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, Wesley United Methodist Church, June 14, 2008
Each month, the Seniors’ Association of San Diego meets on the Saturday in the middle of the month at Wesley United Methodist Church in East San Diego. This time, the Asian Pacific Health Center had the opportunity to present its program of cancer prevention during the program of activities on June 14th, 2008. Nearly 40 members attended the meeting.
After the welcoming address of the President and the report of the Secretary, and the June birthday celebration for the three members in the audience, the program from the Asian Pacific Health Center took place.
Dr Trang Nguyen, a Board certified psychiatrist working at the Union of Pan Asian Communities and Providence Community Services in San Diego, spoke on Breast cancer prevention in the Vietnamese community, encouraging the attendees to remind their family members to get mammograms. The Asian Pacific Health Center is on the 4th year grantee of the Susan G. Komen For the Cure to provide outreach sessions on breast cancer early detection.
Dr Hiep Nguyen, a Board certified physician in Internal Medicine and a specialist in geriatrics, presented on Colon Cancer. The well-known member of the Seniors’ Association of San Diego gave examples of famous people who had cancers and how these were detected. Preparation before undergoing the colonoscopy was described to ease the apprehension of prospective patients.
Binh Tran gave highlights of the Cancer Detection Program funded by the State of California. All women aged 40 and older who have limited income and no health insurance are eligible for free yearly mammograms at hospitals and breast imaging centers to detect breast cancer at an early stage. Free Pap smears are also offered to prevent cervical cancer.
A questions and answers session followed while a light lunch was served, compliments of the American Cancer Society. The Asian Pacific Health Center currently has a grant from the ACS to promote colon cancer early detection in the community. Future meetings may include sessions to discuss on drug usage in the elderly population.
Reported by
Binh N. Tran, PharmD
Executive Director
Asian Pacific Health Center
