Dr. Kathleen Allen is Guest Speaker at Rotary Club Luncheon
(l-r) Richard Green, Attorney, Dr. Kathleen Allen, Douglas Hilkert, President Rotary Club of Clearwater Richard Green hosted Dr. Kathleen Allen, Morton Plant Mease Health Care, at the Wed. noon meeting of the Rotary Club of Clearwater, at the Belleair Country Club. Dr. Allen is a board-certified surgeon specializing in the care of breast diseases. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Recognizing the impact this disease has impacted on so many lives – victims as well as families and friends –Dr. Allen was invited to share the latest developments and treatments available in our community. Estimated new cases and deaths from breast cancer in the United States in 2008: New cases – 182,460 (female); 1,990 (male); Deaths – 40,480 (female); 450 (male). She completed a multidisciplinary breast surgery fellowship at the Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. While in Philadelphia, she studied under internationally recognized breast disease specialists. She co-authored a chapter in a distinguished breast disease text. Dr. Allen participated in dynamic research in not only patient care techniques and outcomes but also molecular signaling and genomic characterization of breast cancer. Here in Clearwater, she plans to offer her patients the opportunity to participate in national clinical trials as well as recent breast care innovations. Dr. Allen stated that in 2008, patients can often have shorter treatments for their condition, require less radiation than in the past, have less extensive surgery and benefit from more minimal incisions. This may provide less complications, faster healing, less discomfort. It used to be that extensive nodes or tissue were removed, but if caught early, the more minimal surgery will provide the care needed. Self examination, for women and also men is essential, especially for those over age 40. Dr. Allen said that in 80 percent of examinations, the tumor was found to be benign. Every year new discoveries are helping cancer patients. Dr. Allen spoke of Genetic profiling, which can result in the need for far less chemotherapy.
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