Your path forward
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a time to learn, share, and take action. Each year, more than 300,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with breast cancer. Join the Sentara Martha Jefferson Community Health & Outreach Team and Dr. Andrea Merrill of Sentara Martha Jefferson Breast Surgery Specialists for a virtual session designed to help patients and families better understand the journey after a breast cancer diagnosis. Dr. Merrill will walk you through how breast cancer is diagnosed and staged, what to expect in the days and weeks that follow, and how treatment decisions are made with each patient’s individual needs in mind.
She’ll also explain the range of surgical options available and how your care team determines the best approach for you. The session will include updates on the latest treatment advancements, with a special focus on emerging options for women facing Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed, are supporting a loved one, or simply want to learn more, we invite you to be part of this informative and compassionate conversation.
About the speaker: Andrea L Merrill, MD
Dr. Andrea Merrill is a breast surgeon with Sentara Breast Surgery Specialists, where she provides thoughtful, patient-centered care for both benign and cancerous breast conditions. Known for her collaborative and compassionate approach, Dr. Merrill believes in listening closely to each patient to create a treatment plan that reflects their unique needs and preferences.
Dr. Merrill completed her medical training at Tufts University, followed by residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and a fellowship in surgical oncology at The Ohio State University. Recognized as a Boston “Top Doctor,” she is also an advocate for women in surgery, improved surgical practices, and the role of storytelling in medicine. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, reading, and discovering new restaurants—experiences that continue to shape her warm and empathetic approach to care.
First Tuesdays Learning outside of the doctors office
Have you ever left your health provider's office and remembered you had another question? Do you want to learn more about a specific health topic more in depth? Our First Tuesday series is a great place to learn more about various health issues that affect us all.
In past First Tuesdays we have explored topics from Alzheimer's and dementia to seasonal depression. Want to learn more about a topic? Send us an email or give us a call to suggest a speaker or topic.
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