5871 University Avenue, Suite #334
San Diego, CA 92115
Ph: 619-582-2360; Fax: 619-582-2297;
E-mail: btran.aphc@sbcglobal.net
Cancer Prevention Outreach, Santee, Dec. 9, 2007
The Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention outreach on December 9th, 2007 at the Van Hanh Temple in Santee marked a historical first for the Asian Pacific Health Center. This was the first time the center brought the prevention work to community members at a Temple in San Diego County. On the way to Fanita Drive, old memories resurged of the time I used to drive to work at Edgemoor Geriatric Hospital ten years ago.
At 11:15 am, Mrs. Hoa Huong Ton Nu, President of the San Diego Vietnamese Buddhist Association welcomed the audience, and introduced the Asian Pacific Health Center and the speakers. Kristyn Caetano of the California Cancer Detection Program (CDP) presented on breast and cervical cancers, Dr Trang Nguyen discussed on breast cancer in the Vietnamese population, and Binh Tran gave the criteria for eligibility for free services in the CDP Program. She related the Promise between Susan G. Komen and her sister, which is at the origin of the Komen for the Cure widespread breast cancer prevention movement.
Questions and answers followed, provided by Drs Ton Tran and Trang Nguyen. A concerned husband asked what to do when his wife was found with a mass in the breast. If the mass did not appear cancerous, Dr Ton explained that a repeat of the mammogram is warranted, and follow-ups necessary. Depending on the changes observed, a biopsy of breast tissue is recommended. If there are no changes after two follow-ups, then regular screening is resumed yearly.
Near the end, Mrs. Hien Ngo, an active member and long-time friend, shared the up-lifting story of a much debilitated patient on chemotherapy who, through the help of a support group, overcame the hurdles and led a nearly normal life.
Light refreshments were served after the program, which ended at 12:30 PM.
We thank the many volunteers at the Temple who helped set up the outreach session, including hanging the APHC banners at focal points. One member was a regular attendee of health fairs organized by the Asian Pacific Health Center, and recently received the flu shot at the center. Mrs. Le Nguyen of the Protocol Committee at the Vietnamese Federation of San Diego took many pictures during the presentation. She suggested that the next outreach be for the benefit of the Seniors’ Association members.
Present from the APHC were Lani Chau, case manager, and Mimi Nguyen, staff member.
Reported by
Binh N. Tran, PharmD
Executive Director
Asian Pacific Health Center
