Keeping abreast with Dr Robert Derhagopian

Sacha Walters, Staff Reporter

With an impressive turnout, the venue almost filled to capacity, the Jamaica Cancer Society and the Jamaica Reach to Recovery hosted 'Keeping Abreast 2010' at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on October 28.

The annual luncheon is one the major fund-raising activities put on by societies to secure funds, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, for breast-cancer related activities for the rest of the year.

Guest speaker Dr Robert Derhagopian, surgical oncologist at the Baptist Health Breast Center in Miami, Florida, discussed women's new options after a mastectomy.

The oncologist discussed new surgical therapies, which exist for reconstructing a breast after a mastectomy, a technique for which he and his team are experts.

Family history

He spoke about the Minimally Invasive Autologous Mastectomy Incisionless procedure (MIAMI for short) which can give a woman who has had a mastectomy a relatively normal-looking breast, with a natural feeling, and produces sensation without additional incisions. The process involves serial fat grafting, external expansion pre- and post-grafting and pre-cutaneous scar release.

The breast-cancer centre incorporates radiologists, surgeons and care coaches to get individuals through the ordeal, according to the doctor.

"The vast majority of women who get breast cancer do not have any risk factors. They don't have any family history. So everyone is at risk."

We used to say the greatest at risk of being stricken with breast cancer is among women over the age of 50, now we're seeing breast cancer in women in their 30s. Something we don't understand. All women are at risk," he said Dr Derhagopian emphasised that early detection is still the most effective approach in treating breast cancer.

Earl Jarrett, chairman of the Jamaica Cancer Society, Jamaica, notes that, unlike many other developing countries, Jamaica has a low rate of infectious diseases. But like many developed countries the incidence of chronic diseases like breast cancer is high.

Jarrett reminded the audience that the event grew from a mere Sunday brunch with the aim of buying the first mammography machine available to women in the public health-care system. It has since developed into what it is today.

During the function, survivors of breast cancer were acknowledged with a gift of a pink rose or a bouquet of roses.

The former governor general's wife, Lady Hall, who is also an artist, donated one of her own paintings valued at $80,000 as the item for the luncheon's silent auction.

Dr Derhagopian had the highest bid and took home the beautiful painting.