Empowering Women’s Health: Insights from Julie Zemaitis DeCesare, M.D.
By Magi Thomley Williams / Photo by Kate Treick Photography
Julie Zemaitis DeCesare, M.D. is an inspiration in the field of women’s health. As a professor at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine and residency program director and department chair at HCA Florida West Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, she has dedicated her life to advancing women’s health. Dr. DeCesare is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), currently serving as the chair of ACOG District 12 and on the ACOG board of directors.
DeCesar completed her undergraduate degree in nursing and earned an RN/BSN from the Catholic University of America. She then pursued medical school at Eastern Virginia Medical School, followed by a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Florida, Pensacola. She obtained her board certification in obstetrics and gynecology in 2005.
Long before all that education, though, DeCesare had a good role model to point her toward her chosen field.
“My grandmother was a granny midwife,” she said. “She was a Lithuanian immigrant, and my grandfather was a coal miner in Southwestern Pennsylvania. There was little to no access to health care in the company town in which they lived, and she had eleven babies — all at home. My dad was 10 of 11. She delivered the babies of most of the women in her community, and I grew up listening to her stories. She was definitely my inspiration for a career in women’s health.”
In the spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, DeCesare stressed the importance of self-care.
“One in eight average-risk women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, so it’s important to know your body! When you are in the shower, it is important to feel your breasts so that if you feel something different, you can bring it to the attention of your health care provider,” she explained.
DeCesare said there is a misconception that imaging techniques other than mammogram are good screening tests. In fact, the best screening test for breast cancer is a mammogram, she said, with other imaging modalities, such as ultrasound and breast MRI, being useful tools in specific situations.
She advocates for clinical breast exams performed by a trained healthcare provider who knows how to spot abnormalities and warning signs.
“The US Preventative Service Task Force recommends against the CBE; however, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a CBE every 3 years for ages 25-39, and annually after age 40,” she said.
“I do think the clinical exam is an important part of breast health, as sometimes just a subtle change or concern will prompt additional screening that can pick up a problem when it is in a very early stage.”
Any female, no matter her age, should discuss testing options with her healthcare provider and feel empowered to ask for the care she feels she needs. DeCesare recommends the ACOG website for more resources on screenings and breast health.
RISK FACTORS FOR BREAST CANCER
Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and screening.
Family history of breast cancer
Early menarche (first menstrual cycle) or late menopause
Choosing not to breast feed
Use of combination hormone replacement therapy
Dense breasts
Known genetic mutation
