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Despite Economy, Make Health Prevention a High Priority
By Thomas J. Mulvaney, MD
Senior Advisor for Medical Affairs, Winchester Hospital
It is sad but true that under the stress of unemployment, cutbacks, and other ill effects of the current economy, preventive health activities and services are often put on a back burner. According to market research conducted by IMS (Intercontinental Marketing Services) Health, the number of physician visits and filled prescriptions has declined, despite an aging population requiring more care.
Preventive medicine really works, according to the National Commission on Prevention Priorities, whose 2007 study found that if the U.S. used just five high-value preventive services, there would be 100,000 avoidable deaths. Cancer screening is just one of these important health maintenance items that should not be postponed.
“The danger in delaying colonoscopies, mammograms, pap smears, and other preventive services is missing disease in its early stage, which requires more services with greater uncertainty,” said surgeon Kelley Cornell, MD, associate medical clinical director of Winchester Hospital’s Breast Care Center.
Dr. Arlan Fuller, Jr., clinical vice president for the integration of oncology services and academic affiliations at Winchester Hospital, further stresses the importance of prevention. “As a nation, we are getting older and therefore our risks for cancer are increasing steadily,” he said. “The good news is that early detection occurs much more frequently than in years past. At Winchester Hospital, we have invested in several of the latest, state-of-the-art technologies for treating cancer very successfully with minimally invasive techniques, affording greater hope with less trauma.”
Winchester Hospital is offering a number of free screenings. In recognition of Oral, Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Week, physicians will screen for oral cancer:
- Tuesday, April 28, 7:30 to 9 a.m.
- Wednesday, April 29, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
These sessions will take place at Baldwin Park I, 12 Alfred St., Suite 100 in Woburn. To register, call Jennifer Donnelly at (781) 756-4720.
Winchester Hospital is also partnering with the American Cancer Society to offer free spot checks for skin cancer:
- Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m. to noon
- Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m. to noon
These sessions will take place at the Winchester Hospital Hematology and Oncology Center at 88 Montvale Avenue, Suite 1 in Stoneham. To make an appointment, call Brenda Cobleigh at the American Cancer Society at (617) 878-4114.
Cancer affects individuals, families, our community, and our nation. As we struggle with economic and financial priorities, let us preserve our health by making screening and early detection a top priority.
Dr. Thomas Mulvaney was an ear, nose & throat and head & neck surgeon at Winchester Hospital for 27 years before serving as Winchester Hospital’s vice president of medical affairs from 2001-07. He is now senior advisor for medical affairs. |
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