Continuing to provide the communities we serve with quality healthcare is our goal at MediSys Health Network. Our hospitals which include Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Flushing Hospital Medical Center are committed to improving the health of our patients and residents who live in our service area.
To better meet the needs of those we serve, we have identified several health conditions that greatly affect our population. Some of the conditions that have raised concern due to their high rate of occurrence are prostate cancer, hepatitis B and C, lung cancer, cervical cancer human papillomavirus (HPV), breast cancer, tobacco addiction and colorectal cancer.
Our educational initiatives and plans to address these conditions are comprised of two objectives:
We thank you for the opportunity to be an active partner in your care and hope that you find MediSys Cares to be a helpful resource for managing your health.
Breast cancer starts when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control. These cells usually form a tumor that can often be seen on a mammogram or felt as a lump. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple (ductal cancers). Some start in the glands that make breast milk (lobular cancers).There are also other types of breast cancer that are less common.
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. A mass that’s painless, hard, and has irregular edges is more likely to be cancer, but breast cancers can be tender, soft, or rounded and painful.
Risk factors for breast cancer include the following:
A personal history of breast cancer.
A family history of breast cancer. It’s important to note that most women who get breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease, but: Women who have close blood relatives with breast cancer have a higher risk of the disease.
Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer almost doubles a woman’s risk. Having 2 first-degree relatives increases her risk about 3-fold.
Women with a father or brother who have had breast cancer also have a higher risk of breast cancer.
Many studies have shown that moderate to vigorous physical activity is linked with lower breast cancer risk.
A diet that’s rich in vegetables, fruit, poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy products has also been linked with a lower risk of breast cancer in some studies.
To help reduce your risk of breast cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week (or a combination of these), preferably spread throughout the week. Reduce your lifetime weight gain by limiting your calories and getting regular physical activity.
Avoid or limit your alcohol intake. The American Cancer Society recommends that women have no more than 1 alcoholic drink a day
Detection and Diagnosis of breast cancer:
Clinical breast exam (CBE):
An exam of the breast by a doctor or other health professional. The doctor will carefully feel the breasts and under the arms for lumps or anything else that seems unusual.
Mammogram:
The American College of Radiology, the Society of Breast Imaging and other national medical organizations recommend that women 40 and older get yearly mammograms. The American Cancer Society agrees that getting yearly mammograms starting at age 40 has the most benefit; they urge women to start no later than age 45.
Those at increased risk due to a family history or other factor should talk to their doctor about screening earlier.
Treatment:
There are several ways to treat breast cancer, depending on its type and stage.
Local treatments:
Some treatments are called local therapies, meaning they treat the tumor without affecting the rest of the body. Types of local therapy used for breast cancer include:
These treatments are more likely to be useful for earlier stage (less advanced) cancers.
Systemic treatments:
Breast cancer can also be treated using drugs, which can be given by mouth or directly into the bloodstream. These are called systemic therapies because they can reach cancer cells anywhere in the body. Depending on the type of breast cancer, several different types of drugs might be used, including:
If you would like to schedule an appointment in our Women’s Health Center to discuss breast cancer screening and possible treatment options please call the location most convenient to you.
Flushing Hospital Women’s Health Center: 718-670-8893
Jamaica Hospital Women’s Health Center: 718-291-3276.
Cervical cancer is a cancer that involves the lower part of the uterus (womb), which is known as the cervix. This can involve a microscopic lesion, that cannot be seen with the naked eye; or it can involve a larger area that is visible while performing a pelvic exam or during colposcopy.
Signs and symptoms can include bleeding after sexual intercourse, irregular vaginal bleeding, bleeding after menopause, abnormal vaginal discharge, and/or pain.
If you would like to schedule an appointment in our Women’s Health Center to discuss cervical cancer screening and possible treatment options please call the location most convenient to you.
Flushing Hospital Women’s Health Center: 718-670-8893
Jamaica Hospital Women’s Health Center: 718-291-3276.
Colorectal cancer (also known as colon cancer, rectal cancer, or bowel cancer) is the development of cancer from the colon or rectum (parts of the large intestine). It is due to the abnormal growth of cells that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body.
Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates annually there are 136,830 people diagnosed and 50,310 will die from this disease.
Signs and symptoms: Early cases can begin as noncancerous polyps. These often have no symptoms but can be detected by screening. For this reason, doctors recommend screenings for those at high risk or over the age of 50. Common symptoms include:
Factors that may increase risk of colon cancer include:
Regular screening is one of the most powerful weapons for preventing colon cancer. If polyps are found during colon screening, they can usually be removed before they have the chance to turn into cancer. Screening can also result in finding cancer early, when it is easier to treat and more likely to be curable.
One can help lower risk by eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and less red meat (beef, lamb, or pork) and less processed meat. Men should limit alcohol to no more than 2 drinks a day, and women to no more than 1 drink a day. The American Cancer Society recommends regular colon cancer screening for most people starting at age 50. People with a family history of the disease or other risk factors should talk with their doctor about beginning screening at a younger age.
Colonoscopy uses a lighted tube with a small camera on the end to examine the entire length of the colon and rectum. If polyps are found, they may be removed during the test.
Double-contrast barium enema is a type of x-ray test.
CT colonography (also called virtual colonoscopy) is a scan of the colon and rectum that produces detailed cross-sectional images so the doctor can look for polyps or cancer.
Fecal occult blood test and fecal immunochemical test are used to detect tiny amounts of blood in the stool that could indicate the presence of polyps or cancer.
Surgery is the most effective treatment for local colorectal tumors. Very small tumors can be removed through a colonoscope, but even with small tumors, removing the portion of the colon containing the tumor, the surrounding fat, and nearby lymph nodes is often the best treatment.
Usually, the surgeon can reconnect the healthy sections of the colon and rectum. When this is not possible, the surgeon forms an opening - known as a colostomy. This procedure is usually only temporary. Once the bowel has had time to heal, a second operation reconnects the colon and rectum. The need for permanent colostomy is more common with rectal cancer.
Radiation therapy is treatment with high-energy rays that destroy the cancer cells. For rectal cancer, radiation is usually given after surgery, along with chemotherapy (known as adjuvant therapy), in order to destroy any cancer cells left behind. In addition, it can be used along with chemotherapy before surgery (known as neoadjuvant therapy) in order to shrink a large tumor, making the surgery easier.
Chemotherapy drugs are used to treat various stages of colorectal cancer. They include 5-flurouracil, capecitabine, irinotecan and oxaliplatin. These drugs are commonly used in combination with one another.
If you would like to schedule an appointment in the Ambulatory Care Center to be screened for colorectal cancer and to discuss treatment options should they be necessary, please call the location closest to you.
Flushing Hospital Ambulatory Care Center: 718-670-5486 ">718-670-5486
Jamaica Hospital Ambulatory Care Center: 718-206-7001.
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that is caused by a virus. The liver is an organ in the body that processes nutrients, filters the blood and fights infections. The most common forms of hepatitis are A, B, and C. Hepatitis B and C kill close to 1.4 million people each year and cause almost 80 percent of all liver cancer cases. Many people have the hepatitis virus and are unaware of it.
Symptoms of acute hepatitis include:
Hepatitis is spread from person to person through contact with bodily fluids. It is possible that people remain without symptoms for many years but during this time the disease is slowly destroying the liver. It can take many years for the symptoms to appear.
Blood tests are available that can detect the virus at an early stage.
Ways to reduce infection:
Medication exists that can cure hepatitis C and can control hepatitis B infection. When given properly, people are less likely to die from liver cancer and cirrhosis and also are less likely to transmit the disease to others. The hepatitis B vaccine is given in three doses over a 6 month period and it is recommended that it be initiated right after birth if possible.
If you would like to schedule an appointment in the Ambulatory Care Center to be screened for Hepatitis and to discuss treatment options should they be necessary, please call location Center closest to you.
Flushing Hospital Ambulatory Care Center 718-670-5486
Jamaica Hospital Ambulatory Care Center: 718-206-7001.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is considered to be the most commonly transmitted sexually related disease in the United States. The genital form of HPV is a virus that is transmitted from one person to another during sexual contact. It affects both sexes, but usually the rate of infection is twice as high for women than for men. While the body has the ability to fight off the disease naturally, most of the time, in some cases it can cause health related problems. Many people who are infected are not even aware that they have it.
Warts are contagious and they are spread through contact with the genital or oral area of another person.
The number of sexual partners a person has had, or having sexual relations with people who have had numerous sexual partners raises the risk for contracting the disease. Age can be a factor because genital warts occur most frequently in adolescents and young adults. People who have compromised immune systems are also at higher risk. This may be due to HIV/AIDS or by taking immune suppressing medications. People who have open lesions or who touch without using any form of protection the warts of people who are already infected are also at higher risk of contracting the disease.
There are a few tests that can be performed to diagnose HPV:
There is no cure for HPV; usually treatment is for the condition that it causes. There are two vaccines, Cervarix and Gardasil available which can help to prevent the disease. Both will protect against cervical cancers in women. Gardasil will protect against genital warts and cancers of the anus, vulva, and vagina. Gardasil is also available for males. The recommendation is that these vaccines be given to girls and boys at 11 or 12 years of age. Women can get the vaccine up until the age of 27 and men can get the vaccine up to the age of 22.
If you would like to schedule an appointment in the Ambulatory Care Center to receive a vaccination for HPV or to discuss treatment options should they be necessary, please call the location closest to you.
Flushing Hospital Ambulatory Care Center 718-670-5486
Jamaica Hospital Ambulatory Care Center: 718-206-7001.
Lung cancer is a form of cancer that starts in the lungs. In the early stages there may not be any signs or symptoms. A history of smoking definitely contributes to a higher risk of being diagnosed with the disease, though non-smokers also can develop lung cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer include:
It is now recommended that certain patients who are over 55 years of age and have smoked for many years consider screening for lung cancer by doing a a low dose CAT scan of the lungs. This may detect cancers at an early stage where they may be more curable. It is important to have a conversation with your physician prior to performing a screening CT scan so that the patient understands the pros and cons of screening. For example, many scans will show small nodules (small spots in the lungs) that are not cancerous but will require follow up. Patients need to understand this and be prepared for this possibility.
There are several types of lung cancer based on their appearance under the microscope. These include small cell cancer and non-small cell cancer, which is a group of cancers that includes squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
Testing that can help make the diagnosis of cancer includes chest x-rays, CT scans, PET scans, examination of the sputum, bronchoscopy ( a test in which a fiber optic scope is passed into the lungs), and lung biopsies (which can be done by a needle although sometimes a surgical procedure is required). Not all tests will be required for every patient.
Once the diagnosis is established it is important to determine what stage the cancer is. Factors that go into staging cancer include the size of the tumor, location and whether it has spread to the lymph nodes in the chest or to other parts of the body such as the brain, liver, bone or adrenal glands.
Depending on the stage of the cancer, treatment options vary and can include chemotherapy, radiation and / or surgery. A common surgical option is called a lobectomy, removal one of the lobes of the lung.
If you are a smoker, quitting can decrease your risk of developing lung cancer. Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center offer a Freedom From Smoking tobacco cessation program to help you quit. To learn more , please call 718-206-8494
If you would like to schedule an appointment in the Ambulatory Care Center to be screened for Lung Cancer and to discuss treatment options should they be necessary, please call the location closest to you
Flushing Hospital Ambulatory Care Center 718-670-5486
Jamaica Hospital Ambulatory Care Center: 718-206-7001.
The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system that produces a fluid that mixes with sperm and other fluids during ejaculation. It sits just below the bladder and is normally about the size of a walnut.
Prostate cancer is an abnormal growth of cells within the prostate gland. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among American men. The majority of men who reach the age of 80 are found to have prostate cancer. However most of types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may not contribute to any serious harm. Some types of prostate cancers are more aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body.
Prostate cancer, especially in its early stages, may not have any symptoms. When symptoms are present they may include difficulty starting urination, less force to the stream of urine, dribbling at the end of urination, needing to urinate frequently, urinating frequently at night, pain while urinating, blood in the urine or semen, difficulty starting or maintaining an erection, pain with ejaculation, pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvis and upper thighs, or unintended weight loss.
Although it is not known exactly what causes prostate cancer some risk factors for developing prostate cancer are older age (more than 65% of prostate cancers are diagnosed in men older than 65), race (African-American men are 60% more likely to develop prostate cancer than Caucasian men), family history (having a father or brother with prostate cancer) and obesity.
There is an ongoing debate among physicians and medical groups about screening for prostate cancer. Currently many organizations including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommend against routine screening for prostate cancer. Having a discussion with your doctor about prostate cancer screening can help you decide if you should consider undergoing prostate cancer screening based on your unique health history and preferences.
When screening is done there are two tests that are available. The available tests are a digital rectal exam (DRE) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. To perform a digital rectal exam your doctor uses a gloved finger, inserted a few inches into your rectum, to check your prostate gland. A prostate-specific antigen test is a blood test that measures the level of PSA in your blood. Many men who have prostate cancer have elevated levels of PSA. However PSA can also be elevated for less serious causes such as prostate enlargement or infection.
Further testing is needed to diagnose cancer. Additional tests that your doctor may recommend to diagnose cancer include an ultrasound of the prostate and a biopsy of the prostate. A biopsy is when a small piece of the prostate is removed to look for abnormal cells.
Treatment of prostate cancer depends on many factors including your age, your overall health and the growth and spread of the cancer when it is diagnosed. Some men who have slow growing tumors may not need treatment right away and some may never need treatment. Other types of prostate cancer are aggressive and can quickly spread to other parts of the body making treatment difficult. Common treatment options include watchful waiting or expectant management (regular testing and checkups to assess for new signs or symptoms), radiation therapy (high-energy x-rays used to kill cancer cells), chemotherapy, surgery (having the prostate gland removed) and hormone therapy.
If you would like to schedule an appointment in the Ambulatory Care Center to be screened for Prostate Cancer and to discuss treatment options should they be necessary, please call the location closest to you.
Flushing Hospital Ambulatory Care Center 718-670-5486
Jamaica Hospital Ambulatory Care Center: 718-206-7001.
Tobacco is the single greatest cause of multiple diseases and premature deaths in the USA today. It kills more Americans each year than alcohol, crack, heroin, homicide, suicide, car accidents, fire and AIDS combined. There are an estimated 480,000 deaths in the United States annually due to tobacco use. It is the only legal consumer product that is lethal when used exactly as recommended by the manufacturer.
Nearly 17% or 40 million U.S. adults currently smoke; men, 18.8%, women 14.8% (2014). Some groups are affected more than the others. 29.2% of American Indians and Alaskan Natives smoke cigarettes as well as 27.9% of multiple race individuals, 18.2% of non-Hispanic whites, 17.5% of non-Hispanic blacks, 11.2% Hispanic and 9.5% of Asians. Cigarette smoking is the highest among the poorest and least educated groups of society. The rate of tobacco use by persons with General Equivalency Diploma (GED) certificate stands at 43% and by people living below poverty level at 26.3% (CDC 2014).The lowest rate of tobacco use is among those with a graduate degree, at 5.4%.
Smoking related illnesses in the United States costs more than 300 billion dollars per year in direct medical care and lost productivity. Smokers pay twice as much for life insurance and will die on average of 13-14 years earlier than non-smokers. It costs tobacco companies approximately 5 cents to produce a pack of cigarettes.
Smoking cigarettes affects many aspects of health. Tobacco smoke contains about 7000 chemicals, including low concentrations of such strong poisons as ammonia, cyanide, arsenic and formaldehyde. It also contains 69 carcinogens – substances that are known to cause cancers in humans. Direct association has been established between smoking and cancers of the lung, mouth, nose, throat, larynx, esophagus, colon and rectum, stomach, pancreas, cervix, bladder, kidney and blood.
Many lung conditions are either caused or aggravated by cigarette smoke. It irritates bronchial airways and stimulates mucous production leading eventually to decreased elasticity and functional failure. Patients suffering from COPD, Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis or Emphysema have a much higher risk of dying when repeatedly exposed to smoke.
Smokers are also at greater risk for cardiovascular disease. Smoking damages blood vessels making them stiff and narrow, obstructing blood flow which results with elevated blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure or chronic skin changes.
Pregnant women exposed to tobacco smoke have increased risk of complications like miscarriage, premature birth, and brain and lung damage in developing baby. Sudden infant death syndrome is three times more likely if mother smoked during pregnancy.
Secondhand smoke is the smoke exhaled by smokers or given off by a burning cigarette or pipe. Inhaling secondhand smoke is as hazardous as smoking a cigarette. There is no safe level for secondhand smoke exposure established. People can inhale it at work, homes, cars or public spaces and have all the complications mentioned above.
Smoking tobacco is an addiction similar to heroin and cocaine. It can be successfully treated but the majority of cases require three or more attempts. Quitting smoking offers a chance of feeling better and living longer. Studies have shown that five, common sense steps, provide the best chance for quitting smoking for good:
If you are interested in learning more about smoking cessation and would like to discuss with a counselor who can discuss quitting options, please call: 718-206-8494.