Five Questions With: Dr. Christine Emmick

BEING AWARE: "Breast cancer survival is improving because of earlier detection and better treatments, the advances of which can be traced back to awareness and fundraising." / COURTESY LIFESPAN
BEING AWARE: "Breast cancer survival is improving because of earlier detection and better treatments, the advances of which can be traced back to awareness and fundraising." / COURTESY LIFESPAN

Dr. Christine Emmick is a breast surgeon with the Center for Breast Care at University Surgical Associates and spearheads the Breast Oncology Multidisciplinary Clinic at The Miriam Hospital. Emmick grew up in upstate New York and received her undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University before attending Albany Medical College. She traveled to Rhode Island for her surgical residency at Brown University and now lives in Cumberland with her husband and children. Emmick served as the keynote speaker for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’s August event in anticipation for the fundraising walk earlier this month.

PBN: How did you first become involved with the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign?
EMMICK:
University Surgical Associates has been a sponsor of this great event for many years and we have a team participating in the fundraising walk sponsored by the American Cancer Society. We realize the importance of these events, and how much of a difference they are making, in terms of awareness and fundraising. The kickoff event is a great way to meet team leaders, let everyone know what’s happening at [University Surgical] and, to hopefully, inspire the teams.

PBN: How does this event inspire you, both as a doctor and a woman, to become involved with the campaign?
EMMICK:
The event is inspiring in that I know how much breast cancer has affected the lives of those who choose to participate. I love that these people have found a fun and effective way to fight back against the disease. As a woman, I think the success we’re having in the fight against breast cancer is a real testimony to what can happen when a group of, mainly women, put their minds to something. It’s also inspiring to see how supportive everyone is of each other.

PBN: What were some of your key points during the speech you gave in August?
EMMICK:
The main points of my speech were to let everyone know that what they’re doing is making a difference. Breast cancer survival is improving because of earlier detection and better treatments, the advances of which can be traced back to awareness and fundraising. I also wanted to let everyone know about [University Surgical’s] Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer program with colleagues at Miriam and other Rhode Island hospitals. It’s a patient-centered, collaborative program expediting care and is a real advance in how breast cancer is being treated in the state – I’m very happy to be a part of it.

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PBN: What do you wish more people knew about breast cancer?
EMMICK:
I wish people knew how treatable breast cancer is when it’s found early. Screening and early detection are crucial; even though technology is improving, mammography is still not perfect. Women should also pursue any new changes in their monthly self-breast exam as well.

PBN: How would you suggest those who could not attend the event get involved with the campaign in their community?
EMMICK:
Donate to a team that’s taking part in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer or to the American Cancer Society.

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