M&D Clinical Corner: Celebrating Pharmacists for Pharmacy Week

The Clinical Corner is a monthly feature that highlights a variety of important pharmacist topics that is written by Dr. Jesica Mills, PharmD, ND, MBA, RPh, BCES, BCLS, BCNP.

Pharmacy Week: Celebrating Pharmacists

Pharmacy Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the important contributions pharmacists make to healthcare. As the front line of patient care, pharmacists are essential in improving healthcare outcomes through patient education, medication management, and health screenings. This annual celebration, initiated by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), shines a light on the vital role pharmacists play in every aspect of patient health. Let’s explore the profession of pharmacy, the origins of Pharmacy Week, and how pharmacists can encourage health screenings, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Profession of Pharmacy: A Rich History and Expanding Role

Pharmacy is one of the oldest healthcare professions, with its roots dating back to ancient civilizations. Over time, the profession has evolved from compounding and dispensing medications to becoming a cornerstone of healthcare delivery, with pharmacists actively involved in patient care, public health initiatives, and chronic disease management.

Today, pharmacists are positioned as healthcare providers who play a critical role in medication management, patient counseling, and preventive care. They collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to optimize treatment plans, ensure medication safety, and provide personalized care that meets individual patient needs. As the healthcare landscape continues to shift, pharmacists are taking on more responsibilities, particularly in managing chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.

The Origins of Pharmacy Week

Pharmacy Week was first observed in the 1920s to promote the profession and raise public awareness of the value pharmacists bring to the healthcare system. Over the years, this week has grown into a nationwide celebration that not only honors pharmacists but also serves as an opportunity to highlight the services they provide to their communities.

This annual event provides a platform for pharmacists to connect with patients, offer education about medications and chronic disease management, and promote health screenings, such as blood pressure checks, cholesterol testing, and immunizations.

The Role of Pharmacists in America’s Healthcare System

In today’s healthcare environment, pharmacists have become trusted healthcare professionals for millions of Americans. Their accessibility allows them to serve as the first point of contact for many patients seeking advice or medical attention. Here are just a few key ways pharmacists contribute to improving healthcare outcomes:

• Medication Management: Pharmacists ensure that patients take medications correctly, avoid harmful interactions, and understand potential side effects.
• Health Screenings: From blood pressure and cholesterol checks to diabetes screenings, pharmacists are often at the forefront of preventive health care.
• Chronic Disease Management: Pharmacists help manage conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol by educating patients on medication adherence and lifestyle changes.
• Immunization Services: Many pharmacists administer vaccines, helping to protect communities from preventable diseases like the flu, COVID-19, and shingles.

Promoting Screenings During Pharmacy Week

Pharmacy Week offers an excellent opportunity for pharmacists to emphasize the importance of routine health screenings. October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, making it an ideal time to encourage women to schedule mammograms and other cancer screenings. Pharmacists can be key messengers in promoting breast cancer awareness by engaging patients in conversations about the importance of early detection and sharing educational materials on breast health.

According to the American Cancer Society, early detection of breast cancer through regular screenings like mammograms can significantly improve survival rates. Pharmacists can help by:

• Offering Information: Provide pamphlets and handouts in the pharmacy about the benefits of regular mammograms and breast cancer awareness. One of my favorite tools to help educate patients (male and female) on the importance of properly detecting any solid abnormalities that could be cancer is utilizing My Breast Friend (Affiliate Link). We set up this screening tool at the point of patient contact during the entire month of October and would teach men and women how to properly conduct self-breast checks.
  • Approximately 50% of cases of breast cancer in women 50 years and older and 71% of cases of breast cancer in women younger than 50 years are detected by women themselves.
    Practice Bulletin No 179 of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Screening in Average-Risk Women
• Hosting Screening Events: Partner with local clinics or mobile thermography or mammography units to host breast cancer screening days, making it easier for patients to access this critical service.
  • Thermography is a non-invasive, radiation-free screening tool that detects heat patterns and blood flow in the body, allowing for the early detection of abnormalities like inflammation or abnormal cell growth. Unlike mammograms, which rely on structural changes in the breast tissue and expose women to low levels of radiation, thermography identifies functional changes and can detect potential issues earlier, before a mass may be visible on a mammogram. This early detection can lead to better outcomes by catching signs of potential breast health concerns sooner and without the risks associated with radiation exposure.
  • Don’t forget about recommending commonly associated condition screenings, like colorectal cancer screenings using FIT, HPV at-home test kits for cervical cancer, skin cancer detection apps, hormone imbalance testing (DUTCH or ZRT), and osteoporosis testing using DEXA scans.
• Utilizing Messaging Vehicles: Use in-store displays like My Breast Friend, social media platforms, and direct communication via texting thru your Pharmacy System or CRM with patients to raise awareness about the importance of mammograms and preventive care. Be sure to send the information you collect to their PCP as this is data that can help save lives and improve health outcomes.

Encouraging Mammograms and Preventive Care

Pharmacists should take every opportunity to talk with patients about the benefits of preventive care. In addition to thermography and mammograms, pharmacists can educate patients on other routine screenings like cholesterol checks, blood pressure monitoring, and diabetes testing. October is a prime time to focus on women’s health and encourage patients to schedule their annual exams, including breast cancer screenings.

Pharmacists can ask the following questions to engage patients and promote breast cancer awareness:

• When was your last mammogram? This simple question can open the door to a conversation about the importance of regular screenings.
  • The general recommendation for mammogram screenings is for women to begin at age 40 and continue annually or biennially. However, the exact guidelines can vary slightly depending on the organization:
  • The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women aged 40-44 have the choice to start annual mammograms, while women aged 45-54 should have annual screenings. Women 55 and older can switch to mammograms every two years or continue with annual screenings based on personal preferences and health considerations.
  • The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends biennial mammograms for women aged 50-74, but advises that women aged 40-49 discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider to make an informed decision about starting earlier.
• Do you have a family history of breast cancer? Identifying patients with a higher risk can help tailor your recommendations for screenings.
  • Women with endometriosis, methylation issues, or COMT genetic mutations should consider thermography as a proactive screening option before reaching the recommended age for mammograms, as these conditions can increase sensitivity to estrogen or impair detoxification processes, making non-invasive, radiation-free thermography a safer and earlier alternative for detecting potential breast abnormalities.
  • Women with a family history of breast cancer, dense breast tissue, fibrocystic breast changes, or hormonal imbalances such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may also be candidates for thermography before the age of 45. Additionally, women who are at higher risk due to lifestyle factors such as prolonged use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), exposure to environmental toxins, or those with autoimmune conditions like lupus, which can affect breast health, may benefit from early screening with thermography.
• Are you up to date on other health screenings? Use this opportunity to remind patients of the importance of regular health checks like cholesterol and blood pressure tests.

The Role of Pharmacists in Preventive Health Care

As trusted healthcare providers, pharmacists can make a meaningful impact on public health by promoting preventive services like screenings. Through Pharmacy Week, pharmacists can remind patients that regular screenings are key to maintaining long-term health and preventing serious conditions like breast cancer.

Pharmacists are in a unique position to disperse information that can save lives, like how preventing breast cancer can include incorporating certain supplements and dietary choices that are beneficial. For example, eating 3 Brazil nuts daily provides the recommended amount of selenium, an antioxidant that supports immune function and may reduce cancer risk. Additionally, a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and kale), omega-3 fatty acids from sources like flaxseeds and fish, and high-fiber foods can help balance hormones and reduce inflammation, both of which are key factors in cancer prevention.

Call to Action

As Pharmacy Week and Breast Cancer Awareness Month converge, let’s use this time to reinforce the importance of preventive care. Encourage your patients to prioritize their health by scheduling mammograms, regular check-ups, and other essential screenings. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer and help our communities lead healthier lives.