It is unavoidable that illness effects many peoples’ lives, not just that of the afflicted. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and, while this disease is serious and at times life threatening, it should not be looked at with fear.
As with diabetes and heart disease, cancer is another ailment that fortunately can be treated when it is detected before it reaches a critical stage. With modern advancements in screening and treatment, more people today can proudly say they are cancer survivors. For this reason alone, it is important to have an annual physical and follow current cancer screening guidelines. Taking these simple preventive measures will mean the difference between life and death for some individuals.
We at the Polk County Medical Association do our best to help not only the one who is ill, but the family who is affected as well. This issue has a Q&A with a breast cancer survivor, as well as a pop quiz on how to do a self-exam for breast cancer properly at home.
This month also addresses another important issue that can have a serious effect on our future: our children’s health. I would like to thank Dr. Ranjit J. Silva, a local pediatrician and a PCMA member, for contributing the informative article on trends and observations in children’s health. Because our children are the leaders of tomorrow we must not forget them, especially in the face of illness.
Last, but not least, the Polk County Medical Foundation’s Third Annual Casino Night Fundraiser is coming up on October 12 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Lakeland Yacht and Country Club. As our largest fundraiser of the year, Casino Night benefits the education efforts of the organization as well as funds the continued operation of We Care of Polk County. The non-profit program consists of a group of volunteer physicians who provide much-needed specialty medical care to low-income and uninsured residents for free. The event promises to be bigger and better than last year’s festivities, which will include a silent auction, lively music, excellent food, traditional casino games (played with fake currency), and a drawing for the car raffle, where the PCMA hopes to give one lucky recipient a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GLS.
For more information about Casino Night or to purchase tickets, please contact our office at (863) 644-4051.
Arvind B. Soni, MD
Director of Radiation Oncology
St. Joseph’s Hospital, BayCare Health System
President-Elect, Polk County Medical Association