AdventHealth medical experts share COVID-19 updates and breast cancer survival stories

Today on the AdventHealth Morning Briefing, Dr. Vincent Hsu, epidemiologist and AdventHealth’s infection control officer, had simple advice for local government officials and business leaders regarding Phase 3 reopening guidelines in our state. Despite the more lenient Phase 3 restrictions, Hsu encourages wearing masks, frequent hand washing, and maintaining social distance wherever possible.

“We can open up businesses as safely as possible,” Hsu said. ”Let’s continue to do that so we can see greater numbers [of cases] going down and not see an increase.”

We encourage you to refer to the video on the Life at AdventHealth Central Florida page to pull direct quotes from Hsu. The video may be downloaded by following this link: https://vimeo.com/463809972#t=162s

Pink Out Campaign kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month

During a special episode of AdventHealth Morning Briefing, a local breast cancer survivor and her doctor shared their story of how early detection led to a lifesaving procedure and treatment.

Melissa Miller Cocita, a graphic designer near Orlando, discovered she had advanced (Stage 3) breast cancer during a routine annual checkup just moments before her wedding date. Two days after her wedding, she began chemotherapy and has been in treatment for more than 18 months since the initial diagnosis. She considers herself fortunate and hopes to inspire other women.

“You can’t go into a fight and then quit when you’re halfway in there,” Cocita said. “Keep going. Push forward. There’s no point in fighting if you’re going to give up halfway through. You have to see it through… You’re a warrior. You can look back and say, ‘I beat cancer!’”

As part of its annual Pink Out campaign for breast cancer awareness, AdventHealth is offering $30 screening mammograms now through Oct. 31 for self-pay patients. Most AdventHealth facilities now offer 3D mammogram technology for easy and convenient mammograms with flexible appointment options, extended hours and multiple locations across the region. Most exams only take 30 minutes. For more information about qualification for screening mammograms, visit ScheduleYourMammo.com.

“You should not be afraid of getting a mammogram,” said Dr. Carlos Alemany, hemotology and oncology physician. “You would typically start at age 40, but that depends on your family history or your personal history. If you have a known genetic predisposition for breast cancer, you need to start earlier. Meet with your gynecologist or your primary doctor and get started.”

We encourage you to refer to the video on the Life at AdventHealth Central Florida page to pull direct quotes from Cocita or Alemany. The video may be downloaded by following this link: https://vimeo.com/463809972#t=993s

For more information about breast cancer awareness and prevention, visit PINKOUT.com.