|
|
HALO Breast Pap Test to Be Featured on The Doctors TV Show
IRVINE, Calif. - Sep. 10, 2009 - The HALO Pap Test for the Breast -- which helps assess a woman's risk of developing breast cancer -- will be featured this Friday Sept. 11 on the popular daytime healthcare talk show by co-host Lisa Masterson, MD, an ob/gyn in Santa Monica, Calif.
"Having Dr. Masterson discuss HALO on national TV provides a tremendous opportunity to spread the word to women about the importance of understanding and managing breast cancer risk. Risk management is a critical step toward reducing breast cancer incidence and death rates." said John Stroh, president and CEO of NeoMatrix, which makes the HALO system.
HALO is FDA-cleared for the collection of nipple aspirate fluid for cytological evaluation. Like the Pap test for cervical cancer, HALO looks for cellular changes years before breast cancer might develop. Multiple studies have shown that if a woman has abnormal cells in the breast ducts, she has a 4-5 times greater risk of developing breast cancer in the future.
Early detection of breast cancer is the key to improved survival, yet 70 percent of diagnosed women have no identifiable risk factors other than age. In fact, 8 out of 9 diagnosed with breast cancer have no direct relatives with the disease. Risk assessment with HALO enables women and clinicians to take control of breast health. Designed for women age 25 and older, the simple, 5-minute test is typically performed as part of the annual well-woman visit in a physician's office.
HALO is not intended to diagnose breast cancer or replace regular screening mammography or breast exams. It is a tool that helps identify women with precancerous changes who have a high risk of developing breast cancer in the future. All women, regardless of their risk assessment, should undergo routine screening as recommended by their healthcare provider.
To learn more about the test and locate a physician who offers it, visit www.PapTestForTheBreast.com or call (877)-HALOPAP.
The HALO segment on The Doctors is part of an entire episode dedicated to Breast Breakthroughs, from breast feeding to cancer risk assessment and detection. The Doctors team includes plastic surgeon and reconstructive surgery expert Andrew Ordon; pediatrician James Sears; and ER physician Travis Stork -- also known for his starring role on the popular ABC primetime series The Bachelor.
The Doctors is Executive-Produced by Jay McGraw, Carla Pennington and Dr. Phil McGraw.
Keynote speaker at the Sept. 9 event will be Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), sponsor of the EARLY Act and a breast cancer survivor. Honorary Congressional co-chairs are Sens. Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.), Frank Wolf (R-Va.) and Roland Burris (D-Ill.), and Reps. Candice Miller (R-Mich.) and Ed Campos (D-Ariz.) Among speakers will be Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.).
About NeoMatrix
NeoMatrix© develops innovative devices that allow women and their doctors to promote optimal breast health. The HALO Breast Pap Test is the first fully automated, noninvasive breast disease-screening device designed for use in the primary care setting. For further information, visit www.neomatrix.com.
###
Media Contacts:
pr@neomatrix.com