Miami Cancer Institute Experts Express Optimism Ahead of Women's Cancer Symposium

Cancer can affect anyone – men and women, young and old, and people of all races and ethnicities. There are some cancers that affect women exclusively, however. These will be the topics of discussion at the upcoming Miami Cancer Institute Women’s Cancer Symposium April 21, says John Diaz, M.D., chief of gynecologic oncology at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute and one of the symposium’s directors.

 John Diaz, M.D., chief of gynecologic oncology at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute

Although it is possible for men to be diagnosed, breast cancer is primarily a women’s disease and it is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among U.S. women. This year, it is estimated that about 290,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women and43,700 women will die from the disease.

Gynecologic cancers also pose a great risk for women. According to the American Cancer Society, there were an estimated 110,000 new cases diagnosed and approximately 32,120 deaths from gynecologic cancers in the U.S. in 2020.

Dr. Diaz says the live, one-day symposium, to be held at the Hilton Miami Dadeland, will bring together distinguished gynecologic and breast cancer experts who will focus on the medical management of common and important challenges facing healthcare professionals who care for women with cancer.

The symposium’s multi-specialty approach allows participants to explore new diagnoses and cutting-edge treatment options for various areas of breast and gynecologic cancer patient care in a concise symposium format, Dr. Diaz notes.

“Thanks to research and new advancements, the approach to care for both breast and gynecologic cancers is evolving and becoming better than ever before,” says Dr. Diaz. “It personally brings me great joy to bring esteemed experts together to discuss the latest advancements in gynecologic and breast cancer care. I look forward to a day when we can eradicate women’s cancers once and for all.”

Reshma Mahtani, D.O, chief of breast medical oncology at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute

Reshma Mahtani, D.O, Miami Cancer Institute’s chief of breast medical oncology, shares Dr. Diaz’s optimism on the subject of women’s cancers. “It’s an exciting time in cancer care,” she says. “As a breast medical oncologist, I see so much hope on the horizon as novel therapies and improvements in screening continue to contribute to improved outcomes for patients.”