University of Delaware
Office of Public Relations
UpDate - Vol. 16, No. 29, May 1

            Mammography symposium on May 6 in Clayton Hall
     
     A major women's conference to address issues related to
breast cancer will be held from 1-4 p.m., Tuesday, May 6, in
Clayton Hall. The conference is free and open to the public.
     The incidence of breast cancer in Delaware is one of
the highest in the nation, and, while the reasons for this
have long been sought, it is well-known that early detection
is vital in combating the disease. Currently, mammography
and self-breast exam are the most effective tools available
to detect the presence of breast cancer. In the past few
years, there has been much confusion over conflicting
recommendations regarding mammography guidelines.
     The May 6 symposium will address this issue, including
talk of new and specific guidelines regarding mammography
that have been issued in recent weeks. Many other aspects of
detection and treatment of the disease will be covered by
members of a blue ribbon panel that will include
diagnosticians, surgeons and other professional experts in
the fields, as well as by women who have personally dealt
with the disease at various levels.
     Panel members and guests will be welcomed by Betty
Paulanka, dean of the College of Nursing. Presenters include
Dr. Virginia Clemmer, a surgeon and breast specialist; Dr.
Valerie Gilliam, radiologist and mammography specialist; Dr.
Karen Johnson, oncology medical specialist from the Federal
Drug Administration; Carmen Nazario, secretary, Delaware
Department of Health; Patricia Hoge, executive director of
Delaware Council, American Cancer Society; Joan Thomas,
executive vice president of Saint Francis Hospital; Karen
Miller, director of mammography services for Zeneca Inc.;
Diedre O'Connell, director, Women in Wellness Breast Cancer
Support Group; Jill Biden, director, Biden Health
Initiative; and Cari DeSantis, public affairs consultant.
     After their presentations, panel members will take
questions from the floor.
     For more information, call the College of Nursing at
831-2381 or St. Francis Hospital's Community Relations
Department at 575-8260.
                                                -Beth Thomas