TEL/INT - Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month - October 2023

October 2023

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October 2023

A Special Supplement to

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October 2023

October 2023

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 4 Godfrey woman’s legacy fuels metastatic breast cancer research Page 5 Did you know? - Diagnosis Groups at elevated risk for breast cancer Page 6 5 fruits and vegetables associated with reducing cancer risk Page 7 What to know about breast cancer recurrence Page 10 What distinguishes the different types of breast cancer?

Page 11 Create true breast cancer awareness Page 12 Potential warning signs for breast cancer Page 13 How to approach work after a breast cancer diagnosis Page 14 Understanding your breast health Page 15 Did you know? - Treatment

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October 2023

Godfrey woman’s legacy fuels metastatic breast cancer research JILL MOON STAFF WRITER GODFREY— It’s been 10 years since the late Theresa Newby Harpole founded Theresa’s Research Foundation.

Though she lost her fight with metastatic breast cancer at age 46, foundation members say there is plenty to celebrate and she would be proud.

Theresa’s Research Foundation’s authoritative research has been published in a white paper titled “Continuing to Improve the Odds Together: Next Steps for Engaging Researchers and Advocates.”

This white paper highlights findings from last year’s Metastatic Breast Cancer Research Conference, founded in part

by Theresa’s Research Foundation, and is a follow up to foundation’s publication in “npj Breast Cancer,” a new open-access, online-only, multidisciplinary research journal dedicated to publishing the finest of breast cancer research and treatment.

Not only is the Godfrey-based Theresa’s Research Foundation’s marking its 10th anniversary, this year is also the 10-year anniversary of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Research Conference founded in part by the foundation.

“Patient advocates and cancer researchers working together is critical for better research that leads to improved patient outcomes.”

An appreciation for the value of including the patient advocate voice in cancer research has increased in recent years.

But often research scientists and patient advocates are uncertain about how to establish or maintain relationships with one another, Stires noted.

Theresa’s Research Foundation’s paper describes how the group at the conference identified solutions to overcome barriers in building bidirectional relationships identified in the npj Breast Cancer manuscript, including shortand long-term goals.

The late Theresa Newby Harpole, of Godfrey, in a photograph taken before her death from metastatic breast cancer at age 46. Ten years ago she founded Theresa’s Research Foundation, which started the now 10-year-old Metastatic Breast Cancer Research Conference, held this year in Park City, Utah, at Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah. A White Paper by the foundation also was recently published. (For The Telegraph)

“Theresa’s Research Foundation has been a leader in creating a space at the Metastatic Breast Cancer Research

Conference (MBCRC) for connections between these groups and encouraging the broader cancer research commu-

nity to do so as well,” said Dr. Hillary Stires, director, Regulatory and Research Partnerships at Friends of Cancer Research.

Learning from life challenges In 2013, Newby Harpole had been living with metastatic breast cancer for several years when she recognized that more needed to be done for people with metastatic breast cancer. Foundation members say the drive epitomized Newby Harpole who always put others first.

With the help of her family, friends and community, Theresa’s Research Foundation was established, getting

off the ground quickly through a relationship with prominent researchers at Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, where Newby Harpole was treated. Its first event was a huge success and showed that the foundation had a bright future.

Newby Harpole died later that year.

Thes tragedy has a triumph, as the foundation moved forward with her vision of “Working Together to Change the Odds.” Newby Harpole was passionate about education, so it was fitting that the foundation started a conference focused on metastatic breast cancer with prominent researchers in 2014. The foundation also hosted a gala in 2014 in her honor.

“The foundation and Theresa’s family are forever grateful beyond words for the tremendous support of friends, family, co-workers, and the many businesses in our community that supported the foundation in its early days and stuck with us,” said Linda Morrissey board president of Theresa’s Research Foundation.

“I am blown away each year as I walk into the conference and see my little sister’s face up on the wide screen with the top researchers in the country in attendance SEE HARPOLE ON PAGE 6

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Did you know?

Breast cancer affects millions of women each year, but breast cancer also can be diagnosed in men.

Each year in the United States, about 2,400 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Roughly 270 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in Canada, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Macmillan Cancer Support says men have a small amount of breast tissue behind their nipples, where breast cancer potentially can develop. Breast tissue in boys and girls is the same until puberty, when girls start to develop more.

Signs of male breast cancer include a lump or swelling in the breast, redness or flaky skin in the breast, irritation or dimpling of the skin around the nipple, nipple discharge, or pulling in or pain of the nipple, states the CDC.

Groups at elevated risk for breast cancer The number of women women. diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 exceeded • Women 50 and older: two million. That figure, The Centers for Discourtesy of the World ease Control and PreHealth Organization, vention reports that underscores the sigmost breast cancers nificance of the threat are found in women posed by the disease. who are 50 years old Though no one is imor older. A report from mune to breast canthe National Cancer cer, researchers have Institute indicates concluded that certain that a 30-year-old groups have a higher risk woman has a 1 in 204 of developing the dischance (0.49 percent) ease than others. Womof being diagnosed en who recognize their with breast cancer, personal risk for breast while a 40-year-old cancer may not be able has a 1 in 65 chance to change certain factors (1.55 percent) of bethat increase their chancing diagnosed. By the es of developing the distime women reach ease. However, recogniage 60, their risk is 1 tion of their personal risk in 28 (3.54 percent), could put women in posiwhile a 70-year-old tion to lower that risk in has a 1 in 24 chance other ways. According to (4.09 percent) of being the WHO, the following diagnosed.

Though are some groups who are women of any age can at elevated risk of develget the disease, the oping breast cancer. risk clearly increases as women get older.

• Women: Johns Hopkins Medicine re- • Women who meet ports that less than 1 the criteria for being percent of all breast overweight or obese: cancer cases occur in The nonprofit orgamen. Though it’s still nization Susan G. important for men to Komen®, which helps recognize they’re not to raise funds for the immune to the disfight against breast ease, women must cancer, notes that also recognize that women who are overnearly all of the more weight or obese after than two million anmenopause have a nual breast cancer 20 to 60 percent highdiagnoses across the er risk of developing globe are found in breast cancer than

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Being 50 or older is one of various factors that increases a woman’s risk for breast cancer.

for women who limit women who are not • Women who contheir consumption to sume alcohol: The overweight or obese. one drink or less per MD Anderson Cancer The American Cancer day. Routinely conCenter reports that Society reports that suming more than alcohol consumption having more fat tisone alcoholic drink and breast cancer risk sue increases breast per day is a cause for are linked.

Though cancer risk because concern. the precise cause of it raises estrogen the link is unknown, levels. However, the It’s vital that women one theory suggests ACS notes the link recognize their risk for that consuming alcobetween weight and hol can increase es- breast cancer. Though breast cancer risk is trogen levels as well any woman can be diagcomplicated, so it’s as the levels of other nosed with breast canworth it for women hormones associated cer, certain factors, inconcerned about their with breast cancer. cluding some that can be cancer risk to open However, the MDACC avoided, can increase a a dialogue with their warns that the risk is woman’s risk for the disphysicians. very low, particularly ease.

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October 2023

5 fruits and vegetables associated with reducing cancer risk The prevalence of cancer is widely known. Affecting people of every ethnicity and across the socioeconomic spectrum, cancer poses a threat to people in all corners of the globe. And that threat could be more significant in the immediate future.

Estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer indicate that the global population boom and the growth of the world’s aging population could result in more than 16 million cancer deaths each year by 2040.

The statistics surrounding global incidence rates for cancer are startling, which can give the impression that cancer is an inevitability for hundreds of millions of people across the globe. However, there’s much individu-

berries, raspberries als can do to reduce their and strawberries make cancer risk. wonderful additions to According to the MD anyone’s diet.

Anderson Cancer Center, a healthy diet can help vegereduce cancer risk. A diet 2. Cruciferous tables: Cruciferous that focuses on plants vegetables include and emphasizes healthy broccoli, bok choy, choices may not eliminate cabbage, and brussel the threat of cancer, but sprouts, among othit can be an integral comers. The MDACC notes ponent of a preventive that studies have inhealth care regimen. With dicated that special that in mind, the following plant compounds in are five fruits and vegetaatherosclerosis, which cruciferous vegetables bles associated with reaffects the arteries may protect the body ducing cancer risk, courthrough the deposifrom stomach cancer tesy of the MDACC. tion of plaques of fatty and cancers of the acids along the arterial mouth, pharynx, lar1. Berries: Berries conwalls. However, antiynx, and esophagus. tain antioxidants, oxidant-rich garlic also which protect the body helps the body fight off from cell damage that 3. Garlic: The experts at harmful free radicals Mount Sinai note that can contribute to varithat can contribute to garlic is often linked ous cancers, including cancer. with reduced risk for skin cancer, lung canheart disease, notacer and breast cancer, bly the prevention of 4. Spinach: The Centers among others. Blue-

HARPOLE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

learning about the latest in research,” she said.

Expanding efforts Since 2014, the foundation has focused on expanding the conference to bring together a diverse audience, including patients and patient advocates, and create a collaborative research environment with a long-term goal of developing curative ap-

proaches for metastatic breast cancer.

The conference has been co-hosted at prominent academic institutions including the University of Kansas Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic and the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah.

“We are grateful to all the researchers and clinicians who have partic-

ipated in the conference over the years as well as patient advocates who have contributed so much to this work,” Morrissey said.

Many outstanding breast cancer researchers from across the world attended and contributed to the 10th annual Metastatic Breast Cancer Research Conference this year.

“This is a unique meeting that brings together breast cancer clinicians,

researchers, trainees, and patient advocates in an intimate forum to discuss the most exciting research advances and pressing issues in metastatic breast cancer,” said Dr. Alana Welm, professor and senior director of basic science at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Cancer Institute.

The foundation hosted a celebration on Aug. 31 to mark its 10-year milestone at this year’s

5. Tomatoes: Lycopene is an antioxidant that gives tomatoes their bright red color. According to the National Cancer Institute, though human studies have produced inconsistent results, various in vitro and animal studies have indicated that lycopene may have chemopreventive effects for cancers of the prostate, skin, or Disease Control breast, lung, and liver. and Prevention notes that colorectal canEating these five fruits cer is one of the leadand vegetables is not the ing causes of cancer only way to use diet in deaths in the United the fight against cancer.

States. Studies have Individuals are urged found that spinach to speak with their phyinhibits the growth of sicians to learn about colon polyps that can the many ways to utilize develop into colorectal food in cancer prevencancer. tion.

conference in Park City, Utah. It also is launching a 10-year fund to ensure that Theresa’s Research Foundation can continue to facilitate the conference and help patients with metastatic cancer for years to come.

The mission of Theresa’s Research Foundation is to specifically fund research for metastatic breast cancer that provides better treatment options, improves quality of life for patients

and will one day lead to a cure.

The organization annually hosts the Metastatic Breast Cancer Research Conference in collaboration with the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute. This year’s conference was also livestreamed.

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What to know about breast cancer recurrence or beyond a woman’s control, the lingering notion that breast cancer return at any moment can be difficult to confront. Learning about recurrence could calm the nerves of breast cancer survivors and their families.

Defining recurrence A second diagnosis of breast cancer does not necessarily mean women are experiencing a recurrence. The Cleveland Clinic notes that breast cancer that develops in the opposite breast

that was not treated and does not appear anywhere else in the body is not the same thing as recurrence. Recurrence occurs when the cancer is detected in the same breast in which the disease was initially detected.

Breastcancer.org notes that cancer found in the opposite breast is likely not a recurrence.

How recurrence happens Treatment for breast cancer is often very successful, particularly in SEE RECURRENCE ON PAGE 9

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ur do cto ily m r about y em ou lp yo ber of yo r risk for u dec u ide w rs had br breast can east o hen a cer, e nd r ov spe

Millions of women across the globe are survivors of breast cancer.

Those women serve as inspiration to millions more individuals, even as they bravely live with the threat of recurrence.

The Cleveland Clinic notes that most local recurrences of breast cancer occur within five years of a lumpectomy, which is a common breast cancer treatment during which cancer cells and a small margin of healthy breast tissue are removed. Even if recurrence is unlikely and/

Tal k to y our d o c tor ab out y our r i sk for bre a st c anc e r, e sp e c i al ly if a cl o s e fami ly me mb e r of y our s had bre a st or ov ar i an c anc e r. Your d o c tor c an help y ou d e c i d e w he n and how of te n to g e t mammo g ram s .

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October 2023

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October 2023

What distinguishes the different types of breast cancer?

Individuals can experience a whirlwind of emotion upon being diagnosed with cancer. No one ever expects to receive such a diagnosis, so the moment a physician delivers such news can be emotional and compromise a person’s ability to focus. Once those emotions settle down and individuals resolve to overcome the disease, they typically have a lot of questions.

One of the questions doctors will attempt to answer is which subtype of cancer a person

has. For example, when doctors initially deliver a breast cancer diagnosis, they may explain that further testing will be necessary to determine precisely which type of breast cancer an individual has. Identifying the subtype of breast cancer helps doctors choose the most effective course of treatment, but it’s understandable if patients and their families become confused during the process. The following rundown can help breast cancer paSEE TYPES ON PAGE 12

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Create true breast cancer awareness JENIFER DUMIRE MIDLAND HEALTH

Here we are… entering October. Pink ribbons everywhere. Ball games, social events, church gatherings, everyone is focused on those who are going through breast cancer or who have won the fight and are now called a survivor after a diagnosis of breast cancer. And rightfully so, anyone who has ever had to hear those words “you have cancer” certainly deserves our support.

They call it breast cancer awareness, but are we creating a true awareness along with highlighting those who are either fighting or have won the fight?

Or is there a deeper awareness that this month of Pinktober can

bring. I am sure everyone who has faced this dreaded diagnosis only wishes one thing… I wish I had known more before I had to hear those words “you have breast cancer.”

One definition that I found for awareness is concern about and well-informed interest in a particular situation or development.

Our mission here at The Breast Center is to create well-informed patients along with a well-informed community. One myth that we hear many, many times is “I don’t have to worry, I don’t have any family history of breast cancer.”

One in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in their lifetime. Of that 12% of women who develop breast cancer, three

out of four or 75% of these women will have no family history. If you gather a group of 100 women, statistically at least 12 of those women will develop breast cancer sometime in their lifetime, and nine of those that develop breast cancer will have no family history.

That is why it is important that every woman have a mammogram starting at age 40 and have their mammogram every single year.

By doing this, she cuts her risk of dying from breast cancer by 40%.

This seems like an important fact that needs a heightened awareness. By having this lifesaving screening every year, our radiologist can compare images and detect the slightest changes that could indicate a very early

breast cancer. A mammogram can see something abnormal when it is as small as a grain of salt and approximately two years before you would feel a lump. Now this is information that with increased awareness, can save the lives of many of our mothers, sisters, aunts and friends. Giving us more survivors to celebrate each October.

So, if you happen to have a family history that doesn’t include breast cancer, thank God. However, remember in the words of Dr. Stacy Smith-Foley, “If you have breasts and you have birthdays, you have a risk for developing breast cancer”.

apy can multiply and ultimately become a tumor. • Regional recurrence: A regional recurrence means the cancer Types of breast cancer has come back near recurrence the original tumor, in There are different lymph nodes in the types of breast cancer armpit or collarbone recurrence, including: area.

• Local recurrence: The Cleveland Clinic • Distant recurrence: A distant recurrence notes that a local reindicates the breast currence diagnosis cancer has spread indicates the cancer away from the origihas returned to the nal tumor. The Clevesame breast or chest land Clinic notes this area as the original tuis often referred to as mor.

stage 4 breast cancer.

This diagnosis indicates the tumor has spread to the lungs, bones, brain, or other parts of the body.

RECURRENCE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

patients whose cancer was discovered early.

Recurrence can happen when single cancer cells or groups of cancer cells are left behind after surgery. Breastcancer. org notes that tests for cancer cannot detect if single cancer cells or small groups of cells are still present after surgery, and a single cell that survives post-surgery rounds of radiation therapy and chemother-

Jenifer Dumire is the Genetic Nurse navigator at The Breast Center.

The risk of recurrence Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that certain variables unique to each individual affect the risk of breast cancer recurrence. This is an important distinction, as women who have survived breast cancer but are concerned about recur-

rence should know that they will not necessarily experience one, even if a first-degree relative or friend did. The type of cancer and its stage at diagnosis can elevate risk, which also is highest during the first few years after treatment.

The Cleveland Clinic notes that women who develop breast cancer before age 35, which is uncommon, are more likely to experience a recurrence. In addition, women diagnosed with

later stage breast cancers or rare forms of the disease, including inflammatory breast cancer, are more likely, though not guaranteed, to experience a recurrence.

The fear of breast cancer recurrence can be tough for survivors of the disease to confront.

Sharing concerns with family members and a cancer care team could help survivors overcome their fears.

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Potential warning signs for breast cancer Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women across the globe. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, there more than 2.26 million new cases of breast cancer in women in 2020. Such figures are sobering, but it’s important to recognize that breast cancer survival rates have improved dramatically in recent decades, providing hope to the millions of women who may be diagnosed with the disease in the years to come.

Various factors have helped to improve breast cancer survival rates, and education about the disease is certainly among them. Women are their own greatest allies against breast cancer, and learning to spot its signs and symptoms is

TYPES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

a great first step in the fight against this potentially deadly, yet treatable disease.

ative of breast cancer.

The ACS reports that the following are some potential warning signs of breast cancer.

breast to redden, dry out, flake, or thicken.

Knowing your body The American Cancer • A new lump or mass: The ACS indicates Society urges women to that this is the most take note of how their common symptom of breasts normally look breast cancer. A lump and feel. That knowledge or mass that is canis vital because it helps cerous is often painwomen recognize when less, but hard and has something does not irregular edges. Howlook or feel good to the ever, lumps caused touch with their breasts. by breast cancer also Screening alone may can be soft, round and Women are urged to report any abnormalities in their breasts not be sufficient, as the tender. Some even to a physician immediately.

ACS notes that mammocause pain. grams do not find every the skin on the breast • Retraction: Some breast cancer. women with breast • Swelling: Some womsometimes mimics cancer experience reen experience swellSigns and symptoms the look of an orange traction, which occurs ing of all or part of a When women are well peel. when the nipple turns breast even if they acquainted with how inward. don’t detect a lump. their breasts look and • Pain: Pain on the feel, they’re in better pobreast or nipple could • Skin abnormalities: sition to recognize any • Dimpling: The skin on indicate breast canBreast cancer may the breast may dimabnormalities, which cause the skin on the ple. When this occurs, cer. may or may not be indic-

a medical team will use a tissue sample from a tients understand this patient’s breast biopsy crucial next step after di- or, for patients who have agnosis. already undergone surgery, the tumor to identiHow is breast cancer fy the cancer type. type determined?

The American Can- What are the types of cer Society notes that breast cancer I might breast cancer type is be diagnosed with? determined by the speThere are many types cific cells in the breast of breast cancer, but that become cancer. The some are more common Mayo Clinic reports that than others. Invasive and

non-invasive (also referred to as “carcinoma in situ”) are the two main subtypes of breast cancer.

According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, the most common types of invasive breast cancer are invasive ductal carcinoma, which affects the inner lining of the milk ducts, and invasive lobular carcinoma, which originates

October 2023

from the glands that produce milk.

The UPMC reports that the most common in situ types are ductal carcinoma in situ, which is cancer that remains within the milk ducts, and lobular carcinoma in situ, which does not often develop into breast cancer though it is considered a risk factor for an invasive form of the disease.

The ACS notes that

triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive form of breast cancer that accounts for roughly 15 percent of all breast cancers. Triple-negative breast cancer can be difficult to treat.

Less common types of breast cancer, each of which account for between 1 and 3 percent of diagnoses in a given year, include Paget disease of the breast, angiosarco-

• Swollen lymph nodes: Some women with breast cancer experience swelling of the lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone.

The presence of any of these symptoms merits a trip to the doctor. Women with these symptoms should not immediately assume they have breast cancer, as the ACS notes that various symptoms of breast cancer also are indicative of non-cancerous conditions that affect the breasts. Only a physician can diagnose breast cancer, which underscores the importance of reporting symptoms to a doctor immediately.

ma and phyllodes tumor.

A breast cancer diagnosis marks the beginning of a sometimes lengthy but often successful journey that has ended in full recovery for millions of women across the globe. More information about the various types of breast cancer can be found at cancer. org.

October 2023

How to approach work after a breast cancer diagnosis A breast cancer diagnosis affects every facet of a • Decide what you want woman’s life. While women to share. The Austraand their families must prilia-based Cancer Counoritize treatment, a host of cil notes that individuals additional variables, includmust decide what they ing work, also merit considwant to share regarding eration after a breast cantheir diagnosis. Women cer diagnosis. can speak to their physiWork is an important part cians to determine how of life, so it’s understandlong they will continue able if women are conworking, if their ability to cerned about how a breast work full-time will be afcancer diagnosis will affect fected by treatment and their careers. With that in the projected length mind, women can considof treatment. Answers er these tips as they share to the these questions news of their diagnosis with can help women decide their employers. how much to share with their employers. If treat• Prioritize your own ment will be lengthy comfort when speaking and require time off to to an employer about recover, then sharing your diagnosis. Breastsuch information can cancer.org notes that a help employers arrange woman’s comfort level to cover your responsiis the most important bilities. factor when sharing news of a breast cancer • Take additional meadiagnosis with an emsures to overcome side ployer. Some women effects of treatment. may want to inform only Breastcancer.org notes a few coworkers they’re that treatment can proclose with, while others duce cognitive side efmay find it easier to let fects such as memory everyone know. There’s loss or difficulty conno wrong or right way centrating.

Successto share a diagnosis, so ful professionals will women should prioritize undoubtedly want to their own comfort when maintain the standard choosing which way to they have established go. To ensure things for themselves, and that go smoothly and your can be done by taking wishes are honored, a few simple steps to consider first breaking overcome any cognitive the news to a superviissues that may arise sor in a private face-toduring treatment. Reface meeting or Zoom cord Zoom calls so you call. can go back and view

them, if necessary. Take copious notes during strategizing sessions.

Begin using a planner so you can stay on top of deadlines. These simple measures are easy to employ and can ensure women don’t miss a beat during treatment.

• Take time off, if necessary. Time off should always be a consideration during cancer treatment.

Breastcancer.org notes that various programs can help women meet their financial obligations if they’re no longer earning income. Some employers may pay full salaries during treatment and not count time off as vacation or personal time, while others may grant short-term disability benefits that can provide some income during extended time off. Explore all of your options with the human resources staff at your firm.

A breast cancer diagnosis may require women to alter their work habits and schedules. Even the simplest tweaks can have a profound impact and allow women to direct much of their energy and focus on their treatment.

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October 2023

Understanding your breast health WRITTEN BY MELISSA HOAG

Society of Breast Imaging, among others. A. We recommend having a yearly mammoWe recommend that October is Breast Cangram because it’s the all women have a cer Awareness Month, only test shown to yearly mammogram and a great time to rereduce breast canbeginning at age 40. mind women 40 years of cer deaths. We know age and older to schedule Q. Are there any inmammograms can their yearly mammogram if detect cancer early, stances where you they haven’t already done when it’s most treatwould recommend so. With 3D mammograable. This improves that a woman have phy now available, breast odds of survival and a mammogram prior cancer can be detected can help patients to age 40? at even earlier stages, reavoid extensive ducing the rates of breast A. Yes, there are some treatment. cancer deaths. incidences where this is recommend- Q. What is 3D mamQ. What is the recommography? ed. This may include mended age to beif a woman is havgin yearly mammoing breast issues, A. 3D mammography, grams? or tomosynthesis, such as a lump in is a state-of-the-art the breast, has a A. We follow national technology that alstrong family history guidelines from sevlows a radiologist of breast cancer or a eral organizations, to see through the high risk of developincluding the Nationbreast tissue layer by ing breast cancer. al Comprehensive layer. This helps provide multiple slices Cancer Network, Q. What is the importhrough the breast tance of having a American College of tissue for the radiolyearly mammogram?

Radiology and the

ogist to view – similar to flipping through pages of a book.

experience pain at all during the mammogram.

prior to being diagnosed with cancer.

Q. What does a breast Q. What are the bene- Q. What role does a genurse navigator do? netic counselor play fits of 3D mammogin breast health? raphy?

A. Breast nurse navigators are trained A. It can detect more A. A genetic counselor in breast health. will talk to a patient breast cancer at What we do is folabout their health an earlier stage. It low women from and family history. also results in fewer an abnormal mamThen, the genetic callbacks because mogram all the way counselor will make it helps distinguish through diagnosis recommendations normal overlapping and survivorship, on whether or not tissue from cancer. if a breast cancer the patient should be The radiologist can diagnosis occurs. tested for a genetic also better see the We help patients mutation that would size, shape and locadecipher medical increase the risk of tion of an abnormaliterminology, prodeveloping breast ty in the breast. vide educational cancer. If a genetic resources and supmutation is found, Q. Is 3D mammography port and overall there are different also less painful for serve as the go-to screening modalities patients? person if a patient and surveillance that has questions, we’ll do to watch the A. 3D mammography navigating them patient, as well as has very little pain treatment options through their treatassociated with it. that we can offer Most patients do not ment.

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Did you know?

The length of time a women will receive treatment for breast cancer will ultimately depend on a host of variables unique to each individual.

According to the nonprofit organization Living Beyond Breast Cancer, an individual diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer can be in active treatment for about one year. The administration of medicine, the performance or surgery and ongoing therapies are all considered part of active treatment.

The Mayo Clinic reports that chemotherapy, a treatment option that utilizes various drugs to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth, can last between three to six months for patients diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Treatment with chemotherapy can extend beyond six months for individuals with advanced stage breast cancer.

Hormonal therapy also can extend the time breast cancer patients are in treatment, as the American Cancer Society reports that this option typically requires patients to take a pill for five years. However, hormonal therapy can extend past five years in certain instances.

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October 2023