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Happy Tuesday! We're adding a little pink to your week! This week's newsletter will focus on a subject close to our hearts: breast cancer awareness. Don't worry; we pledge to keep things lighthearted and encouraging as we journey toward understanding, preserving, and appreciating our health and sharing the wealth with our patients. Prevention is always preferable to cure!
In Today’s Edition:
Recent study reveals a positive public opinion on PAs
Winning ain’t easy…but wait…we are missing the point
Just 1 drop of blood to detect BRCA genes
Addressing social and racial disparities in breast cancer survivorship
Counseling Women about Breast Screening
Pro-Tip for Pre-PA Students
The Great Debate: Worth of a clinical breast exam?
🩺 APP Trending News
Credit: Giphy & Indiana Fever
Newsworthy Updates Aren’t Always Sunshine and Rainbows
Sunshine: Recent study reveals positive public opinion on PAs
Although the survey-based study is limited, the results revealed an overwhelmingly positive reflection (91%) on the positive impact of care by PAs. It’s a good start folks, let’s keep the research going so we have some objective proof to combat the next update…led by our physician colleagues.
Chance of Rain: Winning ain’t easy…but wait…we are missing the point
It’s important to keep up with the legislative strategies in place by our physician colleagues. The American Medical Association (AMA) has launched a successful, national campaign against APP legislative changes, and it’s gaining traction. All the more reason to join your local, state, and national organizations folks. We need rational advocates in the sandbox for patient centric strategies on improving access to care and collaboration…before we get kicked out! 😳
⚙️ The More You Know
Credit: Giphy
Just 1 drop of blood to detect BRCA genes 🩸
Two weeks ago, the FDA approved the Invitae Common Hereditary Cancers Panel. Although consumers will need a prescription, it has the power to detect 47 genes associated with an increased cancer risk, including the BRCA1 & 2 genes that are well known to be associated with breast and ovarian cancer. Let's not forget the possibilities of false negative reassurance and the mental health toll these tests can create. But the possibilities of early detection and prevention could prove promising. Time will tell! Pro-tip: Don't forget to involve genetic counseling expertise when considering genetic testing for your patients!
Addressing social and racial disparities in breast cancer survivorship
According to the Komen Foundation, white women are slightly more likely to get breast cancer, but African American women are more likely to die from it - 40% higher. The reasons are complex, and we found this recent publication insightful, particularly for providers. Mistrust, negative experiences, and fear are common barriers to breast cancer care and health equity overall. Existing literature supports leveraging social and spiritual support networks to help overcome these barriers, but it is also important to address systemic issues such as cultural humility training for staff and culturally tailored patient education.
Counseling Women about Breast Screening
The great debate continues regarding age for breast cancer screening. If you aren't already convinced that the unwavering guideline from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) remains that women of average risk should begin mammogram screening at age 40…we found this article helpful on the discussions for risk vs benefit in women age 40-49. The writers personal opinion is that if you can recall pager codes like 8008135 or 07734…or HAD a pager, it’s time to get a mammogram. 📟
Table 2: Counseling Women About Breast Cancer Screening from the AFP
💡Inspiration for Aspirations
Medical professionals have a unique opportunity to make a difference in the world. Use your skills and knowledge to help others and make the world a better place.
The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.
📈Future APPs
Credit: Giphy
Pro-Tip for Pre-PA Students
Shadowing is tough to do these days with all the red tape. Pro-Tip: becoming a patient care tech (PCT) is an excellent way to observe clinicians, build your clinical experience, skills, and CV in preparation for PA school applications!
🧪Clinical Conundrums: Because We Love a Challenge!
The Great Debate: Worth of a Clinical Breast Exam?
The current consensus is that the clinical breast exam is ancient history. We are well aware that oldest diagnostic form of medicine is the exam and superior diagnostic tests are available. That said. Encourage your patients to be familiar with their breasts. The Susan G Komen Foundation has excellent resources/infographics for your office, patients, family, and community!
Infographic: The Komen Foundation
🔎ICYMI
The PA Name Change
Let’s Not Lose Sleep Over It
Speaking of Sleep Deprivation, Apnea is Nothing to Snore About
Celebrating PA Week, Celebrating our Inspirations
Unsure of Your Career Path? We Got You
Pro-tip: Use your CME Allowance to Leverage Higher Pay from Your Employer
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