Fredericksburg Parent

20 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • October 2023 With kids back into school-year routines, it's a good time for parents to make sure they've got an annual wellness checkup on the books. For women especially, maintaining regular contact with a primary-care physician or gynecologist is key to early detection of breast cancer and thyroid cancer—both of which are more prevalent in women. As a breast and endocrine surgeon, Dr. Christa Ilić, MD, FACS, is on the front lines of treating breast and thyroid cancers at the Mary Washington Healthcare Regional Cancer Center. Early detection of these cancers makes a significant difference in how treatable they are. Dr. Ilić says most of the patients she sees have been referred after undergoing screening through a primary-care physician or gynecologist. "I know women have so many things on their plate, but it is so important to maintain that relationship with a healthcare provider—whether that be a primary-care physician or your gynecologist," she said. "Let them guide you to keeping up with the screenings that are necessary to catching problems before they are too far along." SPECIALIZED CARE, CLOSER TO HOME Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the U.S. In 2023, the American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 298,000 cases of invasive breast cancer will be diag- nosed in women. While not as widely talked about, thyroid cancer is about three times more common in women than in men. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 43,720 new cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year. Dr. Ilić also treats parathyroid disorders, which impact calcium levels. These disorders are also more prevalent in women than in men. Dr. Ilić is one of the only surgeons in the United States who is fellowship-trained in endo- crine surgery. She joined the comprehensive cancer treatment team at Mary Washington Healthcare in 2022 to bring this level of specialization to patients who might otherwise have to travel outside the region. "I recognized that we had a strong community of endocrinologists here in the Fredericksburg region, and a lot of these patients previously were having to travel to Richmond or Northern Virginia for treatment," she said. "I wanted them to be able to be treated here at their local hospital." Breast and endocrine specialist emphasizes how being proactive about your healthcare improves lifelong wellness. Dr. Christa Ilić, MD, FACS Breast and endocrine surgeon. WRITTEN BY EMILY FREEHLING Offers Robust Surgical Specialties in Fredericksburg Mary Washington Healthcare Sponsored Material

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