Powerfully Pink 2022

SPECIAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS SECTION

Sunday, October 30, 2022

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How to support loved ones who have breast cancer 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.

A breast cancer diagnosis does not produce a uniform response.

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,

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There are some universal ways to lend support when a friend or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer. there are some universal ways to lend support when a friend or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer. l 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, garden-

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ing, washing clothes, or cleaning up around the house, can be practical and much appreciated.

Approach the individual and ask questions in pointed ways. Rather than, “What can I do to help?” which may result

to understand what to expect. If the person is amenable, you may consider accompanying her to appointments to hear firsthand about the next steps in her treatment. l 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 by maintaining positive attitudes. Avoid wearing rose-colored glasses, but try to remain as upbeat as possible. l 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. Support groups for support networks can be helpful.

Breaking down stages of cancer

By Metro Creative Services

Once a person is diagnosed with cancer, his or her physician will try to determine how far the illness has progressed, including whether or not it has spread to other areas of the body. This effort is known as “staging.” Each cancer has its unique staging characteristics, and breast cancer is no different.

The stage of the cancer ultimately refers to how much cancer is present in the body, indicates the American Cancer Society. Doctors treating breast cancer adhere to the TNM staging system, which is overseen by the American Joint Committee on Cancer. This staging uses both clinical and pathological (surgical) systems for breast cancer staging.

Pathological staging may be more accurate because it examines tissues taken during surgery or a biopsy.

T categories

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in an answer of, “Nothing,” figure out a way to pitch in and then ask if that would be acceptable.

This may be, “Would you like me to run to the supermarket for you today?” l 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. While it can feel hurtful, remember the real reason for any outburst is the disease.

Patience is needed. l Learn what you can about breast cancer.

Research the type of cancer your loved one has, which may make it easier

T in the staging system refers to the tumor's size and whether it has spread to the skin or chest wall under the breast. Higher numbers refer to larger tumors and greater spread.

TX: A primary tumor cannot be assessed.

T0: No evidence of primary tumor.

T1: Tumor is 2 centimeters (cm) or less across.

T2: Tumor is more than 2 cm but not more than 5 cm across.

T3: Tumor is more than 5 cm across.

T4: Tumor is of any size growing into the chest wall or skin.

N categories N in the staging system identifies if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes near the breast, and if so, how many.

NX: Nearby lymph nodes cannot be assessed, which can happen if they were previously removed.

N0: Cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes.

N1: Cancer has spread to one to three axillary (underarm) lymph node(s), and/or cancer is found in internal mammary lymph nodes (those near the breast bone) on a sentinel lymph node biopsy.

N2: Cancer has spread to four to nine lymph nodes under the arm. One or more area of cancer spread is larger than 2 millimeters (mm).

N3: Cancer has spread to any of the following: 10 or more axillary lymph nodes with area of cancer spread greater than 2 mm; to lymph nodes under the collarbone, with at least one area of cancer spread greater than 2 mm; cancer found in at least one axillary lymph node (with at least one area of cancer spread greater than 2 mm) and has enlarged the internal mammary lymph

nodes; cancer in four or more axillary lymph nodes (with at least one area of cancer spread greater than 2 mm), and to the internal mammary lymph nodes on a sentinel lymph node biopsy; to the lymph nodes above the collarbone on the same side of the cancer with at least one area of cancer spread greater than 2 mm.

M categories M indicates if the cancer has spread to distant organs.

M0: No distant spread is present on X-rays or other imaging and physical tests.

M1: Cancer has spread to other organs, notably the brain, bones, liver or lungs as determined by a biopsy or testing.

Note that this staging system also uses sub-stages within each category, which further breaks down breast cancer staging into more characteristics and combinations. The ACS says there are so many possibilities that can go into staging that two women at the same breast cancer stage may have different experiences.

Any sign of an abnormality in the breast or body merits a consultation with a doctor, who can determine if breast cancer is present. Lower numbers on TNM staging are desired, and can be achieved by catching breast cancer early.

How physical activity can help in cancer fight According to the American Cancer Society, research has found that sleeping problems associated with cancer treatment persist in almost 40 percent of cancer survivors for up to five years after diagnosis.

CSE's very own New Accounts Representative, Korey London, has been at CSE for 3 years. This is his first year as a Real Men Wear Pink of SWLA ambassador and we couldn't be prouder!

Every day, the American Cancer Society is saving more lives from breast cancer than ever before. Thank you, Korey, for taking the time to help support an impactful cause while continuously representing CSE.

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.

Exercise benefits women in myriad ways, and that includes lowering their risk for breast cancer. The ACS notes researchers are 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 their risk for breast cancer.

Body weight and breast cancer CSEFCU.ORG

The National Cancer Institute reports that being obese after meno-

pause 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.

Being sedentary and breast cancer Exercise is 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 invasive breast cancer than women who sat for less than three hours per day during free time.

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Pine Wood Elementary School in DeRidder participated in a “Pink Out Day” on Oct. 6, raising $503.50 for breast cancer awareness.

Side effects that may arise during cancer treatment Metro Creative Services

Navigating cancer treatment is a challenge unlike any other. Medical professionals often advise cancer patients to lean on their support systems during treatment, and heeding that advice can make it easier to manage the ups and downs that can arise when being treated.

In addition to building a strong and trustworthy support system, individuals diagnosed with breast cancer can study up on what to expect during treatment. Side effects of treatment may differ depending on the treatment plan devised by women’s cancer care teams.

Despite the differences between treatment plans and patients, Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that women may expe-

rience an assortment of side effects, including: Pain and numbness: The pain and numbness associated with cancer treatment is potentially linked to peripheral neuropathy, an umbrella term that the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke said refers to the many conditions that involve damage to the peripheral nervous system.

Dental issues: Among the potential dental issues that can arise during cancer treatment are mucositis (severe inflammation of the mouth), an increased risk for oral infections, difficulty swallowing, and pain that feels like a significant toothache, among others.

Lymphedema: Lymphedema is swelling in an arm or leg that the

Mayo Clinic notes can be caused by cancer treatments that remove or damage the lymph nodes.

Musculoskeletal symptoms: Issues such as myalgia and muscle stiffness have been reported in a high percentage of patients who underwent aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer.

Heart problems: Breastcancer.org indicates that various types of treatment, including chemotherapy and targeted therapies, have been found to affect the heart, blood vessels and immune system, potentially increasing the risk for heart attack, stroke and heart failure.

Memory loss and cognitive function: Sometimes referred to as “chemo brain.”

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The link between diet and breast cancer Metro Creative Services

Cancer is an insidious disease that affects just about every part of the body, including the breasts. The World Cancer Research Fund International indicates there were more than 2.26 million new cases of breast cancer in women in 2020.

Women understandably want to learn what they can do to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. One of the first considerations may be analyzing diet and determining if it is affecting breast cancer risk.

A variety of factors affect a woman’s risk for developing breast cancer, and certain lifestyle

choices, including diet, can play a role. However, according to Healthline, the risk factors with the biggest impact include sex, age and genetics.

Lifestyle can influence breast cancer risk but not at the same levels as genetic markers, family history, gender, or age.

However, women interested in doing all they can to stay healthy may want to take a closer look at the foods and beverages that can adversely affect breast cancer risk.

Healthy diet Healthy food choices are linked to lower incidences of cancer and other conditions. Susan G. Komen states that

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Healthy food and drink choices are linked to lower incidences of cancer and other conditions. eating plenty of fruits and vegetables may be

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linked to a lower risk of developing breast cancer. A pooled analysis of data from 20 studies found women who ate the most vegetables had a lower risk of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer (but not estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer) compared to women who ate the least vegetables, according to a 2013 report published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. And it doesn't really matter if produce is organic or not. According to the American Cancer Society, the benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables outweigh any health risks linked to pesticide residue.

The relationship between fat, sugar and cancer Though a single food

will not lead to higher breast cancer risk, overeating and putting on excess weight can increase risk. That is why it is essential to get plenty of exercise each week and monitor calorie consumption. While women who are in their reproductive years may not see as much breast cancer risk from being overweight or obese, after menopause, that risk increases, says Susan G. Komen. The risk is not directly related to fatty foods, however. The American Cancer Society says an examination of the amount of fat eaten by women in the United States found no link between fat and breast cancer risk.

In addition, while consuming too much sugar may not be healthy in the long run, it's a myth that “sugar feeds cancer.”

Supporting The Lives And Homes Of Those Affected

By Breast Cancer

Women interested in doing all they can to stay healthy may want to take a closer look at the foods and beverages that can adversely affect breast cancer risk.

Eating sugar may lead to weight gain, which may increase the risk of breast cancer, says the ACS.

Alcohol consumption One component of diet that has been studied extensively is the effects of alcoholic beverages on breast cancer risk. Susan G. Komen reports that a pooled analysis of data from 53 studies found women who had two to three alcoholic drinks per day had a 20 percent higher risk of breast cancer compared to those who didn't drink alcohol.

Alcohol should be limited to one drink per day for the average woman, or none at all, if possible.

Diet is only one factor in the risk for developing breast cancer. While important, there are other components that increase risk by a more significant margin.

Various organizations urge women to familiarize themselves with their breasts and conduct somewhat routine self-exams so they can uncover any lumps or other issues.

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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.

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Survey: Family history still a mystery to many Special to the American Press

Myriad Genetics, a leader in genetic testing and precision medicine, has announced results from a nationwide survey it conducted on the attitudes, knowledge, and practices related to risk assessment, prevention, and screening for breast and ovarian cancer. The findings reveal disconnects between perceived health knowledge and proactive actions taken in response.

The Myriad Genetics Women’s Health Survey of 1,000 women, ages 25-64, found that while most women of mammogram age (40 and above) consider themselves to be proactive about their health, 1 in 3 of women age 40-plus said they have not had a mammogram within the last 2 years (33 percent).

The survey also showed that having a family history of cancer may not drive behavior change when it comes to preventive behaviors — one in 10 women age 40-plus with a family member who has been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer said they have never had a mammogram (10 percent), compared to 13 percent of women age 40-plus overall.

“Women need to be empowered to know more and do more to reduce their risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Mammograms are vital for the early detection of breast cancer in women, and many should consider genetic testing as well,” said Melissa Gonzales, president of Women’s

‘Women need to be empowered to know more and do more to reduce their risk of breast and ovarian cancer.’

Melissa Gonzales Women’s Health president at Myriad Genetics Health at Myriad Genetics.

Family history a call sometimes ignored Accurate family history is an issue for many, with a lingering gap between what women think they know about their health and what they actually know. The survey found that although half of women (51 percent) say they have no family history of breast or ovarian cancer, many are not sure if that’s true.

Nearly a third of these women (30 percent) say they don’t really know if anyone in their family has ever been diagnosed because their family doesn’t talk about medical issues.

Only 30 percent of respondents are very comfortable speaking with their father about their potential risk of getting breast or ovarian cancer, compared to 57 percent who are very comfortable speaking about it with their mother.

Genetic testing — an important, but misunderstood tool

At least 7 in 10 women are aware of ancestry genetic testing (80 percent) and prenatal genetic testing (70 percent), but less than half (46 percent) are aware of specific hereditary cancer-related genetic tests.

Compounding the lack of awareness is a lack of clarity on when to undergo genetic testing for hereditary cancer.

Thirty percent of women responded that they think genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk is only necessary if multiple people in a family have had cancer.

Other findings: l 54 percent of respondents don’t know enough about genetic testing to understand if they want it or not. l Many respondents see their providers as a source of information about hereditary cancer genetic testing — specifically, 83 percent cited primary care providers and 69 percent pointed to their ob-gyn. l One in 3 women do not think they qualify for genetic testing or know how to ask for it (34 percent).

“My mother’s family didn’t have a history of breast cancer, so I wasn’t too worried. But when my sister was diagnosed, she urged me to be tested,” said Jen Culton, 48, of Omaha, Neb. “My hereditary cancer test showed me that I, too, was at heightened risk — from my father’s side of the family. One of my daughters inherited the same mutation that I have.

Without that testing, neither one of us would have known.”

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