Sourced directly from Dr. Patricia Faraz's social posts and replies.
What are the detection rates and mortality reduction benefits of mammography?
Mammograms are very effective at detecting breast cancer in approximately 85-87% of cases. Mammography remains the most validated screening tool for decreasing breast cancer mortality by about 20-30%.
What are the recommendations for mammogram screening?
The practice recommends annual screening mammograms for women over 40 who are at average risk.
What are the benefits of 3D Tomo mammography?
3D Tomo mammography machines are beneficial for all patients, especially those with dense breast tissue, because they can see through the layers of the breast more effectively than traditional mammography.
What are the risks and benefits of mammogram radiation?
The radiation exposure from a mammogram is equivalent to about seven to eight weeks of natural background radiation. There is an extremely low mortality risk associated with radiation-induced cancers, which is substantially outweighed by the mortality benefit from early breast cancer detection.
Why are screening mammograms important even without symptoms or family history?
The purpose of a screening mammogram is to detect breast cancers before symptoms become apparent. Even if someone feels fine, breast cancer may still be present, and by the time symptoms appear, the cancer may be more advanced and require more intensive treatment. The majority (85-90%) of breast cancers observed do not have a family history.
What level of discomfort should I expect during a mammogram?
Most women report low to moderate discomfort during their mammogram. Less than 15% report severe pain, but this pain typically dissipates within about 10 minutes.
What is delayed cord clamping and what are its benefits?
Delayed cord clamping involves waiting 30-60 seconds before clamping the cord after birth, allowing more iron-rich blood to flow from the placenta to the baby. This increases the baby's iron stores in the first few months of life, reduces the risk of iron deficiency anemia (common in infancy), provides better transitional circulation, leads to a better establishment of red blood cell volume, and offers additional antibodies for a smoother transition to extra uterine life.
When should an expecting mother come to the hospital for labor?
Generally, you should come to the hospital when contractions are every five minutes apart, lasting one minute, and have been occurring for about an hour. However, if you are ever in doubt, or experience decreased fetal movement, your water breaks, or you have vaginal bleeding, you should come in for evaluation immediately. The practice is available 24/7 to assist you.
What pain management options are available during labor?
Patients have many choices for pain management during labor. The practice offers labor balls, assists with position changes, warm showers, and supports breathing exercises. An anesthesia team is also available on site for patients who choose to have an epidural.
What is the approach to immediate post-birth care?
Immediately after birth, the practice focuses on keeping both the mother and baby safe and connected. This may include skin-to-skin time, delayed cord clamping, assistance with feeding, and newborn checks. The team guides patients through the entire birth process.
What is Dr. Faraz's perspective on childhood vaccinations?
As a doctor, Dr. Faraz has personally observed the detrimental effects of vaccine-preventable diseases on children. She believes vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect children and provide peace of mind for parents in various social situations. She views vaccination as both a medical and a parenting decision, having personally chosen to vaccinate her own children, and encourages individuals to consult their doctor to make an informed choice for their family.
What are common misconceptions about colon cancer?
Common misconceptions about colon cancer include believing it only affects older people, that you must feel sick for something to be wrong, or that it will always show symptoms early on. In reality, colon cancer can manifest quietly and subtly, and feeling okay on the outside does not guarantee you are okay on the inside.
What are the early warning signs of colon cancer and when should I get checked?
Early warning signs of colon cancer can be subtle and include a change in bowel habits, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, blood in the stools (or when wiping), prolonged fatigue, or unintentional weight loss. While these symptoms don't always mean you have cancer, they do mean you need to get checked by a doctor.
What should I know about colonoscopy prep and its benefits?
Many people worry about colonoscopy prep, but it's usually very manageable, requiring some small diet changes and taking a medication to clean out the colon. In the end, it's a crucial step that helps prevent colon cancer or detect it early, as colon cancer is a nearly preventable disease.
What are the current recommendations for colon cancer screening?
Individuals aged 45 or older, or those with a family history of colon cancer, should talk to their doctor about screening. For younger patients experiencing any signs or symptoms of colon cancer, it is also important to consult a doctor.
Why is colon cancer increasingly affecting younger patients?
Colon cancer is increasingly affecting younger patients, a global trend observed over the past several decades. Research suggests multiple factors contribute to this rise, including changes in diet, environmental factors, obesity, diabetes, early exposure to antibiotics, and changes in the gut microbiome.