BCC Project Hope 2022-23

A COMMUNITY WELLNESS EVENT BISMARCK CANCER CENTER

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HOPE 2022

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HOPE 2022

Thank you for participating in project HOPE, a community wellness event designed by the Bismarck Cancer Center to educate you about healthy lifestyles, cancer prevention and early detection. Included are stickers for each type of cancer that can be worn on the respective cancer awareness days.

Not only does project HOPE provide you with educational tools, it empowers you to give hope to local cancer patients and their families affected by the disease. Cancer is a national epidemic that affects your place of employment and the U.S. economy. An estimate of 1,898,160 new cancer cases in 2021 equals over 5,200 new cancer diagnoses each day! Take the first step to a healthier you by reading the information provided.

Participation is flexible at your workplace, but we encourage participants to donate $10 for project HOPE week which will go to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation, whose goal is to provide hope, help and healing for individuals battling cancer. The Foundation was established in 2007 to provide financial support, as well as assistance with transportation, lodging, emotional and spiritual care, nutritional care, survivorship care, art therapy, massage, physical therapy, and more.

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A COMMUNITY WELLNESS EVENT BISMARCK CANCER CENTER

WHITE

PINK

NAVY

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MONDAY

LUNG CANCER

TUESDAY

BREAST CANCER

WEDNESDAY

LIGHT BLUE

THURSDAY

PURPLE

FRIDAY

COLORECTAL CANCER PROSTATE CANCER SURVIVORSHIP

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WHITE

MONDAY

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in your lungs. The most common cause of lung cancer is from cigarette smoking; however, it can also occur in people who have never smoked. Each year more people in the US die of lung cancer than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. The good news is the sooner a person stops smoking, before the lung cancer develops, the damaged lung tissue gradually repairs itself.

RISK FACTORS: Several factors may increase your risk of lung cancer. Some risk factors can be controlled, for instance, by quitting smoking. And other factors can’t be controlled, such as your family history.

• Smoking. Your risk of lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes you smoke each day and the number of years you have smoked. Quitting at any age can significantly lower your risk of developing lung cancer.

• Exposure to secondhand smoke. Even if you don’t smoke, your risk of lung cancer increases if you’re exposed to secondhand smoke.

• Previous radiation therapy. If you’ve undergone radiation therapy to the chest for another type of cancer, you may have an increased risk of developing lung cancer.

• Exposure to radon gas. Radon is produced by the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water that eventually becomes part of the air you breathe. Unsafe levels of radon can accumulate in any building, including homes.

• Exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens. Workplace exposure to asbestos and other substances such as arsenic, chromium and nickel are known to causes cancer and can increase your risk of development lung cancer, especially if you are a smoker.

• Family history of lung cancer. People with a parent, sibling, or child with lung cancer have an increased disease risk.

TYPES OF LUNG CANCER: Doctors divide lung cancer into two major types based on the appearance of lung cancer cells under the microscope. Your doctor makes treatment decisions based on which major type of lung cancer you have.

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LUNG CANCER

The two general types of lung cancer include: • Small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer occurs almost exclusively in heavy smokers and is less common than non-small cell lung cancer.

• Non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is an umbrella term for several types of lung cancers. Non-small cell lung cancers include squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.

ASK A PRO

with Corina, Tobacco Cessation Specialist & Survivorship Nurse, BCC Q: I smoke a pack of cigarettes a day and would like to quit; what are some steps I can take?

A: First of all, talk with your physician or health care provider. Some medications can help with psychological symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, irritability, headaches, depression, and poor concentration from nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) such as Nicotine patches, Nicotrol inhalers (by prescription only), gum and mints also help with those symptoms along with the hand to mouth habit. (E-cigs are not a safe method to quit) Then pick a date and do a method of cutting down to quit. So if you smoke one pack/day = 20 cigs/day, next week smoke only 18/day with the following next week 16/day, keep removing two cigs a day per week—with this method you could be done smoking within 12 weeks.

But also note that some medications and NRT may decrease your cravings, you may smoke much less, and your quit date may be sooner.

During this time, practice methods to help with quitting. Drink more water, eat healthy snacks, exercise/go for a walk, call or text a friend, change your regular smoke routine, remove ashtrays, smoke outside only, practice deep breathing, use distraction to keep your hands and mind busy, or find a new hobby. What if you start smoking again? Try and try again. The goal is for a healthier you! Contact me at the Bismarck Cancer Center (701) 222-6100 or check out NDQUITS for help.

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TUESDAY

After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. Breast cancer can occur in men and women, but it’s far more common in women. Making changes in your daily life may help reduce your risk of breast cancer: • Get to and stay at a healthy weight: Increased weight gain as an adult is linked with a higher risk of breast cancer after menopause.

The American Cancer Society recommends you stay healthy throughout your life and avoid excess weight gain by balancing your food intake with physical activity.

• Stay physically active: Many studies have shown that moderate to vigorous physical activity is linked with lower breast cancer risk, so it’s important to get regular physical activity. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity every week.

• Limit or avoid alcohol: Alcohol also increases the risk of breast cancer. Even low levels of alcohol intake have been linked with an increased risk. The American Cancer Society recommends that women who drink have no more than one alcoholic drink a day. A drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (hard liquor).

Other factors that might lower your risk: • Women who choose to breast feed for at least several months may also benefit from reducing their breast cancer risk.

• Talk to your healthcare provider about non-hormonal options to treat menopausal symptoms. Using hormone therapy after menopause can increase your risk of breast cancer.

SCREENING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WOMEN (for women at average risk for breast cancer) • Women between 40-44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year.

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BREAST CANCER

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Women 45 to 54 should get a mammogram every year.

Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year or choose to continue yearly mammograms.

All women should do monthly self-breast exams. Be familiar with how your breasts usually look and feel and report any changes to a healthcare provider right away.

ASK A PRO

with Dr. Robert Reynolds, Radiation Oncologist, BCC

Q: I am a 52-year-old woman recently diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. I would like to know what other choices I have besides a mastectomy?

A: There are several approaches to treating breast cancer, depending on cancer’s type and stage. Many women with earlystage cancers can choose between a mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery (BCS), also known as a lumpectomy. Generally, most women who choose a lumpectomy also receive radiotherapy treatments.

After the cancerous tissue is removed during a lumpectomy, radiotherapy is used to help keep cancer from coming back. The intent is to kill any cancer cells that may remain so they can’t multiply.

Radiotherapy can be given in two ways: treatment of the whole breast (3-4 weeks) or partial breast irradiation or brachytherapy (only one week of treatment for those who have favorable tumors).

Long-term studies have shown that for early-stage breast cancers, performing a lumpectomy plus radiotherapy gives women the same cancer control and survival outcomes as a total mastectomy. Many women will meet with a Radiation Oncologist before undergoing surgery for breast cancer to understand their treatment options better.

Early-stage breast cancer remains highly curable, and women should be comfortable with the treatment they receive.

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WELLNESS

There is a significant amount of nutrition information available to us at our fingertips. This information can make it challenging to decide what type of diet or style of eating is healthy for us. Add other life stressors, and eating a diet to support our bodies can feel overwhelming and stressful. It is essential to take care of our bodies for chronic disease prevention and help support a healthy mind.

Below are helpful nutrition tips to keep our mental health: • • •

Aim for fruits and vegetables at every meal. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants and phytochemicals that can help reduce inflammation and regulate mood.

Eating foods that are less processed. Research supports that those who eat more fresh foods feel happier, satisfied, and have more purpose and fulfillment.

Choose more whole grains. Whole grains can help prevent blood sugar spikes and drops, protect our heart, and prevent other chronic diseases like diabetes and cancers.

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HOPE 2022

Diets rich in fiber help support a healthy GI tract. As we learn more about the health of our GI tract, we are learning it can impact more than how often we have a bowel movement.

GI health can affect our immunity, mental health, chronic disease development, and weight. We can get fiber from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and beans.

Make a plan. Many of us know what a “healthy” way of eating is. Putting it into practice for what works in our lives can be challenging. Make a plan for what you will eat over a few days to help you be more successful and use the fresh produce you have on hand.

Choose healthier fats. The American diet has an excess of saturated and trans fat. These fats in large amounts are not fit for our bodies. Saturated and trans fat comes from processed and fried foods, processed meats, and red meats. Fats better for our bodies are poly and monounsaturated fats (omega 6 and 3). These fats can be found in salmon, tuna, nuts, beans, and flax, to name a few. But, just adding these foods to your diet without decreasing saturated fats isn’t as helpful as it could be; strive to reduce saturated fats while increasing the healthier fats. Intake of more beneficial fats can improve our cognitive function, decrease depression, and impact our mood.

Get adequate amounts of sleep. When our bodies are sleeping, it is repairing damage from the day, regulating hormones like hunger/fullness and insulin, and strengthening your immune system. Most Adults need 7-8 hours of sleep a night.

Evaluate your relationship with food. Do you find a specific time of day you are extra tired or eat a whole package of Girl Scout cookies while cooking dinner? Maybe you need to reflect on what you’re eating during the day. Look for specific patterns

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ASK A PRO

with Amanda, Oncology Dietician, BCC Q: Does eating healthier decrease my risk of getting cancer?

A: You can reduce your chances of developing A COMMUNITY WELLNESS cancer and several chronic diseases EVENT by making healthy food choices. A BISMARCK diet rich in plant foods and whole grains can give CANCER CENTER your body the range of vitamins, minerals it needs to stay healthy.

Plus, maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of cancer. You can take the following steps to maintain a healthy diet: • Eat a plant-based diet. Fill 2/3 of your plate with vegetables, whole grains and fruit. Fill the remaining with lean animal protein like fish or chicken.

• Choose whole grains over refined grains. Whole grains are high in fiber and can help you stay lean.

• Avoid processed meat. Hotdogs, summer sausage, lunch meats and other processed meats can damage your DNA, raising your colon cancer risks.

• Avoid alcohol. Research shows that drinking even a small amount of alcohol increases your chances of developing oral, breast and liver cancers.

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or gaps in food groups at meals. This could allow for packing a better snack while at work or eating a larger breakfast to prevent mindless/stress eating, which would help set you up for greater success in reaching your goals.

Last but certainly not least is exercise. Exercise is an essential tool in keeping our minds strong. Exercise can release hormones to help regulate our moods better and help us sleep better.

Recommendations are for 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days per week. If you cannot get to 30 minutes at one time, break it into smaller increments. As your fitness level improves, re-evaluate your activities. Try to increase the intensity or length of your workout as you gain endurance.

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Eliminating specific foods won’t eliminate your risk, but following some basic guidelines can help you reduce your risk for cancer and several other chronic diseases.

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NAVY

WEDNESDAY

45 IS THE NEW “50” AS THE AGE FOR COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING Prompted by a recent alarming rise in cases of colorectal cancer in people younger than 50, an independent expert panel has recommended that individuals of average risk for the disease begin screening exams at 45 years of age instead of the traditional 50.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most preventable malignancies, owing to its long natural history of progression and the availability of screening tests that can intercept and detect the disease early. The overall incidence of CRC in individuals 50 years of age and older has declined steadily since the mid-1980s, mainly because of increased screening and changing patterns of modifiable risk factors. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. This can be done either with a sensitive test that looks for signs of cancer in a person’s stool (a stool-based test), or with a visual test, such as a colonoscopy.

• People who are in good health and with a life expectancy of more than ten years should continue regular colorectal cancer screening through the age of 75.

• For people ages 76 through 85, the decision to be screened should be based on a person’s preferences, life expectancy, overall health, and prior screening history.

• People over 85 should no longer get colorectal cancer screening.

Several test options are available for colorectal cancer screening: STOOL-BASED TESTS • Highly sensitive fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year • Highly sensitive guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) every year • Multi-targeted stool DNA test (mt-sDNA) every three years VISUAL (STRUCTURAL) EXAMS OF THE COLON AND RECTUM • Colonoscopy every ten years • CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every five years • Flexible sigmoidoscopy (FSIG) every five years There are some differences between these tests too, but the most important thing is to get screened, no matter which tests you choose.

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COLORECTAL CANCER

Talk to your health care provider about which tests might be good options for you. If a person chooses to be screened with a test other than colonoscopy, any abnormal test result should be followed up with a timely colonoscopy.

If you’re at increased or high risk of colorectal cancer (or think you might be), talk to your health care provider to learn more. Your provider can suggest the best screening option for you, as well as determine what type of screening schedule you should follow, based on your risk.

Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. Someone could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it. That is why getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer is so important.

ASK A PRO

with Dr. Cole Kreofsky, Radiation Oncologist, BCC Q: I recently had a colonoscopy and was told I have multiple polyps. Does this mean that I’m going to get colorectal cancer?

A: The vast majority of polyps are NOT cancerous or even precancerous. The precancerous polyp that can turn into cancer is called an adenoma, and usually, the larger the size of a polyp, the greater the chance there may be cancer or precancerous cells. Since it’s hard to determine the exact nature of a polyp, polyps found during colonoscopies are removed and sent to the lab for microscopic analysis.

Most polyps do not produce any symptoms, so screening is important.

Colon cancer usually begins as a noncancerous growth called a polyp that develops on the inner lining of the colon or rectum and grows slowly over 10 to 20 years. In the early stages of colorectal cancer, symptoms may be minimal or not present at all. Some changes that may be considered colon cancer signs include: change in frequency of bowel movements, constipation, loose stools, blood in stools, or abdominal pain. If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. The only way to know what is causing them is to see your doctor.

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LIGHT BLUE

THURSDAY

Prostate cancer is the single most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of death for men in the United States.

Typically prostate is a slow-growing type of cancer; however some can grow quickly and spread into other parts of the body. While there’s no real sure way to prevent prostate cancer, living a healthy lifestyle may overall affect a man’s risk of getting prostate cancer.

Body weight, physical activity, and diet The effects of body weight, physical activity, and diet on prostate cancer risk are uncertain, but there are things you can do that might lower your risk. Some studies have found that men who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing advanced prostate cancer or prostate cancer that is more likely to be fatal.

For now, the best advice about diet and activity to possibly reduce the risk of prostate cancer is to: • Get to and stay at a healthy weight.

• Keep physically active.

• Follow a healthy eating pattern, which includes a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables and whole grains, and avoids or limits red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, and highly processed foods.

Vitamins, minerals, and other supplements Soy and isoflavones: Some early research has suggested possible benefits from soy proteins (called isoflavones) in lowering prostate cancer risk. Several studies are now looking more closely at the possible effects of these proteins. Taking any supplements can have both risks and benefits. Before starting vitamins or other supplements, talk with your doctor.

Screening for Prostate Cancer One screening test for prostate cancer is a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, which can be abnormal (not normal) for several reasons besides prostate cancer.

The only way to know if an abnormal test is due to cancer is with a biopsy. A biopsy is a minor procedure to get small pieces of the prostate to look at under a microscope. If the biopsy shows there

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PROSTATE CANCER

are cancer cells, your doctor will discuss treatment options.

Treatment of prostate cancer may include: • Close monitoring and follow-up visits.

• Radiation.

• Surgery to remove the prostate.

Side effects from radiation or surgery may include: • Impotence.

• Loss of bladder control.

• Problems with your rectum.

ASK A PRO

with Dr. John Watkins, Radiation Oncologist, BCC Q: I’m a 65-year-old man, and I’m wondering what the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer are?

A: Prostate cancer often develops without symptoms in the early stages, but many men are diagnosed early because of the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) screening. Some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may be safely monitored without immediate treatment, while others are aggressive and can spread quickly. However, as prostate cancer progresses, many men do experience symptoms such as: • A frequent need to urinate • Fatigue • Blood in urine or semen • Erectile dysfunction • Difficulty starting or stopping a stream of urine • Dull, deep pain or stiffness in your pelvis, lower back, ribs, or upper thighs Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50, and your risk increases as you get older. The average age for men diagnosed with prostate cancer is between 65 and 69 years old. The good news is the 5-year survival rate for most men with local prostate cancer is nearly 100%. Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns about your prostate.

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PURPLE

FRIDAY

SURVIVORSHIP Cancer Survivorship focuses on the health and well-being of a person with cancer from the time of diagnosis until the end of life.

This includes the physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial effects of cancer that begin at diagnosis and continue through treatment and beyond. The survivorship experience also includes issues related to follow-up care (including regular health and wellness checkups), late effects of treatment, cancer recurrence, second cancers, and quality of life. Family members, friends, and caregivers are also considered part of the survivorship experience.

The definition of Survivorship is crucial as it explains the hardship one experiences throughout the entirety of their diagnosis and life.

Although treatment can come to an end, that does not mean that all hardships go with it. Cancer survivors are more than twice as likely to have mental health problems than adults without cancer.

Even after recovering from this disease, their fight for health isn’t over. “Anxiety is a persistent problem long after cancer has been diagnosed,” said Dr. Alex J. Mitchell to the New York Times.

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Get all your follow-up tests. Discuss with your doctor plans for follow-up and monitoring of your cancer. Together, you will formulate a specific follow-up plan based on your situation. Not everyone needs regular scans or blood tests.

Ask your doctor about creating a plan to look for late side effects of the cancer therapy. Many cancer treatments can cause side effects years later.

Be open about your fears. Express your concerns to your friends, family, other cancer survivors, and your doctor or a counselor. If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of discussing your fears, try recording your thoughts in a journal.

Keep busy. Get out of the house and find activities that will take your mind off your fears.

Maintaining good mental and physical health is always important, especially as a cancer survivor. From seeing your cancer team less often to the fear of recurrence are all things that can affect one’s mental health, and it is important to take specific steps to better maintain a healthy mindset as a cancer survivor.

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Go to all your follow-up appointments. You may fear the worst when it’s time for your next follow-up appointment. Don’t let that stop you from going.

Use the time with your doctor to ask questions about any signs or symptoms that worry you. Write down your concerns and discuss them at your next appointment.

Ask about your risk of recurrence and what signs and symptoms to watch for. Knowing more may help you feel more in control.

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Maintaining physical health is also essential as a survivor, as research shows that physical activity is helpful during and after cancer treatment. For example, regular physical activity may lower the risk of some cancers recurring. It can also help you feel better after treatment ends. Some other benefits of an active lifestyle can include improved self-esteem, feeling happier, being less likely to have depression, anxiety, and fatigue, having more strength and endurance, better bone health, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Physical activity can be divided into three levels: light, moderate, and vigorous.

• Light activity. During light activity, you may not exert yourself, but you are not inactive. Examples include washing dishes, walking slowly, preparing food, and making the bed.

• Moderate activity. During moderate activity, your breath rate increases. But you can still talk without feeling out of breath.

Walking is a great moderate activity. Other examples include ballroom dancing, canoeing, and gardening.

• Vigorous activity. During vigorous activity, your heart beats faster, and you breathe heavily and sweat. Often, you are not able to talk much.

Vigorous activities include jogging, jumping rope, and swimming.

You can do these activities at home, outside, such as in a park, or in a gym There are several steps a survivor can take to better their mental and physical health, but you do not have to do it alone.

Where to go for help Sometimes talking with friends or family can help. But you might feel like those people can’t truly understand what you’re going through if they haven’t had cancer. You might consider consulting: • A therapist. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a professional who can help you sort through your emotions and come up with ways to deal with your feelings.

• Other cancer survivors. Whether in your community or online, support groups provide a great place to share your feelings and hear from others who are going through what you’re experiencing. You can learn new ways of coping with fears.

• You can also offer your expertise to others going through active treatment and help them in their journey.

Devise your plan for coping with your emotions. Have an open mind and try different strategies to find out what works best for you.

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CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS Breast Cancer Support Group Bismarck Cancer Center 5:30 p.m. ~ Second Thursday of each month Contact Jen @ 222-6113 for virtual options Caregivers Cancer Support Group Bismarck Cancer Center 5:30 p.m. ~ Third Tuesday of each month All Cancer Support Group Bismarck Cancer Center 5:30 p.m. ~ Third Thursday of each month Contact Jen @ 222-6113 for virtual options Head and Neck Support Group Bismarck Cancer Center 3 p.m. ~ Second Wednesday of each month For a virtual option, contact Amanda at 701-222-6154 Equine Therapy TR4 Heart and Soul Contact Katie at oakland@live.com to schedule your session Healing Art Workshop with Art from the Heart Art from the Heart Studio 311 N Mandan St Ste 4, Bismarck 6-8 p.m. ~ First Tuesday of each month Limited Seating Available To register, please visit bismarckcancercenterfoundation.com Yoga for Healing Bismarck Cancer Center Virtual 4 p.m. ~ Every Monday To register, contact Dana at 701-222-6145

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project HOPE

A COMMUNITY WELLNESS EVENT

500 North 8th Street Bismarck, North Dakota 58501 www.bismarckcancercenter.com

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