Breast Cancer Special 2023

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28-29, 2023 AMERICAN PRESS D1

October 28, 2023

BREAST CANCER SPECIAL

D2 AMERICAN PRESS SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28-29, 2023

BREAST CANCER SPECIAL

Men Wear Pink community leaders leading fight ‘I want more people to be aware of the power of prevention.

Early detection saves lives. Get that test. You are not invincible.’

By Rita LeBleu American Press

A local ambassador for Men Wear Pink is raising awareness and big bucks for American Cancer Society research and support.

“If nothing else, I want others to do the things they need to do to keep them alive,” said Grant Navarre. “I want more people to be aware of the power of prevention. Early detection saves lives. Get that test.

You are not invincible.

“Yes, some of those exams can be uncomfortable,” he said. “But five minutes of discomfort is worth adding 50 years to your life.”

The overall declines in breast cancer death rates since 1989 have been attributed to both improvements in treatment and early detection by mammograms. Following American Cancer Society guidelines for breast cancer screening can help women find breast cancer earlier, when treatments are more likely to be effective Navarre is one of 25 local influencers “leading the style, leading the charge, leading the change” in helping fight cancer. Together they have raised $187,241 of their $250,000 goal.

Navarre is not only the leading ambassador in Southwest Louisiana, he is also number three out of 10 in the nation for his efforts this year,

Grant Navarre Top fundraiser for the Men Wear Pink of Southwest Louisiana campaign

Crystal Stevenson / American Press

The 2023 Men Wear Pink ambassadors line up for a fashion show Sept. 26 during the campaign’s annual launch party at L’Auberge Casino Resort. having raised $92,202.

When he began raising money for American Cancer research and living patient support there wasn’t a whole lot of pink in his closet. He’s added more pink each year, purchased pink shirts for his sales staff to help in the charge against breast cancer.

He even makes sure to

incorporate pink into his Halloween costume.

“I do it for our sisters, daughters and grandmothers,” Navarre said, “and I do it for my dad.

He didn’t die of breast cancer, but he did die of leukemia and this way of getting on board to help the American Cancer Society just sort of checked all the boxes for me.”

Remembering the Taken

Not one person in the Southwest Louisiana area hasn’t been touched by someone who is in the process of fighting or has fought breast cancer; whether it be immediate family, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, extended family or friends.

Today, we remember the women in our community that have passed away from breast cancer. Please take some time out of your day to think about them and their families. Honor and remember them by lighting a candle, saying a prayer, or making a toast.

Yolanda Lynn Lopez November 26, 1975-january 13, 2020

Lena Winfrey September 20, 1953-March 3, 2004

Barbara Ann Johnson-Mark

September 16, 1959-November 2, 2018

Wilda Booker

July 30, 1957-June 29, 2019

Breast cancer awareness month began in 1985. During the time Betty Ford, the wife of the former President Gerald Ford, had a breast removed to treat cancer.

Her openness about the experience increased media coverage and public awareness.

Most people know pink is the color associated with breast cancer.

The pink breast cancer ribbon got its start in the 1990s when Charlotte Haley, the granddaughter, sister and mother of women who had battled breast cancer, began handing out thousands of ribbons to raise awareness for cancer prevention and hope for a cancer-free future. A women’s magazine did a story about it. A major skincare, makeup and fragrance brand shared the symbol across the

nation where it sold cosmetics.

For a long time, women led the charge on fund- and awareness-raising through breast cancer walks and other activities. It is mostly women who get breast cancer, though men do, as well. But breast cancer touches the lives of more than those who survive it or die from it.

To acknowledge that, the NFL started dressing its players, stadiums and sidelines in pink in 2009.

Navarre said he remembers seeing the Saints play in pink. That ended about 2017.

One of the earliest Real Men Wear Pink campaigns began in Jackson, Tenn., in 2013 as a way of acknowledging the disease wasn’t limited to women, and to support their wives, daughters

and sisters who were lost to, or were fighting, breast cancer. This past year the campaign was shortened to Men Wear Pink to align with the American Cancer Society core values of to be more inclusive.

Men Wear Pink volunteers/ambassadors agree to wear pink throughout October, raise awareness for the cause through their social media networks, and raise a minimum of $2,500 to help the American Cancer Society fight breast cancer.

Other Southwest Louisiana ambassadors/ volunteers are Keilynn Fradieu, Andrew “Woody” Bougard, Dan Phelan, Matt Hebert, Milton Guillory, Matias Nauts, George Vanderhey, Lenny Parker, Ed Bonilla, Andrew Jordan, Jarod Abshire, Trey Hays, John Ware, Nicholas Algero, Scotty Schadler, Randy Partin, Chad Galicia, Heth Allen, Garet Berry, Cody Stroud, Logan Williams, Kevin Sandstead, Edwin McCall and Joshua Robinson, currently in second place in Southwest Louisiana with $25,000.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28-29, 2023 AMERICAN PRESS D3

BREAST CANCER SPECIAL

How to support loved ones who have breast cancer

By Metro Creative Services

Efforts to educate women about breast cancer have helped raise awareness of the disease and just how treatable it is when detected early.

Despite that, a diagnosis can still be difficult for women and their families. When someone close to you is affected by breast cancer, priorities suddenly change and you

may be wondering what you can do to provide the support needed to help this person navigate any ups and downs that could be on the horizon.

While one loved one may embrace others wanting to help, another may feel she is a burden and exhibit an unwillingness to accept help. In the latter instance, being a supportive bystander may require walking

on eggshells. Even still, there are some universal ways to lend support when a friend or a loved one has been diagnosed.

Offer practical support. Cancer affects the body in a number of ways. Energy levels may wane and certain symptoms may arise. Side effects from treatments also can make it difficult to continue with daily tasks. So an offer to help

with tasks associated with daily living, such as cooking meals, gardening, washing clothes, or cleaning up around the house, can be practical and much appreciated.

Offer emotional support. Someone with breast cancer may just need a person who can be there and listen. A hug, a nod of understanding or even a companion who can chat and

take the person’s mind off the cancer can be immensely helpful. Keep in mind that emotions may change on a dime, and some emotions may be directed at support systems. Patience is needed at all times.

Maintain a positive attitude. It’s never easy knowing someone you love is sick. They are going through their own emotional roller coaster,

and support systems can lift their spirits. Avoid wearing rose-colored glasses, but try to remain as upbeat as possible.

Find a support group.

Professional support groups are great resources for coping with a cancer journey. Supporting a person with cancer takes its own unique toll, particularly when caring for a spouse, child or mother with breast cancer.

We Think PINK Year Round All women are at risk for breast cancer, however that risk increases with age. Though breast cancer may not always present symptoms right away, over time it can cause changes in the look and feel of the breast including: •

A new lump in the breast.

•

A change in the size and shape of the breast.

•

Pain in the breast or nipple that does not go away.

•

Red or swollen skin on the breast.

•

A nipple that is very tender or that turns inward.

•

Any other type of fluid coming from the nipple that is not milk when nursing a baby.

Schedule your annual screening mammogram today.

Memorial Hospital | 1701 Oak Park Blvd. | 337.494.4755 Memorial Hospital for Women | 1900 West Gauthier Rd. | 337.480.7444

Andrew Jordan LCMHS Physician Liaison Proud Participant of Real Men Wear Pink

lcmh.com/breasthealth

D4 AMERICAN PRESS SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28-29, 2023

BREAST CANCER SPECIAL

How to approach work after a cancer diagnosis

By Metro Creative Services

Metro Creative Services

The American Cancer Society notes that researchers are increasingly linking exercise to a reduced risk for breast cancer.

Physical activity can help in the fight

By Metro Creative Services

Breast cancer is a complex disease that affects millions of women across the globe each year. Though the American Cancer Society reports that only about 4 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States are under age 40, women of all ages can take steps to protect themselves against this deadly disease.

Exercise benefits women in myriad ways, and that includes lowering their risk for breast cancer. The ACS notes that researchers are increasingly linking exercise to a reduced risk for breast cancer.

Though the reasons behind that link remain unclear, some theorize that the positive effects of exercise on body weight, inflammation, hormones, and energy balance could be why regular physical activity helps women reduce

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation estimates that one-third of all breast cancer cases could be prevented with positive lifestyle choices. their risk for breast cancer.

Body weight and breast cancer The National Cancer Institute reports that being obese after menopause can significantly increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer.

In addition, the ACS attributes the rise in hormone receptor-positive breast cancers to an increased prevalence of

excessive body weight.

Routine exercise is a highly effective way to lose weight and keep weight off, which in turn could lower women’s risk for breast cancer.

sive breast cancer than women who sat for less than three hours per day during free time.

Being sedentary and breast cancer

The human body is complex, and a host of factors, including those like age that women have no control over, can affect cancer risk.

However, engaging in routine physical activity seems to be an effective way for women to reduce their risk for breast cancer. In fact, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation estimates that one-third of all breast cancer cases could be prevented with positive lifestyle choices that help women maintain a healthy weight, including exercise.

Routine physical activity can be a significant weapon in women’s arsenal as they continue their efforts to prevent and overcome breast cancer.

Exercise is a not a sedentary activity, and that could be another reason why women who are physically active have a lower risk for breast cancer. The ACS notes that more than one study has linked sitting time to a higher risk of various diseases, including breast cancer.

Researchers with the ACS analyzed data from 77,462 women, who they followed for an average of 15.8 years. None of the participants had cancer when the study started, but researchers found that women who sat for six or more hours per day during their free time had a 10 percent greater risk for inva-

Does physical activity really reduce breast cancer risk?

A breast cancer diagnosis affects every facet of a woman's life. While women and their families must prioritize treatment, a host of additional variables, including work, also merit consideration after a breast cancer diagnosis.

Work is an important part of life, so it’s understandable if women are concerned about how a breast cancer diagnosis will affect their careers.

With that in mind, women can consider these tips as they share news of their diagnosis with their employers. l Prioritize your own comfort when speaking to an employer about your diagnosis. Breastcancer. org notes that a woman's comfort level is the most important factor when sharing news of a breast cancer diagnosis with an employer. Some women may want to inform only a few coworkers they're close with, while others may find it easier to let everyone know. There's no wrong or right way to share a diagnosis, so women should prioritize their own comfort when choosing which way to go. To ensure things go smoothly and your wishes are honored, consider first breaking the news to a supervisor in a private face-to-face meeting or Zoom call. l Decide what you want to share. The Australia-based Cancer Council notes that individuals must decide what they want to share regarding their diagnosis. Women can speak to their physicians to determine how long they will continue working, if their ability to work full-time will be affected by treatment and the projected length of treatment. Answers to the these questions can help women decide how much to share with their em-

ployers. If treatment will be lengthy and require time off to recover, then sharing such information can help employers arrange to cover your responsibilities. l Take additional measures to overcome side effects of treatment. Breastcancer.org notes that treatment can produce cognitive side effects such as memory loss or difficulty concentrating. Successful professionals will undoubtedly want to maintain the standard they have established for themselves, and that can be done by taking a few simple steps to overcome any cognitive issues that may arise during treatment. Record Zoom calls so you 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. l 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.

Several headcovering options available for cancer patients

By Metro Creative Services

Breast cancer treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, personal choices as well as doctor recommendations. In many cases, chemotherapy is included in a treatment plan. Chemotherapy targets fast-growing

cancer cells in the body to prevent cancer from spreading and to shrink tumors. However, the American Cancer Society says other normal cells that are fast-growing can be affected by chemotherapy and cause side effects. These cells include blood-forming cells in bone marrow,

hair follicles, cells in the mouth, digestive tract cells, and reproductive system cells. This is why many people lose their hair during chemotherapy treatments.

Many women confront chemotherapy-related hair loss with head coverings. Here are options:

Inspiring Fitness & Changing Lives Every Day™ The American Cancer Society recommends getting 150-300 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, or 75-100 minutes of vigorous activity.

Let us help you reach the recommended amount of physical activity with our 30 minute sessions.

Text “I’m In” to

337-307-4415

1520 E. McNeese St, Lake Charles, LA - 70607

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Scarves: Many women like to tie lightweight scarves around their heads. These scarves come in various patterns. Pre-tied scarves can be pulled on also.

Cloches: A cloche is a fitted, bell-shaped hat that gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s.

Turbans: Turban style hats

are pull-on options and are knotted or twisted in the front or side.

Baseball hat: Some baseball hats designed specifically for cancer patients provide more coverage than traditional baseball hats by stretching further down the back of the head and neck. They feature a brim and can offer

substantial protection while out in the sun.

Wigs: When a hat or scarf is not desirable, women can consider wigs. Wigs can be undetectable and mimic real hair. Save a lock of hair from the top front of the head where hair is the lightest to match wig color. Make sure the wig is adjustable.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28-29, 2023 AMERICAN PRESS D5

BREAST CANCER SPECIAL

Road to recovery continues after treatment ends After that, survivors may see their doctors once or twice a year. Follow-up care is vital for cancer survivors, as it provides their doctors an opportunity to determine if patients are experiencing any side effects from treatment. These appointments also allow doctors to determine if the cancer has returned or spread to other parts of the body. In addition,

By Metro Creative Services

The American Cancer Society reports that the five-year survival rate for all cancers combined that were diagnosed between 2009 and 2015 was 67 percent. That’s a noteworthy and encouraging statistic, though global figures compiled by Ourworldindata.org indicate that five-year survival rates following diagnosis are significantly lower in poorer countries. In addition, the road to recovery for cancer patients typically does not end when treatments are completed.

The National Cancer Institute notes that many cancer survivors have indicated that information and support was abundant during their treatment. However, once treatment stopped, a new wave of questions and uncertainty soon emerged. For example, the NCI points out that many cancer survivors recognize that life after

follow-up visits provide an opportunity for cancer survivors to bring up any symptoms or questions they might have.

Patients can ask about ways to reduce their risk of cancer recurrence and seek advice on getting back to normal, including how quickly they can begin exercising and how to approach new fitness regimens if they were inactive prior to diagnosis.

Target Acquired.

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Shoot.

EAST R B

The road to recovery for cancer patients typically does not end when treatments are completed. treatment is less about “getting back to normal” than it is about discovering the new normal. In fact, the Memorial Sloan Ketting Cancer Center reports that most people indicate it takes between six and 12 months after they complete chemotherapy before they

The road to recovery from cancer may be filled with uncertainty.

But cancer survivors should recognize that millions before them have survived the disease and gone on to live full, happy lives. A patient approach to recovery can help cancer survivors overcome any obstacles they may encounter along the way.

truly feel like themselves again.

Follow-up care also is a vital part of recovering from cancer. The NCI notes that cancer survivors typically return to the doctor every three to four months during the first two to three years after treatment.

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D6 AMERICAN PRESS SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28-29, 2023

BREAST CANCER SPECIAL

Lumps can occur at any age, to men or women

By Metro Creative Services

Breast cancer is a cause for concern for millions of women. Each year about 264,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Canadian Cancer Society indicates around 28,600 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

Globally, data from the World Health Organization indicates roughly

2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020.

One of the more notable symptoms of breast cancer is the presence of a lump in the breast.

Though not all lumps are malignant, it’s important that women learn about breast anatomy and lumps as part of their preventive health care routines.

Mount Sinai says that breast lumps can occur at any age in both men and women. Hormonal changes can cause breast enlargement and lumps

during puberty, and boys and girls may even be born with lumps from the estrogen received from their mothers.

It is important to note that the vast majority of breast lumps are benign.

The National Institutes of Health says 60 to 80 percent of all breast lumps are non-cancerous. The most common causes of breast lumps are fibroadenomas and fibrocystic changes. Fibroademomas are small, smooth, moveable, painless round lumps that usually affect women

who are at an age to have children, indicates the Merck Manual. They are non-cancerous and feel rubbery.

Fibrocystic changes are painful, lumpy breasts. This benign condition does not increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer. Symptoms often are worse right before one’s menstrual period, and then improve after the period begins.

Additional factors can contribute to the formation of lumps. Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs that likely go away

on their own or may be aspirated to relieve pain.

Complex cysts may need to be removed surgically.

Sometimes cysts also may form in milk ducts throughout the breasts.

Lumps also may be the result of injury. Blood can collect under the skin and form a type of lump called a hematoma. Other lumps may be traced to lipomas, which is a collection of fatty tissue or breast abscesses, which typically occur if a person is breastfeeding or has recently given birth.

Additional causes of lumps can be discussed with a doctor. Though the majority of lumps are not a cause for concern, it is important for people to regularly feel their breasts to check for abnormalities.

Doctors may recommend annual mammograms to women age 40 and older. In its earliest stages, breast cancer may produce little to no visible symptoms, but a mammogram may be able to catch something early on.

The role of exercise in cancer prevention

By Metro Creative Services

What to know about breast cancer recurrence

By Metro Creative Services

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/or beyond a woman's control, the lingering notion that breast cancer return at any moment can be difficult to confront.

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.

How it happens Treatment for breast cancer is often very successful, particularly in 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 roundsx of radiation therapy and chemotherapy can multiply and ultimately become a tumor.

Types of breast cancer recurrence There are different types of breast cancer recurrence, including:

Local recurrence: The

Cleveland Clinic notes that a local recurrence diagnosis indicates the cancer has returned to the same breast or chest area

as the original tumor.

Regional recurrence:

A regional recurrence means the cancer has come back near the original tumor, in lymph nodes in the armpit or collarbone area.

Distant recurrence: A distant recurrence indicates the breast cancer has spread away from the original tumor. The Cleveland Clinic notes this is often referred to as stage 4 breast cancer.

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

The risk 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 recurrence should know they will not necessarily experience one. The type of cancer and its stage at diagnosis can elevate risk, which also is highest during the first few years after treatment.

The effects of cancer on the body are profound, which is why so many people want to implement as many measures as they can to reduce their risk of developing the disease.

One of the vital steps to take is to increase physical activity.

A recent study from researchers at the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute links exercise to a lower risk of specific types of cancer.

People understand that exercise is important to health, but they may not know just how integral physical activity can be to cancer prevention and even recovery.

Physical activity includes walking, dancing, running, biking, swimming, engaging in sports activities, and performing household chores. The National Cancer Institute says higher levels of physical activity lower cancer risk in these types of cancer. · Bladder cancer · Breast cancer · Colon cancer · Endometrial cancer · Esophageal cancer · Kidney cancer · Gastric (stomach) cancer Exercise affects various biological factors, which is why it may help prevent cancer. For example, exercise can prevent high blood levels of insulin, which have been

linked to breast and colon cancer progression.

Furthermore, exercise can lower sex hormones like estrogen, which has been associated with cancer development and progression. Since overweight and obesity are major risk factors for cancer development, exercising can reduce overall weight and belly fat, which improves the odds of cancer avoidance.

Chronic inflammation is associated with the development of cancer, and exercise helps lower this harmful type of inflammation, too, says Partner MD. In addition, physical activity helps boost the immune system, which may help prevent cancer or assist in recovery.