflect a conscious decision to ration care. If Medicare and private insurers adopt these incredibly flawed USPSTF recommendations as a rationale for refusing women coverage of these life-saving exams, it could have deadly effects for American women. The USPSTF claims that the 'harms' of mammography, including discomfort of the exam, anxiety over positive results, and possibility of overtreatment, because medical science cannot distinguish which cancers will become deadly most quickly, outweigh the greatly decreased number of deaths each year resulting from breast cancer screening. Without doubt, the possibility of having one's life saved through early detection far outweighs any of these concerns. Their premise is tragically incorrect and will result in many needless deaths if their recommendations are adopted by the American public." News Contact: Shawn Farley, sfarley@acr-arrs.org Phone: +1-703-648-8936 (11/20/09)

4. W. PHIL EVANS, M.D., FACR, president of the SOCIETY OF BREAST IMAGING (SBI), is at UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER in Dallas: "The USPSTF recommendations are a step backward and represent a significant harm to women's health. To tell women they should not get regular mammograms starting at 40, when this approach has overwhelmingly been shown to save lives, is shocking. At least 40 percent of the patient life years saved by mammographic screening are of women aged 40-49. These recommendations are inconsistent with current science and apparently have been developed in an attempt to reduce costs. Unfortunately, many women may pay for this unsound approach with their lives." News Contact: Shawn Farley, sfarley@acr-arrs.org Phone: +1-703-648- 8936 (11/20/09)

5. RACHEL BREM, M.D., director of breast imaging and professor of radiology, THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL: "For the past 20 years, the death rate from breast cancer has declined by 30 percent, more in younger women, and is due largely to the increased use of mammography. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) chose to ignore modern, compelling clinical trials that demonstrated a 40 percent reduction in breast cancer deaths and, rather, based their flawed recommendations on old data and mathematical models. Their recommendations also contradict the biology of breast cancer, which is more aggressive and faster growing in younger women. Comparing women 40 to 49 with a much wider age group, i.e., 50 to 74, is unscientific and pure data manipulation. These age groups deserve the benefits of mammography, and denying that would amount to nothing less than reversing the reduction in breast cancer mortality we have achieved in the past 20 years." Brem is located in Washington, D.C. News Contact: Heather B. Oldham, heather.oldham@gwu-hospital.com Phone: +1-202-715-4447 (11/20/09)

6. DAWN LEONARD, M.D., breast surgeon and medical director of NORTHWEST HOSPITAL's Herman & Walter Samuelson Breast Care Center in Randallstown, Md.: "Current standards, as outlined by organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, should still be followed. Annual mammograms, in conjunction with annual clinical breast examinations, should begin for women starting at age 40 -- and perhaps even earlier, if a woman has a strong family history of breast cancer. Practice guidelines that postpone mammographic screening and eradicate self- and clinical examinations will have detrimental impacts on early diagnosis and cancer survival. The medical community and the advocacy community have worked tirelessly since the '70s to empower women to be more aware of their breast health needs and to make choices that improve breast cancer survival. The recent USPSTF recommendations appear to be a step in the wrong direction." News Contact: Holly Hosler, hhosler@lifebridgehealth.org Phone: +1-410-601- 8678 (11/20/09)

7. HAYTHEM ALI, M.D., senior staff oncologist, specializing in breast cancer, at HENRY FORD HOSPITAL in Detroit: "I don't think these guidelines are going to change our recommendations for what women can do to detect cancer. The task force is actually describing the limits of current screening technology. So maybe our efforts should now concentrate more on finding causes for cancer and concentrate on other forms of prevention. In the USPSTF's opinion, the benefits do not outweigh the risks in women age 40-49. On the other hand, this risk-benefit balance may change for each individual patient. Therefore, patients with a higher than average risk, such as those with family history, should be given the option of screening -- and that is in the guidelines." News Contact: Krista Hopson, khopson1@hfhs.org Phone: +1-313-874-7207 (11/20/09)

8. DR. LAWRENCE BASSETT, director, Iris Canter Center for Breast Imaging at UCLA'S JONSSON COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER: "Since 1990, breast cancer deaths in the United States have decreased by 30 percent, primarily due to screening mammography. The United States Preventive Services Task Force considered only old data in its analysis and ignored newer data that comes from a study in Sweden, which shows a decrease in death rates by 40 percent with mammography. I think that they're taking a real risk for patients, probably to decrease costs, and they are overly concerned about anxiety from recalls, ultrasound and needle biopsy procedures. People understand that mammography is not a perfect test, but they want to maximize their opportunity at finding the cancer earlier. Studies show cancers are smaller and found at an earlier stage when screening is annual. Would you rather give a cancer two years to grow before finding it, or would you rather have it grow for only one year?" Bassett is located in Los Angeles. News Contact: Kim Irwin, kirwin@mednet.ucla.edu Phone: +1-310-206-2805 (11/20/09)

9. DR. JACK LYONS, medical staff president and chairman of the Department of Radiology, SAINT JOSEPH HOSPITAL in Chicago: "While imperfect, annual mammography and regular breast self-exams are opportunities to identify cancer before it becomes locally invasive or metastatic. This is particularly important in younger women, between the ages of 40 and 50, in whom breast cancers are often more aggressive, and who have the most life to lose. There is abundant support in medical literature of statistical analysis over many years of the benefits of early detection of breast cancer that we can cite. In my 10 years of active practice as a radiologist, I have personally diagnosed innumerable cases of breast cancer, including many in this age group. Many of the cases I have seen have been brought to medical attention by the patients themselves. I will continue to encourage my family members, friends and patients to continue breast self-examination and screening mammography. To do otherwise would be irresponsible." Lyons is fluent in German. News Contact: Susan White, susan.white2@reshealthcare.org Phone: +1-773-665-3445 Web site: http://tinyurl.com/ygb2wmo (11/20/09)

10. DR. JENNIFER KAM, SOUTHTOWNS RADIOLOGY, a leader in diagnostic imaging in western New York, is board certified in radiology and can provide additional expertise in pelvic MR, ultrasound and breast imaging: "American Cancer Society guidelines recommend annual screening at the age of 40 because it saves lives, not to mention that earlier intervention and detection allows for more options in treatment, including breast conservation. The number of cancers we are seeing at an early age is alarming, and although saving one in 1,900 lives may be trivialized by the government panel, I would say that each of the women, sisters, mothers and daughters who are with us today because of early detection would challenge that supposition." News Contact: Brittany J. Frey, bfrey@traverscollins.com Phone: +1-716-842-2222, ext. 378 (11/20/09)

11. JOHN D. CUNNINGHAM, M.D., surgical oncology, SUMMIT MEDICAL GROUP, Berkeley Heights, N.J.: "We are against the new mammography recommendations by the USPSTF, as we believe the recommendations represent a step backward in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. In women age 40-49, the routine use of annual mammography has been shown to increase the rate of detection of early breast cancer and has been shown to decrease the mortality rate in this group. Furthermore, breast self-exams by women are also effective in early detection of changes in breast tissue. A woman can do a self-exam and if she feels that there is something different in her breast(s), she can see her physician and be screened." Cunningham is available to speak on breast health, early detection and treatment of breast cancer, mammograms, and surgical oncology. News Contact: Maureen Bennett, mbennett@smgnj.com Phone: +1-908-277-8834 (11/20/09)

12. DAVIDE BOVA, M.D., medical director, Diagnostic Imaging, LOYOLA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER: "The controversy illustrates the need for screening that is tailored to each woman's specific risk factors. A 39-year-old woman with a strong family history may need more extensive screening than a 50-year- old woman with no known risk factors. We're dealing with imperfect tools. This may push people to analyze a little more carefully what their risks are." Bova is fluent in Italian and Spanish, and is located in Maywood, Ill., a suburb of Chicago. News Contact: Jim Ritter, jritter@lumc.edu Phone: +1-708-216-2445 (11/20/09)

13. DR. KERRI DIAS, radiologist and associate director of ST. JOHN'S MERCY BREAST CENTER in St. Louis: "Currently, the best way to detect early breast cancer is through annual mammography. The benefits of annual mammography have been extensively studied for more than 40 years, proving the effectiveness of annual mammography in reducing breast cancer mortality, both worldwide and in the United States. While mammography is not a perfect tool, it does detect the vast majority of breast cancers." News Contact: Bethany Pope, bethany.pope@mercy.net Phone: +1-314-364-4258 (11/20/09)

14. NANCY SHARTS-HOPKO, Ph.D., RN, doctoral program professor at VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF NURSING, is an expert in maternal-infant and women's health: "I understand the disquiet that individuals may experience by the change in recommendations. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the parent of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, has the advantage of being able to access very large data sets over time to evaluate cost-effectiveness of various tests and interventions." Sharts-Hopko has published research on women's health perceptions during various health and life transitions. News Contact: Sarah Christy, sarah.christy@villanova.edu Phone: +1-610-519-7357 Web site: http://tinyurl.com/yle3gf6 (11/20/09)

15. BETSY ANGELAKIS, M.D., chief of breast imaging at LAHEY CLINIC MEDICAL CENTER in Burlington, Mass., and assistant professor at TUFTS UNIVERSITY's School of Medicine: "Since the advent of mammogram screening some 20 years ago, we have been winning the battle against breast cancer. However, decreasing the frequency or delaying the starting point for screening from 40 to 50 years of age would have dire consequences. The lives of many younger patients would be lost because we would miss the very cancer types that tend to be the most aggressive and most deadly." News Contact: Steve Danehy, steve.danehy@lahey.org Phone: +1-781-744-5440 Web site: http://www.lahey.org/ (11/20/09)

16. DR. MARK CONNOLLY, chairman of the Department of Surgery, Surgical Oncology, SAINT JOSEPH HOSPITAL in Chicago: "Women not reporting any new changes or symptoms that are significant have historically led to breast cancer diagnosis in approximately 20 percent of my patients. Seventy percent of women have no known risk, so regular monitoring, especially at a younger age, is particularly important. There are several studies that prove the effectiveness of mammograms in women." News Contact: Susan White, susan.white2@reshealthcare.org Phone: +1-773-665-3445 Web site: http://tinyurl.com/yj5t55c (11/20/09)

17. JAMES H. THRALL, M.D., FACR, is chair of the AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY's Board of Chancellors, and chair of radiology at MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL in Boston: "I am deeply concerned about the actions of the USPSTF in severely limiting screening for breast cancer. These recommendations, in combination with recent CMS imaging cuts, jeopardize access to both long-proven and cutting-edge diagnostic imaging technologies. Government policy makers need to consider the consequences of such decisions. I can't help but think that we are moving toward a new health care rationing policy that will turn back the clock on medicine for decades and needlessly reverse advances in cancer detection that have saved countless lives." News Contact: Shawn Farley, sfarley@acr-arrs.org Phone: +1-703-648-8936 (11/20/09)

18. DR. THOMAS SAMUEL is an oncologist, and medical director of the MCGHEALTH BREAST CANCER CLINIC. He is also an oncology researcher and assistant professor at the MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA in Augusta, Ga.: "Despite the USPSTF recommendations to delay mammograms until age 50 and not do self-exams, MCGHealth Medical Center will continue with current guidelines: Teach self- exams for home; and begin mammograms at age 40 and repeat annually. MCG is in agreement with the American Cancer Society, the AMA and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines." Samuel is fluent in Malayalam. News Contact: Denise Parrish, mparrish@mcg.edu Phone: +1-706-721-9566 (11/20/09)

19. CHARLES C. CAMOSY, assistant professor of Christian ethics at FORDHAM UNIVERSITY in New York: "Women who follow the task force's recommendation get 82 percent of the value for only 50 percent of the cost, making it cost- effective to screen biennially, rather than annually. The American Cancer Society and other interest groups don't agree with this because they don't look at this aspect of health care as part of the bigger picture." Camosy holds many provocative opinions about issues such as these, and argues that a moral case can be made for the rationing of health care. News Contact: Syd Steinhardt, steinhardt@fordham.edu Phone: +1-212-636-6534 (11/20/09)

20. WILLIAM DUNN, M.D., practicing oncologist who specializes in the treatment and prevention of cancer: "The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently released an update effectively reversing their recommendation for yearly mammograms for women over age 40, yet no oncologist was on the board to recommend such a reversal. As a cancer physician, I'd like to discuss this controversial decision, and why I support the continuation of annual mammograms for women above 40. Cutting back on established medical screening patterns to reduce costs is the wrong place to start. In contrast to the recent updates regarding Pap smears that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists announced, the changes sought by the task force were not done in conjunction with any radiologists, nor any cancer specialist groups. In fact, the American Cancer Society stands firm in their opposition to these changes." Dunn is located in Kalamazoo, Mich. (11/20/09)

21. BIREN SHAH, M.D., senior staff radiologist, specializing in mammography, at HENRY FORD HOSPITAL in Detroit: "At Henry Ford Health System, about 25 percent of patients diagnosed with breast cancer are younger than 50. It is the patient and her physician that should decide what is in the best interests of her care." News Contact: Krista Hopson, khopson1@hfhs.org Phone: +1-313- 874-7207 (11/20/09)

22. EDWARD DONAHUE, M.D., medical director and breast cancer specialist of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER in Phoenix: "Women should continue to have their annual mammograms, beginning at 40 years of age, and should be encouraged to do breast self-exams." News Contact: Carmelle Malkovich, cmalkovich@chw.edu Phone: +1-602-406-3319 (11/20/09)

23. RITA FREIMANIS, M.D., associate professor of radiology, section head for breast imaging, WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY Baptist Medical Center in Winston- Salem, N.C.: "There have been many, many studies that show the benefits of early screening." News Contacts: Jessica Guenzel, jguenzel@wfubmc.edu Phone: +1-336-716-3487, Jonnie Rohrer, jrohrer@wfubmc.edu Phone: +1-336-716-6972, and Bonnie Davis, bdavis@wfubmc.edu Phone: +1-336-716-4977 (11/20/09)

24. NEIL B. FRIEDMAN, M.D., F.A.C.S., medical director with The Hoffberger Breast Center at MERCY MEDICAL CENTER in Baltimore, is board certified by the American Board of Surgery, and a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He is on the active staff in the Department of Surgery and Oncology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, as well as an instructor in surgery and oncology with the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Friedman is a diplomate of the American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is also a member of the Baltimore City Medical Society and the Maryland chapter of Med-Chi. Friedman has an extensive knowledge in the field of oncology, and has published papers examining treatment for breast cancer, as well as anal/rectal tumors, Hodgkin's Disease and lung cancer. He has been involved in clinical research for breast cancer treatment and diagnosis, including clinical trials for sentinel lymph node biopsy and to test the efficacy of raloxifene vs. tamoxifen in treating/preventing breast cancer. Friedman has been an outspoken proponent of annual mammograms for women ages 40-49. In 2006, he was named the national spokesperson for Bath & Bodyworks' "In Touch" Breast Self-Exam Glove, a unique breast self-exam tool designed to educate women on how to perform self-exams while facilitating their ability to do so. Friedman's interview on WBAL-TV11's "Woman's Doctor" can be accessed at the second link listed below. News Contacts: Marta Markline, mmarkline@mdmercy.com Phone: +1-410-332-9336, and Dan Collins, dcollins@mdmercy.com Phone: +1-410-332-9714 Cell: +1-410-375-7342 Web sites: http://www.mdmercy.com/ and http://tinyurl.com/yd4bgs3 (11/20/09)

25. JEAN K. WARNER, M.D., is the director of The Tyanna O'Brien Center for Women's Imaging at MERCY MEDICAL CENTER in Baltimore. Board certified, Warner brings extensive experience in women's imaging, including digital mammography, ultrasound and MRI. She also has experience in all imaging-guided interventional procedures, including MRI-guided biopsy, with a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of breast disease. Warner earned her medical degree from the Ohio State University College of Medicine. She completed residencies in internal medicine and diagnostic radiology at the University of Maryland Medical System. While at the University of Maryland, she served as co-director of The Breast Center, as well as a consultant for breast imaging on "Ask the Expert," a program featured on the University's Web site. Warner also served as diagnostic radiologist, specializing in breast imaging, at the Anne Arundel Medical Breast Center. Warner has a variety of clinical publications to her credit in the field of breast imaging. Her professional affiliations include membership in the American College of Radiology, American Roentgen Ray Society, Radiological Society of North America and Society of Breast Imaging. Warner was recently quoted in The Baltimore Sun regarding the mammogram controversy, which can be accessed at the second link listed below. News Contacts: Pam Waller, pwaller@mdmercy.com Phone: +1-410-332-9024, and Dan Collins, dcollins@mdmercy.com Phone: +1-410-332-9714 Cell: +1-410-375-7342 Web site: http://www.mdmercy.com/ and http://tinyurl.com/yeop2gq (11/20/09)

26. DR. MARGARET LEWIN, leading breast cancer and prevention expert in the U.S., is a medical director of CINERGY HEALTH and board-certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology. She is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and clinical assistant professor of medicine at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. She is affiliated with New York- Presbyterian Hospital and The Hospital for Special Surgery. Lewin has worked throughout her career to improve the American healthcare system. She has been on the boards of state and local medical societies and is immediate past president of the New York County Medical Society and immediate past district president of the American College of Physicians. Her decades-long volunteer work has included service to many local projects and organizations, and has been enriched by her medical missions to the Third World. Lewin has authored numerous articles in leading medical journals and lay magazines, as well as chapters for medical textbooks. Her areas of special interest and expertise include primary and preventive care, travel medicine, and men's and women's health. News Contact: Susan Rotante, srotante@5wpr.com Phone: +1-212-584-4317 (11/20/09)

27. STANLEY E. WAINTRAUB, M.D., F.A.C.P., co-chief of the division of breast oncology, John Theurer Cancer Center, HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, and clinical assistant professor of medicine, UMDNJ-NEW JERSEY MEDICAL SCHOOL, is available to discuss why he is strongly against this new recommendation and supports the American Cancer Society's current guidelines. Waintraub has been working in the breast oncology field for more than 15 years. He has published a number of research studies on treatments for metastatic breast cancer and other types of cancer in leading journals, such as The Journal of Clinical Oncology and Blood. He is also a leading expert in the diagnosis and treatment of gestational thrombophilia, a serious blood clotting disorder that can result in fetal death, stillbirth, pre-term birth, or low birth weight. He is located in Hackensack, N.J. News Contact: Amy Leahing, amy.leahing@widmeyer.com Phone: +1-646-213-7245 (11/20/09)

28. STEPHANIE F. BERNIK, M.D., FACS, is chief of breast surgery for the comprehensive breast program at ST. VINCENT'S COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER (SVCCC) in New York City. Bernik specializes in treating young women under 40 diagnosed with breast cancer. She is a principal investigator for breast disease research at St. Vincent's, and has presented her research at symposia across the country. Bernik graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and completed her internship and residency at St. Vincent's Hospital Manhattan. News Contact: Mary Mooney, mmooney@svcmcny.org Phone: +1-212-604- 2675 (11/20/09)

29. DR. ABRAHAM PORT is director of breast imaging at the Complete Women's Imaging Center, SOUTH NASSAU COMMUNITIES HOSPITAL. Port previously served as director of women's imaging, ultrasound and breast interventional procedures at a prominent radiology practice for more than five years. He also served as director of breast imaging and assistant professor of radiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, and has served as director of radiology at Mount Kisco Medical Group in New York. Port has been an adjunct lecturer at the City College of New York. Port oversees and directs a state-of-the-art facility with a variety of services that focus on breast health and women's health imaging. He is located in Oceanside, N.Y., and is fluent in Hebrew. News Contact: Damian Becker, dbecker@snch.org Phone: +1-516-377-5370 (11/20/09)

30. DR. CHRISTINE HODYL is director of breast health services at SOUTH NASSAU COMMUNITIES HOSPITAL. She completed a residency in surgery at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., and a research fellowship at Memorial Sloan- Kettering Cancer Center. In 2006, Hodyl completed additional training in breast ultrasound, oncoplastic surgery and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Hodyl has had numerous research published, including, "The Effect of Hepatic Cryosurgery on Tumor Growth of the Liver" and "Pretreatment with IFN Decreases Infectious Complications After Partial Hepatectomy." She is a member of the American College of Surgeons and the American Osteopathic Association. Hodyl is located in Oceanside, N.Y. News Contact: Damian Becker, dbecker@snch.org Phone: +1-516-377-5370 (11/20/09)

31. Following are experts from MOFFITT CANCER CENTER, Florida's only NCI- designated comprehensive cancer center, located in Tampa, Fla.:

-- DR. CHRISTINE LARONGA is the program leader of the Don and Erika Wallace Comprehensive Breast Program. The program at the center will not be changing its screening guidelines and recommendations at this current time. As a center that provides high-volume screening and diagnostic breast services to the community, the goal is prevention and early detection of breast cancer.

-- DR. THOMAS SELLERS is the executive vice president and associate center director of cancer prevention and control.

-- DR. RICHARD ROETZHEIM is the medical director of the Lifetime Cancer Screening and Prevention Center.

-- DR. MARGARET SZABUNIO is an associate member in the diagnostic radiology, and ultrasound and breast imaging departments.

News Contact: Patty Kim, patty.kim@moffitt.org Phone: +1-813-745-7322 (11/20/09)

EXPERT ALERTS

1. FAMILY ISSUES: HOW FAMILIES CAN STRIVE TO ACHIEVE BALANCE IN FAMILY LIFE. LYSA PARKER, M.S., CFLE (Certified Family Life Educator), co-founder of ATTACHMENT PARENTING INTERNATIONAL, a nonprofit organization that helps create local support groups and publishes educational and research materials for parents and professionals, can discuss how families can strive to achieve balance in family life, in light of the holiday season: "Parents should not let pride interfere with asking for help; healthy and happy parents are able to better respond to their children. When you do get it right and have a great day, don't forget to acknowledge that to yourself. It's too easy to focus on the negative, so try to focus on the positive and make a point of expressing gratitude every day." Parker is based in Huntsville, Ala. News Contact: Jackie O'Neal, jackieoneal@helloworld.com Phone: +1-609-334-8621 Web site: http://www.attachmentparenting.org/ (11/20/09)

2. FAMILY ISSUES: HOW PARENTS CAN GIVE THEIR CHILDREN A MEANINGFUL CHRISTMAS. BARBARA NICHOLSON, M.Ed., co-founder, ATTACHMENT PARENTING INTERNATIONAL, a nonprofit organization that helps create local support groups and publishes educational and research materials for parents and professionals, can discuss how parents can give their children a meaningful Christmas holiday, despite economic uncertainty: "In these challenging economic times, parents may feel concerned that they may not be able to provide the usual abundance under the Christmas tree, or other holiday giving. The good news is that what children really need and want is our presence, not necessarily presents. Think about other ways to make your holidays rich this year by providing more time for games, cooking together and, perhaps, making gifts together that will be treasured through the years." Nicholson is based in Nashville, Tenn. News Contact: Jackie O'Neal, jackieoneal@helloworld.com Phone: +1-609 334 8621 Web site: http://www.attachmentparenting.org/ (11/20/09)

3. HEALTH: MEDICARE PART D OPEN ENROLLMENT: HOW TO SAVE ON DRUG COSTS IN 2010. JEFF MCCLUSKY, caregiver and CVS pharmacist in Houston: "While most seniors are aware of the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit, many aren't aware that they should review their options each year. Monthly premiums and prescription co-pays can fluctuate, and the risk of falling into the coverage gap, known as the 'doughnut hole,' continues to loom large. When evaluating Part D plans, seniors and their caregivers should always consider the 'three Cs': cost, coverage and convenience." McClusky can comment on changes in prescription drug benefits for the new year and how seniors can save an average of $612 on prescriptions. News Contact: Jon Tashjian, jtashjian@webershandwick.com Phone: +1-617-520-7118 (11/20/09)

4. HEALTH: COAL POLLUTION IMPACTS HUMAN HEALTH AT EVERY STAGE OF COAL LIFE CYCLE. DR. ALAN H. LOCKWOOD, M.D. FAAN, PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, and author of a new report about coal's impact on health and the environment: "While the U.S. relies heavily on coal for its energy needs, the consequences of that reliance for our health are grave. These stark conclusions leave no room for doubt or delay. The time has come for our nation to establish a health-driven energy policy that replaces our dependence on coal with clean, safe alternatives. Business as usual is extracting a deadly price on our health. Coal is no longer an option." Lockwood is available to comment on how coal impacts human health at every stage of the coal life cycle, and the specific policy changes that can help protect our communities and environment from coal pollution. He is located in Buffalo, N.Y. News Contact: Aric Caplan, aric@caplancommunications.com Phone: +1-301-998-6592 (11/20/09)

5. HEALTH: SAVVY EMPLOYERS STEPPING UP TO CREATE HEALTHIER WORKFORCES. CHRIS BOYCE, CEO of VIRGIN HEALTHMILES: "Beating obesity starts in the workplace. Savvy employers recognize they have a vested interest in helping employees stay healthier. Rising health care costs are squeezing corporate profit margins, threatening the very lifeblood of business. Promoting employee health is an investment, not only in human capital, but in preserving the bottom line. Employees are more likely to be on the job and productive when they're in optimal physical health. They're also more likely to be attracted to, remain with and value a company that values them. And healthier employees require less health care intervention, lowering overall costs." Two new reports this week reveal that obesity is growing faster than any previous chronic health issue our nation has faced. Obesity is related to the onset of many other illnesses, and stopping its growth in the U.S. is vital, not only to our nation's health, but also our nation's healthcare budget. Boyce can share examples of companies taking a leadership position around tackling healthcare costs by creating healthier workforces. News Contact: Marian Hughes, mhughes@tieronepr.com Phone: +1-708-246-0083 (11/20/09)

6. TELEVISION: HOW 'SESAME STREET' TRANSFORMED THE CHILDREN'S TELEVISION SPACE. ANNA AKERMAN, assistant professor in the Department of Communications at ADELPHI UNIVERSITY, Garden City, N.Y.: "'Sesame Street' transformed the children's television space by merging an educationally sound curriculum with a highly entertaining format. The current abundance of educational preschool television shows, which are often modeled after this early pioneer, is clear evidence of its success. 'Sesame Street' showed the world that learning through television was not only possible, but fun -- a groundbreaking concept that is now commonly accepted. The secret to the show's longevity is its constant evolution; each season's goals are created to reflect preschoolers' current needs. The result? A timeless show that parents and children can enjoy together." Akerman has worked with organizations, such as Nickelodeon and Sesame Workshop, on issues related to the impact of media on children's lives. She has participated in field research assessing children's responses to "Sesame Street" programming. She has a Ph.D. in social and organizational psychology, with a concentration in child development. News Contact: Kali Chan, chan@adelphi.edu Cell: +1-631-521-5513 (11/20/09)

7. SOCIAL MEDIA: AMERICANS ARE REDEFINING THEIR LIVES ONLINE AND OFFLINE. MARIAN SALZMAN, president of EURO RSCG WORLDWIDE PR, NORTH AMERICA, and leading trendspotter, is available to discuss how consumers and culture are changing through social media tools: "Americans are redefining their lives both online and offline. Consumers are engaging in trialogue -- a multi-way exchange of ideas and opinions. I call this 'preview dating,' where people and brands can be tried out online before we experience them face-to-face. This is the new normal for shopping and dating. We make chat dates, and we visit articles of clothing -- and any variety of other consumer products -- many times before we purchase them." Salzman can also discuss the results of a new Euro RSCG social media study that explored how Americans have dramatically integrated social networking tools into their lives (see link below). She is located in New York City. News Contact: Jamie Bernheim, jamie.bernheim@eurorscg.com Web site: http://tinyurl.com/ydkuowk (11/20/09)

PROFNET is an exclusive service of PR Newswire. To submit an Opportunity by e-mail: profnet@profnet.com To consult the ProfNet Experts Database: http://www.prnewswire.com/profnet To contact ProfNet by phone: +1-800-PROFNET, ext. 1 To share a thought on ProfNet Expert Alerts: profnetalerts@prnewswire.com

PRNewswire -- Nov 20

Source: ProfNet

NOTE TO EDITORS: The following expert has provided direct contact information: Dr. Jack Lyons, Saint Joseph Hospital jlyons1@reshealthcare.org; Mark Connolly, Saint Joseph Hospital mconnolly@reshealthcare.org; Neil B. Friedman, Mercy Medical Center nfriedman@mdmercy.com Phone: +1-410-332-9333; Jean K. Warner, Mercy Medical Center jwarner@mdmercy.com Phone: +1-410-332-9725 +1-410-332-9102 +1-410-332- 9268; William Dunn contact@lightenforlife.com Phone: +1-269-629-3065 Work: +1-269-998-0002

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Profile: International Entertainment