Fredericksburg Parent

12 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • October 2021 12 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • October 2021 Mary Washington Healthcare Mary Washington Healthcare Provides Breast Cancer Care Provides Breast Cancer Care With a Focus on With a Focus on the Whole Patient One in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer over the course of her life- time, according to the American Cancer Society. Breast cancer is the second-most-common cancer in American women, surpassed only by skin can- cers. The American population includes more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors. Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) takes a comprehensive and compassionate approach to guiding women and their loved ones through the process of detecting, treat- ing and surviving a disease that affects so many American women. This approach can be found throughout the MWHC Regional Cancer Center, which takes a holistic approach to treatment for all kinds of cancers. As a Cancer Nurse Navigator at the MWHC Regional Cancer Center, Ashley Sisson works with patients to take the overwhelm out of treatment. From helping arrange appointments, to finding transportation, to connecting patients with a free therapist who can help them process the emotions surrounding a cancer diagnosis and treatment, her goal is to reduce stress, and to combat fear with knowledge. "We are there as a resource through- out the entire process," Sisson said. "Whether you have questions, con- cerns or just need to talk things out, your navigator is there to help you fig- ure out the pieces to the puzzle." Mary Washington Healthcare recommends that women begin scheduling yearly mammograms at age 40. WRITTEN BY EMILY FREEHLING Sponsored Material

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