Duke Health

Cervical disc replacement surgery is a new option for people with pain in the neck and/or arm due to arthritis or degenerative disc disease. Unlike cervical disc fusion surgery, which cements vertebrae together, cervical disc replacement swaps out the problematic disc for an artificial one. This shortens post-operative recovery time, preserves mobility in the spine, and still allows for spinal fusion surgery down the line, if needed. Wondering whether cervical disc replacement is right for you? Here, Duke spine surgeon Deb A. Bhowmick, MD, answers your questions.

When Luisa Scott found out her unborn daughter Zoey had a cleft lip and palate, she and her husband were uncertain where to seek care. Then, they met the Duke Health Cleft and Craniofacial team and felt confident in their choice to go to Duke. Now, one year after her cleft palate repair surgery, Zoey is happy and healthy. “I love Duke. I had the best experience there,” said Luisa.

More women under age 40 are being diagnosed with breast cancer than ever before. While family history is a known risk factor, the rising incidence among women without a family history remains unclear.

What is known is that women with breast cancer in this era of life face unique challenges. They want to start or add to their family and are caring for mixed generations. They are also starting or hitting the formative years of their careers.

As part of our ongoing Conversations in Cancer series, Duke Health medical oncologist Diane Reidy-Lagunes, MD, talks to Rani Bansal, MD, a Duke breast cancer specialist, about what young women need to know and the resources available.