Breast Cancer Awareness 2024

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CANCER

Inspiration, survival and guidance in the fight against breast cancer.

The Newport Plain Talk In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2024 • THINK PINK • THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK • 1

Michele Sexton, founder of Celebrate Life Cancer Support Group, is joined by Cruise Against Cancer Chairman Nathan Manning and his son, Oliver Henry Manning, at the 14th annual event in 2022. The two came together many years ago to start the fundraiser.

CELEBRATE

Life

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25 years of providing cancer support

Michele Sexton was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997. She was 50 years old and had a lot to live for, but the pathology report showed no clean margins so the cancer was advanced.

Having lost her father to lung cancer in 1980, she had to face the truth.

She had a talk with God to discuss how she would travel this road and face this battle. After her chemo was finished, she had 29 radiation

treatments. After her recovery, she ended up

forming a cancer support group, which is known as Celebrate Life.

Sexton explained Celebrate Life came from

a promise she made to God. “I told Him if He would get me through this I in turn would work toward strengthening others facing the same

Michele Sexton, left, and Kathy Webb, right, oversee operations of Celebrate Life, which offers various forms of assistance to area cancer victims.

situation,” she said.

Twenty-five years later the support group is still going strong. Hundreds of people have been helped and dozens of families have been touched by the organization, which is a 501©3.

Kathy Webb was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002. Her husband Danny Webb said they heard about the group and they became active members.

“I feel God calls people.

He called us to help cancer patients. We are all volunteers and we ask for nothing back,” he said. “They may be facing a situation where they can’t get their medicine or pay co-pays, or they may need gas money to get to appointments. We give them hope. We pray for them.

They know our hearts and it makes their eyes light up.”

Kathy Webb explained she met Sexton shortly after her mastectomy. Sexton came to her house through the Reach to Recovery program. She has been involved with the group since that day.

Kathy Webb serves as secretary and helps Sexton with the patients, writes

E

checks, documents where the money goes and helps with bookkeeping.

Freddie Campbell was diagnosed with cancer in March 2002, and he recalls seeing Sexton out about town talking about the group. After finishing treatments, he and his wife Kathy Campbell became active with the group sometime around 2004.

“We’ve seen it all. We have laughed and cried at meetings,” the Campbells said. “We have had many people who have made it through their cancer battles and stayed with our group for years to come, but we have also had some who lost their battles,” he explained.

Nathan Manning, who has become active with the group because he got to know them when he worked at radio station WNPC, organized Cruise Against Cancer as a fundraiser for them. The event started in the Sagebrush Steakhouse parking lot then grew to the Lowe’s Home Improvement Center parking lot. Now with 400 to 500 cars, it is held at Newport City Park.

It broke records this year bringing in $45,000.

In the average year,

In this file photo, the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office donates money from its No Shave November fundraiser to Celebrate Life Cancer Support Group. Michele Sexton, Celebrate Life Founder at center, accepted this past donation on behalf of the organization. Pictured from left to right are Sheriff C.J. Ball, Carol Hicks, Deputy Jeff Hicks, Sexton, retired Chief Deputy Derrick Woods and Assistant Chief Chuck Evans.

Celebrate Life helps dozens of patients every year, and Sexton points out that it is not the number, but the patient himself or herself that is important. “What patient can we help, and what is their need?”

Those needs may be money for gas to travel to appointments, money for prescriptions or co-pays, funds to take their family on a vacation to the beach or grocery money. One couple, who was terminally ill, wanted a last vacation to the beach and through Celebrate Life they were able to do just that.

Those who receive help are so appreciative, they pointed out. They get cards thanking the organization and detailing what a difference they have made in their lives.

“We ask what is your greatest need?” Sexton explained. “We try to help with that.”

The maximum Celebrate Life can spend

on an individual is $600 per year, but they hope one day they can increase that amount. They average helping more than 90 patients per year. They serve patients from Cocke, Jefferson and Sevier counties, but most patients are in Cocke County.

They have helped patients at Children’s Hospital up to individuals in their 80s, so the group has clientele of all ages.

“We want to give them the gift of love and care,”

Sexton said. “We allow them to make memories that their family will have forever,” Danny Webb said.

Celebrate Life meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice (SMHHH) in the conference room.

They appreciate SMHHH allowing them to use the room free of charge.

Meetings are open to the public, and they said they are sure most people would want to come back to a

meeting in the future.

Organizations and companies such as Clayton Homes, Newport Police Department, Newport Fire Department, Phoenix Closures and Cocke County High School football have had fundraisers to contribute to the group.

There is no overhead because the group is run by volunteers. To learn more about the organization call Michele at (865) 654-0468 or Kathy at (423) 625-6603.

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The different types of breast cancer

The term “breast cancer” does not describe a single type of cancer, but rather several forms of a disease that can develop in areas of the breast. The American Cancer Society says breast cancer type is determined by the specific cells in the breast that become cancerous. There are many different types of breast cancer, and the medical community’s understanding of the disease is based on decades of research and millions of patients treated.

In 2001, Dr. Charles Perou first classified breast cancer into subtypes based on genomic patterns.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation says breast cancer is broadly divided into two types: noninvasive breast cancers and invasive breast cancers.

Non-invasive breast cancers are called Stage 0 breast cancers or carcinomas in situ. These are thought to be the precursors to breast cancer, says the BCRF. While non-invasive breast cancers are not initially life-threatening, if left untreated, they can develop into invasive breast cancers, which can be fatal.

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Here is a look at some of the different types of breast cancer: • Invasive ductal carcinoma: This is the most common type of breast cancer, advises the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. Invasive ductal carcinoma accounts for 70% to 80%of all breast cancer diagnoses in women and men. This cancer forms in the milk ducts and spreads beyond.

• Invasive lobular carcinoma: This is the second most common type of breast cancer, accounting for 10% to 15% of diagnoses, says the BCRF. Invasive lobular carcinoma originates in the milk-producing glands of the breast known as lobules. Tumors that form due to invasive lobular carcinoma more commonly grow in lines in the breast rather than in lumps, so they present differently on a mammogram.

• Inflammatory breast cancer: Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare, fast-growing type of breast cancer.

The inflammatory name comes from the appearance of the skin of the breast. It looks red and inflamed, which is

caused by breast cancer cells blocking lymph channels in the breast and skin, says Breast Cancer Now, a research and support charity.

• Triple-negative breast cancer: The NBCF says a diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer means the three most common types of receptors known to cause most breast cancer growths are not present in the cancer tumor.

These receptors are estrogen, progesterone and the HER2/ neu gene. Since the tumor cells lack necessary receptors, certain treatments like hormone therapy and drugs that target these receptors are ineffective. Chemotherapy is still an option.

• Metastatic breast cancer: This type of breast cancer is also known as Stage IV breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer originates in an area of the breast, but spreads (metastasizes) to another part of the body, most commonly the bones, lungs, brain, or liver, indicates BreastCancer.org.

Individuals hoping to learn more about breast cancer should be aware that there are various types of the disease.

Which type an individual has is an important variable doctors consider as they plan a course of treatment.

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3 strategies that can lower breast cancer risk Breast cancer affects millions of individuals each year. The World Cancer Research Fund International reports that breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women across the globe, affecting roughly 2.3 million women each year.

Despite the global prevalence of breast cancer, various organizations report high five-year survival rates, particularly among women whose cancers are detected in the earliest stages of the disease. In fact, a 2023 study published in the journal BMJ found that the risk for dying from breast cancer in the five years after an earlystage diagnosis fell to 5% in recent years, a notable improvement

from the 14% risk of death that was reported in the 1990s.

Increased survival rates for breast cancer are welcome news for women and their families. The higher survival rates are a byproduct of the tireless efforts of cancer researchers, who also have discovered links between the disease and certain lifestyle factors. Though there’s no way to eliminate one’s risk for breast cancer entirely, the American Cancer Society notes certain variables are within women’s control.

With that in mind, women can consider these three strategies that can lead to improved overall health and might help women lower their risk for breast cancer as well.

1 2 3

Reach and maintain a healthy weight. The benefits of maintaining a healthy weight include a lower risk for heart disease and stroke, and women should know that weight and breast cancer risk are linked as well. According to the ACS, increased body weight and weight gain as an adult are linked to a higher risk of developing breast cancer. That’s particularly so among post-menopausal women.

A 2023 study published in the journal BMC Women’s Health found that the chances of developing breast cancer increase among postmenopausal women who are obese.

Avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise is one of the ways to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, so it makes sense that being physically active can reduce breast cancer risk. The National Cancer Institute reports that a 2016 meta-analysis of 38 cohort studies found that the most physically active women had between a 12% and 21%lower risk for breast cancer than women who were the least physically active. The NCI also notes that additional studies have found that women who become more physically active after menopause also have a lower risk for breast cancer than those who do not.

Limit or eliminate alcohol consumption. The ACS urges women who drink to consume no more than one alcoholic drink per day, noting that consumption of even small amounts of alcohol have been linked to an increased risk for breast cancer. Officials with the MD Anderson Cancer Center note that the link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk is low.

However, the MDACC notes that alcohol can contribute to unwanted weight gain, thus increasing cancer risk. In addition, alcohol can increase levels of estrogen and other hormones associated with breast cancer.

It may be impossible to completely prevent breast cancer. However, women can embrace strategies that improve their overall health in ways that lower their risk for breast cancer.

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Almost 200 chemicals linked to breast cancer found in HEALTH DAY NEWS

Food sold in shrink wrap, on cardboard trays or in paper containers might contain any of nearly 200 chemicals linked to breast cancer, a new study warns.

Commonly used food packaging materials contain 189 chemicals that can potentially cause breast cancer, researchers reported Sept. 24 in the journal Frontiers in Toxicology.

These hazardous chemicals - including PFAS, bisphenols and phthalates - can migrate from packaging into food, and thus be ingested by people, researchers said.

“This study is important, because it shows that there is a huge opportunity for prevention of human exposure to breast cancer-causing chemicals,” said researcher Jane Muncke, managing director of the non-profit Food Packaging Forum. “The potential for cancer prevention by reducing hazardous chemicals in your daily life is underexplored and deserves much more attention.”

The Food Packaging Forum has compiled a comprehensive database of chemicals contained in

food packaging

food packaging, based on information gathered from thousands of published scientific studies.

Using the database, researchers identified 143 chemicals used in plastic packaging materials that are linked to breast cancer, and 89 were found in paper or cardboard, results show.

There’s strong evidence that humans are regularly exposed to at least 76 of those cancer-causing chemicals through diet, researchers said.

These chemicals are finding their way into food packaging despite regulations in the United States, the European Union, China, South America and elsewhere aimed at limiting their use, researchers said.

About 40 of the 76 top cancer-causing chemicals are already classified as hazardous in some way by various international regulators but are still being found in food packaging, the researchers noted.

This shows that existing rules aren’t enough to protect human health, researchers said.

This study comes on the heels of another report published by the same group last week that found that more than 3,600 chemicals leach into food during the

packaging process.

Of those, 79 chemicals are known to cause cancer, genetic mutations and endocrine and reproductive issues, according to the report published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology.

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AI PLUS MAMMOGRAMS MAY

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BREAST CANCER DETECTION Artificial intelligence (AI) can improve doctors’ assessments of mammograms, accurately detecting even the smallest breast cancers with fewer scary false positive readings, a new study shows.

AI-assisted mammography detected significantly more breast cancers, with a lower false-positive rate, than doctors assessing mammograms on their own, researchers reported June 4 in the journal Radiology.

Nearly 21% fewer women had to come back for a follow-up mammogram when AI helped doctors analyze breast imaging, researchers found.

“We believe AI has the potential to improve screening performance,” said researcher Andreas Lauritzen, a postdoctoral student at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark.

For the study, researchers had human radiologists read the mammograms of nearly 61,000 Danish women ages 50 to 69 who were screened between October 2020 and November 2021, before AI was available for this purpose.

Then, between November 2021 and October 2022, the team had an AI program perform the first analysis of breast screenings for more than 58,000 women. Mammograms deemed normal

by AI were then given a second going-

over by human radiologists, to confirm the program’s analysis.

Screening assisted by AI detected more breast cancers (0.8% versus 0.7%) and had a lower false-positive rate (1.6% versus 2.4%), results show.

The positive predictive value of AI-assisted screening - the odds that woman truly had breast cancer after a positive result - also was higher, 34% versus 23%, researchers found.

AI also helped doctors find more tumors 1 centimeter or less in size, 45% versus 37%.

AI assistance also reduced the reading workload of radiologists by more than 33%, which is important in making mammograms widely available, researchers said.

“Population-based screening with mammography reduces breast cancer mortality, but it places a substantial workload on radiologists who must read a large number of mammograms, the majority of which don’t warrant a recall of the patient,” Lauritzen said in a journal news release.

However, the researchers said more study is needed to evaluate the longterm outcomes of women, as well as to make the AI even more accurate for individual women.

“Radiologists typically have access

8 • THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK • THINK PINK • 2024

to the women’s previous screening mammograms, but the AI system does

not,” Lauritzen said. “That’s something we’d like to work on in the future.”

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Debunking certain myths surrounding breast cancer

Events like National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk have been integral to raising awareness about the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women across the globe.

Though such campaigns and events have helped many women better understand breast cancer and their own risk for the disease, certain myths surrounding breast cancer persist. Such myths are not harmless and can, in fact, lead to unsafe outcomes that jeopardize women’s health.

Questions about breast cancer should always be directed to a physician. Though physicians may not have all the answers, they remain useful allies in the fight against a disease that the World Cancer Research Fund International reports will be discovered in roughly three million women this year. As women seek more knowledge of breast cancer, it can be just as important to recognize some common myths surrounding the disease.

MYTH: MRIs are more effective than mammograms.

The National Breast Cancer Coalition notes that no evidence exists to support the assertion that a magnetic

resonance imaging exam is a more effective screening test for breast cancer than a mammogram. The NBCC acknowledges that an MRI can be an effective diagnostic tool when doctors suspect something is wrong.

However, the NBCC advises against using MRI to screen for breast cancer since it is more likely to yield a falsepositive result than a mammogram. Indeed, the National Breast Cancer Foundation identifies mammography as the gold standard for the early detection of breast cancer.

MYTH: Breast size and breast cancer risk are connected.

This myth typically suggests breast cancer is more common in women with large breasts. The NBCF notes there is no connection between breast size and breast cancer risk. Breast density, not size, may be associated with a greater risk for breast cancer. The Mayo Clinic notes dense breast tissue refers to the ways breast tissue appears on a mammogram. Women with dense breasts, which the National Cancer Institute notes affects roughly half of all women over age 40, are at higher risk for breast cancer because the dense tissue makes screening for the disease more difficult. But breast size

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MYTH: Most breast cancer patients have a family history of the disease.

The NBCC notes that roughly 15% to 20% of women diagnosed with breast cancer report a family history of the disease. Assuming only those with a family history are vulnerable to breast cancer gives women with no such background a false sense of security, which may discourage them from taking measures to lower their risk.

MYTH: All breast lumps are cancerous.

The NBCF indicates only a small percentage of breast lumps end up being cancerous. Lumps should never be ignored, and should be reported to a physician immediately. But it’s important to avoid jumping to conclusions after finding a breast lump. A clinical breast exam can determine what’s behind the lump, and women who discover a lump should remain calm until such an exam is conducted.

These are just some of the many myths circulating about breast cancer. More information can be found at nationalbreastcancer.org.

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What young

women should

know about

BREAST CANCER

A prevailing myth concerning breast cancer is that it only affects older women. Various medical organizations and institutions recommend women begin receiving mammograms starting at age 40, which may compel women younger than 40 to think that they are immune to breast cancer.

Yale Medicine notes breast cancer in younger individuals is rare, but the organization reports it is the most common cancer among women between the ages of 15 and 39. In addition, a body of evidence points to a growing rate of breast cancer diagnoses in younger women.

The Cleveland Clinic says breast cancer in young women is known as early-onset breast cancer. Even adolescents and young adults can get breast cancer.

Although young people can get any form of breast cancer, invasive ductal carcinoma and triple-negative breast cancer are the most common forms of the disease among young women.

Diagnoses of breast cancer have steadily risen in women under age 50 over the last 20 years, says the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Researchers believe the surge is largely driven by increases in the number of women diagnosed with estrogen-receptor positive

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tumors, which are cancerous tumors fueled by estrogen.

The researchers also found higher rates of breast cancer among Black women, particularly those between the ages of 20 and 29. Black women in this age group were found to have a 53% increased risk of breast cancer.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation says that breast cancers in women under age 40 are more likely to have features that contribute to poorer outcomes and prognoses. Larger tumor size, advanced tumor stage, negative hormone receptor status, and an overexpression of the HER2 protein are some such features.

The BCRF also reports younger women are more likely to experience a recurrence at five and 10 years after therapy compared to older women.

It is essential for younger women to be in tune with their bodies and learn to recognize any signs that may be indicative of breast cancer. Since annual screenings are not often part of preventative health plans for women younger than 40, adolescents and young adults need to alert their doctors if they

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suspect anything is wrong. Unfortunately, by the time a tumor in the breast can be felt, it likely has been present for some time already. Symptoms of breast cancer may include: • Inverted nipple • Breast lump or a lump in armpit • Breast pain • Changes in the skin of the breast • Nipple discharge with or without pain • Swollen lymph nodes Any of these signs should be discussed with a primary care physician or a gynecologist.

Younger patients also are more likely to have a genetic connection to breast cancer. Individuals with one or more family members who were diagnosed with breast cancer are at higher risk and may want to consider screening at earlier ages.

Breast cancer is not a disease that only affects women 40 and older. Younger people can get breast cancer, and it’s often a surprise and sometimes more aggressive.

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Early menopause LINKED to breast cancer TALKER NEWS

Women who enter menopause before the age of 40 are more likely to develop breast cancer, warns new research.

They may also be at greater risk of ovarian cancer, say scientists.

And the relatives of women who experience early menopause - including men - also face a greater cancer risk, according to the findings of the American study.

Study leader Dr. Corrine Welt, of the University of Utah Health in Salt Lake City, said: “There is also higher risk of breast, prostate and colon cancer in relatives of these women.”

Dr. Welt and her colleagues began the study with the hypothesis that some women with primary ovarian insufficiency and their relatives might be predisposed to reproductive or hormone-related cancers.

Primary ovarian insufficiency is a condition that occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop working normally before the age of 40.

The research team identified 613 women with primary ovarian insufficiency and 165 women who experienced early menopause from two healthcare systems in Utah that serve 85 percent of the

population.

They used genealogy information to find relatives and focused on cancer diagnoses among the women and their family members.

The research team specifically looked at those who

were diagnosed with breast, ovarian, endometrial, colon, testicular, and prostate cancers.

They discovered that women with early menopause were at double the risk for breast cancer. The risk was increased by almost four times for ovarian cancer.

Breast cancer risk was increased 1.3 times and colon cancer by 1.5 times in second-degree relatives, such as aunts, uncles, grandparents, nieces, or nephews.

Prostate cancer was increased by 1.3 to 1.6 times in first-, second-, and third-degree relatives, such as greatgrandfathers and first cousins.

Dr. Welt said: “Women who have infertility from low egg numbers or experience early menopause should make sure they are regularly screened for breast cancer, especially if they have family members with cancer.”

She added: “Doctors who practice general medicine, gynecology and fertility treatment should be aware that early menopause increases risk for a number of diseases, and they should now be aware that breast cancer may be one of these diseases to watch for.”

The findings were presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Boston.

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FALSE-POSITIVE result has many women

quitting mammography

A significant number of women stop getting regular mammograms after being frightened by a “false positive” scan that incorrectly suggests they have breast cancer, a new study finds.

About 77% of women return for a regular mammogram after a negative result that shows they’re clearly cancerfree, researchers reported Sept. 2 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

But that percentage drops to 61% if a woman receives a false-positive reading, which requires a follow-up mammogram to rule out or verify breast cancer.

What’s more, only 56% of women who receive falsepositive results on two consecutive mammograms returned for regular screenings.

Researchers also found that only 67% of women returned for routine mammography if a false-positive reading requires a biopsy to rule out cancer.

“The finding raises concerns about the potential unintended consequence of false-positive results, where women may avoid screening mammograms in the future,” said lead investigator Diana Miglioretti, chief of the University of California, Davis’ Division of Biostatistics.

It’s crucial that women get their regularly scheduled mammogram, especially if they have a false-positive scare, Miglioretti stressed.

“It is important for women with false-positive results to continue screening every one to two years,” Miglioretti said in a university news release. “Having a false-positive result, especially if it results in a diagnosis of benign breast disease, is associated with an increased risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer in the future.”

For the study, researchers analyzed data on more than

3.5 million screening mammograms conducted in the United States between 2005 and 2017, involving more than 1 million women ages 40 to 73.

About 10% of the time, additional imaging is needed to get a better look at an abnormal finding on a screening mammogram, researchers said in background notes.

After 10 years of annual screenings, 50% to 60% of women can expect at least one false-positive, and 7% to 12% a false positive with a biopsy recommendation.

Any abnormal result from a mammogram causes understandable anxiety and concern, researchers said.

“It’s important to understand that most women recalled for additional imaging due to a finding on a screening mammogram do not have breast cancer,” Miglioretti said. “They should try not to be worried if they are recalled for additional work-up. it is a normal and common part of the screening process.”

Asian and Hispanic woman were the least likely to return for mammograms following a false positive result, researchers found.

Women who are anxious about waiting for a mammogram result can request an on-thespot interpretation of their scan, Miglioretti said. Some imaging facilities provide this service along with a same-day diagnostic work-up if there’s an abnormal finding.

Doctors also need to do a better job counseling patients following a false positive result, Miglioretti added.

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Simple ways to CUT cancer risk Cancer affects people from all walks of life. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, there were an estimated 18.1 million cancer cases around the world in 2020, and the breakdown was almost even among men (9.3 million) and women (8.8 million).

Great strides have been made in cancer research in the twenty-first century, and that has led to countless lives being saved. Cancer prevention strategies are another potentially life saving tool in the fight against the disease.

A significant percentage of cancer deaths could be prevented. In fact, the Prevent Cancer Foundation reports that research indicates about 50% of cancer deaths are preventable with the knowledge individuals have today.

Perhaps the most comforting aspect of cancer

prevention is that many of the strategies that can reduce instances of the disease are simple. That means individuals won’t have to go to great lengths to include these strategies in their approach to cancer prevention.

• Avoid tobacco. The link between tobacco use and cancer has been known for a long time, and the good news is the message touting the importance of avoiding tobacco is working. The American Cancer Society reports that cigarette smoking rates had reached historic lows in 2019. While that’s great news, it might not tell the whole story, as consumers now have many other ways to use tobacco, each of which have been linked to cancer. So it’s not simply avoiding cigarettes, but also cigars, hookahs, chewing tobacco, vaping products, and more, that is

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• Shield your skin from the sun. The PCF notes that exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays causes the most skin cancers. The WCRFI reports that melanoma of the skin is the thirteenth most common cancer in men and the fifteenth most common cancer in women across the globe.

Protecting the skin from the sun is as simple as applying sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 and covering up when spending long periods of time in the sun. The PCF urges individuals to avoid tanning beds and protect their skin year-round, including in winter.

• Utilize fruits and vegetables in your fight against cancer. The popularity of plant-based diets is on the rise.

In fact, retail sales of plant-based foods in the United States increased by 11 percent in a single year between 2018 and 2019, according to data from the Plant Based Foods Association. A greater reliance on plant-based diets could go a long way toward reducing cancer deaths, as the PCF notes a 2021 study found that three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit each day reduced the risk of cancer death by 10 percent.

• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. The PCF notes that alcohol has been linked to cancers of the breast, liver, esophagus, and colon. When consuming alcohol, women are urged to limit their consumption to one drink or fewer each day, while men should limit their consumption to two or fewer alcoholic beverages per day.

The science is simple: the more alcohol a person drinks, the greater his or her risk for cancer.

Cancer prevention is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle, and there are many simply ways people can cut their cancer risk.

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How breast cancer can AFFECT mental health

Breast cancer is often viewed through the lens of the physical challenges the disease poses. Women undergoing breast cancer treatment often confront fatigue, and many deal with physical changes to their bodies, some of which may be permanent. Though the physical challenges associated with breast cancer are significant, the disease also can take a toll on women’s mental health.

Each woman’s experience with breast cancer is unique. However, women with breast cancer may confront many of the same mental health challenges that others before them have dealt with. Recognition of the effects a breast cancer diagnosis can have on mental health is vital as women work to overcome their disease and go on to live long, healthy lives.

• DEPRESSION: The American Cancer Society reports that roughly one in four people diagnosed with breast cancer experience depression. Breastcancer. org notes that symptoms of depression include feelings of intense sadness; loss of interest in activities once enjoyed; feelings of extreme irritability or restlessness; isolating oneself or being unable to accept help; and lack of motivation to perform daily activities, among others.

Breastcancer.org notes that women diagnosed with metastatic or triplenegative breast cancer might be more likely to experience depression than those informed they have other forms of the disease. Women who experience early

menopause brought on by breast cancer treatments and those concerned about infertility also may be more likely to develop depression.

• ANXIETY: The organization Living Beyond Breast Cancer notes more than 40% of people diagnosed with breast cancer experience anxiety. Anxiety brought on by a breast cancer diagnosis can be triggered at any time, including upon learning one has the disease, during treatment and even after treatment has concluded. Anxiety levels may increase while waiting for test results, anticipating the start of treatment and even during follow-up treatments. Feelings of being worried all the time; worries shifting from one problem to another; restlessness; difficulty concentrating; and difficulty falling or staying asleep are some common symptoms of anxiety, according to LBBC. • MEMORY LOSS: Breast Cancer Now reports that women may feel more forgetful during and after breast cancer treatment, noting this is often referred to as “chemo brain” or “brain fog.” Even women who are not receiving chemotherapy as part of their breast cancer treatment can experience memory loss, the cause of which remains a mystery.

The fatigue and difficulty sleeping many women experience during breast cancer treatment may contribute to memory loss.

Breast Cancer Now notes keeping a diary, writing things down and planning ahead are some ways to overcome the memory

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loss associated with breast cancer.

• ADDICTION: Breastcancer.org notes that some of the medicines prescribed during breast cancer treatment can be addictive. For example, opioids to treat pain and additional prescription medications to address anxiety, which can include Xanax and Valium, can be addictive. Taking only prescribed doses can reduce the likelihood of addiction.

Women undergoing treatment for breast cancer may experience various side effects

that affect their mental health. Women are urged to speak openly with their physicians and request help combatting any mental health complications that arise before, during and after treatment.

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Many breast cancer survivors miss out on genetic screening

HEALTH DAY NEWS

Many breast cancer patients aren’t getting genetic counseling and testing that could help them get the most effective treatment, a new study finds.

Only three-quarters of patients eligible for genetic testing after their breast cancer diagnosis actually received it, researchers reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Further, just over half of breast cancer survivors eligible for testing during follow-up care received a genetic screening.

“Our findings support a rapidly growing movement to simplify clinical guidelines to increase access to genetic testing and clinical impact of the results after diagnosis and into survivorship,” said lead researcher Dr. Steven Katz, a professor of internal medicine and of health management and policy at the University of Michigan.

Certain genetic mutations can increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer, the American Cancer Society says. The bestknown are BRCA gene mutations, which cause 5% to 10% of breast cancers and for which specific treatments have been developed.

Genetic tests can help guide treatment, as well as follow-up care and screening, researchers said. The results can also be used to warn other family members of potential increased risk for cancer.

For this study, researchers surveyed more than 1,400 women at seven months and at six years after they were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.

The team found many women aren’t getting the gene testing for which they’re eligible, both at diagnosis and following treatment.

“Genetic risk evaluation and testing can fall through the cracks during survivorship as patients’ needs for

ongoing treatments, managing the side effects of treatments and monitoring for recurrence or progression grow,” senior researcher Lauren Wallner, an associate professor of internal medicine and epidemiology at Michigan, said in a university news release.

At the same time, about a third of patients for whom genetic testing wouldn’t be recommended got it anyway, results showed.

There was some good news - among those who got testing, nearly two-thirds who had a genetic variant reached out to family members to talk about their results, researchers said.

Results also showed that few people are interested in direct-to-consumer genetic tests, which are not as sophisticated as genetic testing and counseling at hospitals and clinics, researchers said.

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