LET’S END
BREAST CANCER
TOGETHER.
Register for the
One Day/5K Walk or Run SUNDAY JUNE 3, 2012
REGISTER AT:
KOMENPUGETSOUND.ORG
Seattle Center
2 • Sound Publishing, Inc. • May
2012
RACE EVERYBODY’S WELCOME! join
Mercer St
Start
Choose How You Want to Participate:
ar
St
Denny Way
Ce d
Walk or Run the 5K Start a Team Volunteer Fundraise and
Join the Costume
2n
dA ve
First half of race Second half of race
Contest
Earn Prizes
Family for Fun and Entertainment
Member
Donate
✓ Have fun!
Start a team! There’s strength in numbers and more fun!
A Race team is a great way to build morale, support a friend, remember a loved one and maximize your impact in the fight against breast cancer. Teams can be any type or size: • Healthcare Teams • Community Organization • And more!
There is no additional cost to form or join a Race team. Team members do not have to participate in the same event. Become a team captain. Learn how easy it is at www.komenpugetsound.org.
Register Online Now through June 1 and Save! Register at: Komenpugetsound.org. Where to register Register online at www.komenpugetsound.org. Or register in-person at these area stores now through May 29, 2012. FootZone Bellevue – www.footzone.com FootZone Issaquah – www.footzone.com Footzone Redmond – www.footzone.com New Balance - Bellevue – www.newbalance.com Road Runner - Seattle – www.roadrunnersports.com Road Runner - Kent – www.roadrunnersports.com Sound Sports - www.soundsports.com Super Jock ‘n Jill – www.superjocknjill.com
cancer touches nearly everyone’s life, including my own. That is why I am so “Breast proud to support Komen Puget Sound’s Race for the Cure as the 2012 Grand Marshall. Join me and Team Sark on Race Day. Breast cancer is one tough opponent, and we are in it to win it!
”
t gS
rin
Sp
Become a Gold Club Bring the Whole
• Corporate Teams • Friends and Family • School Groups
5th Ave
Finish Seattle Center
USA Track & Field certification pending
JUNE 3 | SEATTLE CENTER
Steve Sarkisian, UW Head Football Coach and 2012 Race for the Cure Grand Marshall
May 2012 • Sound Publishing, Inc. • 3
Por La Mujer Hispana
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Hispanic/Latina women. In addition, the five year overall survival rate is lower for Hispanic women than other women. To address the growing breast health needs of Latina women in our community, Komen Puget Sound has launched an outreach and education program titled “La Mujer Hispana”. This outreach and education effort is one of only six in the United States funded by the Yoplait Save Lids to Save Lives® program. It brings key Hispanic stakeholders together to raise awareness of breast health and the need for early detection of breast cancer among Hispanic women.
Join me and the La Mujer Hispana Race for the Cure team! For more information, email Silvia Kennedy at silvia@pskomen.org. Servando Currasco Seattle Sounder Team Captain, Por La Mujer Hispana
Donate. Support a Race Participant. Even if you can’t walk or run, you can lend your support. Make a general donation or give to a participant or team. Simply go online to www.komenpugetsound.org to make a donation.
Why it’s important: Reasons to race Thanks to people like you, last year, the Komen Puget Sound Affiliate was able to fund $2 million to local organizations and agencies in Western Washington for breast cancer education, screening, treatment support and research this year. We need to do more. And we need your help! This past year, funds raised at the Komen Puget Sound Race for the Cure: ■ Reached 42,000 community members with breast cancer outreach and education programs ■ Provided 13,300 women with lifesaving breast cancer screenings and detected over 200 breast cancers ■ Ensured 825 patients undergoing breast cancer treatment could also pay for their food, shelter and utilities ■ Partnered 256 individuals with patient navigators to guide them through the complex medical system, ensuring access to quality care
Raising $150 could fund a lifesaving mammogram through our community grants program.
Fundraise for the cure. Getting started is easy! Today, due to a lack of funding, roughly 1,000 low-income women in our community are on a waitlist for a lifesaving mammogram. Your Race for the Cure fundraising will help move these women off the list and on to a cure. Once you sign up for the Race, you’ll get a customizable fundraising webpage to collect donations online. You will also have access to email templates to help you solicit donations. We will provide you with lots of fundraising tips and you can even “Fundraise on Facebook.” Make your fundraising efforts go even further. Ask your donors if their companies have an employee matching gifts program. It doubles the amount you raise. Check our website for details and matching gift guidelines.
Win prizes and rewards! Start earning prizes when you raise just $250. The more you raise, the greater the reward. Raise $500 to be a Gold Club Member. Receive special recognition online and at the event. Be a Top 100 Fundraiser! VIP status includes a t-shirt, bib number that reflects your rank plus other Race Day perks. All donations received by July 3, 2012, count towards reward redemption.
4 • Sound Publishing, Inc. • May
2012
September 14-16, 2012 Greater Seattle Area Everyone deserves a lifetime - and you deserve the experience of a lifetime! The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure is a 60-mile walk for women and men who want to make a personal difference in the fight to end breast cancer. Participants walk 60 miles in three days and help raise millions of dollars for breast cancer research and patient support programs. Each night of the event, walkers experience an incredible mobile city that’s more than just sleeping tents and warm showers, where they can eat, relax and renew their spirit with their fellow walkers. We believe that everyone deserves a lifetime. No one should have to live without their mother, daughter, sister, husband or friend. That’s why we commit to walking 60 miles in three days. The 3-Day is the boldest breast cancer event of its kind. Register at www.the3day.org.
Annual Survivor Celebration September 9, 2012 Aboard a Holland America Line Ship at Pier 91 Puget Sound breast cancer survivors and co-survivors celebrate their journey with an exceptional experience onboard a luxurious Holland America Line ship.
Lunch for the Cure® October 4, 2012 | Tacoma Convention Center The Lunch for the Cure has become one of Pierce County’s most important fundraising events. Eight hundred community leaders join together in the promise to end breast cancer, by furthering breast cancer education and awareness, and energizing science in the discovery of the cure. In 2012, the Lunch for the Cure will be in its 11th year of bringing together community members to make a powerful statement against breast cancer, honoring those who have lost their battle and celebrating survivors. Learn more at www.komenpugetsound.org.
Power of a Promise® October 24, 2012 Luncheon The Sheraton Hotel, Seattle This year marks the 10th anniversary of The Power of a Promise Luncheon, now located in downtown Seattle. Influential community leaders will join together to raise funds to provide lifesaving breast cancer health education, screening, and treatment support for underserved women living in Western Washington.
Guests are treated to an exquisite dining experience, vistas of the Puget Sound, plus an inspirational program and entertainment.
Be a part of the 10th Anniversary Power of a Promise luncheon. Help ensure all women have access to lifesaving breast cancer screening and if diagnosed, will receive the most effective treatment for survival.
Learn more at www.komenpugetsound.org
Learn more at www.komenpugetsound.org.
Visit komenpugetsound.org or call 206.633.0303 for more information.
Early Detection of Breast Cancer Saves Lives Eight hundred Washington women lost their lives to breast cancer last year. With early detection, odds are 98% for survival for five years. However, if breast cancer is detected late, with the danger of the cancer spreading, odds for survival drop to just 23%. Now is the time to take charge of your breast health.
Take Care of Yourself. Monitor your Breast Health. We want to inspire you to take an active role in your own breast health.
Remember: • Know your breast cancer risk • Get screened
• Know what is normal for you • Make healthy lifestyle choices
May 2012 • Sound Publishing, Inc. • 5
Jennifer Teeler always felt she had a pretty
good life. Bad things hadn’t really happened to her and her family and Teeler wondered if she could handle a true test of character. “I always kind of felt like they say God will never give you more than you can handle,” Teeler said. “And I always thought well, maybe I can’t handle much.” Now, three years after having fought breast cancer and won, the 46-year-old Teeler feels she’s proven her mettle. Like many other women every year, Teeler’s battle with breast cancer started with a missed mammogram. She got her first mammogram at age 40. She picked that year because she was always good about getting her yearly exams and realized that it was a milestone birthday. But, her life as a wife and as a working mother of three children got busy and she never made it to her next mammogram the following year. She had no family history of the disease or risk factors and felt no urgency. Contrary to Teeler’s belief, in the United States only about 5 to 10 percent of all breast cancers occur because of inherited mutations, according to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The group reports that most women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors, except that they are women and getting older. Teeler was notified of the five lumps in one of her breasts when she had a mammogram at age 42. Previous to this, she had been on birthcontrol pills, which she said made her
Tony and Jennifer Teeler
enjoyed a day at the beach at Waldport, Ore., in October 2010. Jennifer Teeler
breasts more dense, most likely hiding the presence of the lumps. “I suspected (the lumps) already started, but the mammogram just didn’t find it at 40,” Teeler said. “And then by the
time I was 42, they were big enough to show up on the mammogram.” Teeler went through a series of biopsies and MRI tests before the results were conclusive. On one of her visits to the hospital, she decided to stop in and get her results. When a receptionist told her she needed to go to a consultation room to talk to the doctor, she was pretty sure it was cancer at that point. “You know, I didn’t just break down right away,” she said. “I was kind of
“That was probably the hardest decision I had to make, trying to decide what course of treatment as far as surgery.” stunned. I was pretty surprised, but I am not a worrier by nature.” Teeler was originally diagnosed as having Stage III breast cancer, an advanced stage. But, after she made the tough decision to have a double mastectomy, doctors put her at a lower stage because the cancer had not gone into her lymph system yet and the lumps weren’t connected in any way. [ more JENNIIFER page 6 ]
BY TRACEY COMPTON tcompton@rentonreporter.com
6 • Sound Publishing, Inc. • May
2012
She is the first person in her family to go through something as traumatic as this and it took a toll on her father Chuck and her Teeler opted for a double mastectomy, even though she only husband Tony especially, she said. needed one breast removed. With three young children at home, she just Teeler said the fact that she was not overdidn’t want to take any chances of going through the ordeal again. wrought helped ground her husband and she also grew closer to her father. “That was probably the hardest decision I had to make, trying At the time, their daughter Ellie was 10 and daughter Abigail to decide what course of treatment as far as surgery,” she said. was 12 and son Daniel was 15. The decision became clear once Teeler realized she would Teeler’s diagnosis effected each of their children differently, have to have a breast reduction surgery on her other breast rebut she and her husband tried to answer any questions they had. gardless just to balance them out. “Well, my goal from the beginning was that I would set an “It was such a disruption to our lives that I didn’t want to end example for them how to face something like this with grace up having reoccurrence and having to go back in and having to deal with the whole thing all over again,” Teeler said. [ JENNIFER from page 5]
Support
Teeler of Renton credits her strong faith and close relationship with God for carrying her through this potentially life-threatening situation. Teeler’s friend of nine years, Laurie Tolonen, also recognized Teeler’s spirituality has been a comfort to her during her time of need. Tolonen took turns along with another friend, Sharona Chandra, in accompanying Teeler to chemotherapy appointments, making Jennifer Teeler and her family had a photo taken at Thanksgiving last year. Clockwise from, left, Jon Slothower, Jennifer, Bennett Slothower, Amanda Fanning, Ann meals and doing houseSlothower, Andrew Lathrop, Penny Slothower, Chuck Slothower and Chip Slothower. work for her. “I was confident that and courage,” Teeler said. “How to rely on God and the courage Jennifer would experience the peace and comfort that come He gives.” from Christ no matter what the outcome of her treatment,” said Tolonen in an email. “Her Teeler worked part-time for the City of Federal Way recruiting prayer was volunteers as part of their neighborhood programs during her that her treatment. faith would She would leave the house with her family in the morning and be evident return in the afternoon before everyone. and that her Exhausted, she would take a nap and then wake up in time to response to eat the dinner that her husband prepared with her family. the experiBefore she would lie down to nap, she would pray. ence of hav“The craziest thing is despite everything that I was ing cancer would bring glory to God. Of course, we all prayed going through, the things that came to mind were all for her recovery and healing but her focus was on whatever God the things that I was thankful for,” Teeler said. might bring into her life as a result of the cancer and what her Her list ran from the bed where she response should, would be.” slept to her husband who was cooking her Teeler is the oldest of her six siblings, who all live nearby, dinner. along with her parents, Chuck and Penny Slothower. [ more JENNIIFER page 7 ]
“Well, my goal from the beginning was that I
would set an example for them how to face something like this
with grace and courage.”
Peace
May 2012 • Sound Publishing, Inc. • 7 [ JENNIFER from page 6]
“Every single day these things would go through my head. I just think that was kind of a great way to stay grounded and not dwell on the negative. I still had a good life in the midst of what I was going through.” To aid her in her treatment and recovery, Teeler took a book or journal with her along with a friend to her doctor’s appointments. She also kept a blog of her treatment experience on the website CaringBridge.org. She found it easier to update friends, family and even curious strangers through her blog. Her doctor’s appointment book held her notes, questions and reminders. On the front of it she put a Bible verse that her sister-in-law gave to her.
The other side
Now that she’s in remission, Teeler and her family have made some lifestyle changes. They got rid of their microwave and all the plastic containers in their cabinets, believing that those things aren’t good for them. Jennifer Teeler, at right, who was undergoing chemotherapy at the time, poses with friends Angela Johnson, left, who was diagnosed with breast “I really feel like, especially since I don’t cancer at the same time as Teeler, and Mary Bennett, a cancer survivor for more than 30 years. Jennifer Teeler have any family history or anything, I feel like it’s something environmental,” Teeler important in life and 50 percent, Teeler said. said. what my priorities She suspects it had to do with a decision She has always are.” at Komen’s national level to change its been good about exThe people in her funding guidelines at the beginning of the ercise, but she is eatlife, friends and famyear, which until the decision was reversed ing more vegetables ily are her highest didn’t include support of Planned Parentand less red meat. priority, she said. hood. Teeler is not “It reiterated that “I am amazed at how many people who militant about eating time is worth more I know have been diagnosed since I was organics but discourthan money, you diagnosed,” said Teeler. “It seems like I ages her family from can’t get it back once never knew anybody before. It’s like when eating at fast-food it’s spent,” Teeler you’re pregnant and you see pregnant outlets. said. women everywhere.” “I’m the kind of She has come full In her personal life she gets to share her person who wants circle and now works experience with the disease with people answers,” she said. for Susan G. Komen whom she knows. “I want to know for the Cure, organizShe tries to give them hope and help why did I get cancer. ing volunteers, which them face things. What was it in my is essentially the The most important thing she lifestyle or my famisame job she did for tells those facing a fight with ly history that caused Jennifer Teeler spent time at Waldport, Ore., in August 2008 the City of Federal cancer is to have faith, know it? And I don’t have recovering from her surgery. Jennifer Teeler Way. God is in control and to have those answers. That’s Teeler just fi nished a support system. hard to accept.” recording the more Her experience cethan 10,000 hours of volunteer service for mented for Teeler what has been important 2011. to her all along. The group uses more than 500 volunteers “What I found out was I am a really for their Race for the Cure alone. strong person, that I could handle a lot and This year registration for the race is down that I have a pretty good idea of what’s
8 • Sound Publishing, Inc. • May
2012
Volunteer profile
“Twenty-eight years later, I am here.” Josephine Billups of Renton, who works for Sound Transit in Seattle, will walk in the Race for the Cure with her team called “Wave for the Cure.” My name is Josephine Billups. I am a breast cancer survivor. In May 1984 I discovered what I thought was a pimple. I went to the doctor for a physical, told my physician about the pimple, showed him the pimple and told him it hurt, and the skin on it and around it was red. My doctor took a look and frowned, telling me he didn’t think it was just a pimple. He was sorry, but I needed to see a surgeon. My physician said that breast cancer was a slow grower, so I had time. Surgeon for a bump? He said “Yes”; it could possibly be breast cancer. Of course, I didn’t believe him. I went right home and told my husband. I saw the surgeon, who wanted to do immediate surgery to get it out and test. According to the surgeon, breast cancer is not a slow grower; my actions had to be immediate. I refused without a second opinion; so after a second and third opinion in August 1984, I had a lumpectomy. That was a Friday; I was told results could take up to two weeks. In less than a week, Tuesday, I was called at work and the surgeon said, “I am sorry, Mrs. Billups, it is cancer.” I put (dropped the phone). The surgeon called back and said you can’t take this as a final journey; you need to come in immediately so we can make a plan and go forward. Now I am scared, scared. I have two babies; Danielle was 7 and Christopher was 2 and a husband and I am scared to move. I had two more surgeries and now a plan for treatment. We didn’t tell anyone. I laid on examination tables, doors swinging open, people walking through – you feel so naked and exposed. My husband had just been laid off from work. He was working two part-time jobs, still not equaling one. So he didn’t go with me during treatment. I was up at 3 a.m., to work by 4 a.m., in the doctor’s office daily by 1 p.m.; some days I had to go home, get the kids, then go to the doctor’s office. The skin reactions to treatment, when I was in treatment there were not many choices of what to do. Remove it all or extreme radiation. I made it through and finished. Weekly visits, biweekly visits, monthly visits, every three months, six months, then annually during a five-year period, X- rays every six months, then annually. Twenty–eight years later I am here. Thank God. I am here. I walk because I am very grateful, thankful to be here. I am glad that there is a foundation – The Komen Foundation – improving awareness, helping those who don’t know and can’t afford testing. It is a value to our society. Bringing education on a subject I didn’t have.
Komen Foundation stafff and supporters gather during the Komen Puget Sound Advocacy Day in the rotunda at the state Capitol i n Olympia . Keith Morgan, Puget Sound Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Komen Foundation grants $1.3 million for screening The Puget Sound Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is granting $1.3 million to the Washington State Breast, Cervical, and Colon Health Program (BCCHP) to provide breast cancer screenings for low-income women. The funding will immediately provide support for the approximately 1,000 low-income women on a wait list for mammograms in Western Washington. BCCHP serves high-risk, underserved women, who are low-income, uninsured or underinsured. The grant from Komen Puget Sound enables funding for more than 14,000 breast cancer screenings and diagnostic services over the coming year. “As a breast cancer survivor I know how important early detection is,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire. “With about 1,000 women in Washington on a wait list for needed mammograms, this $1.3 million grant from Komen Puget Sound will help make an immediate and important difference for lowincome and underserved women in our community.” Early detection via screenings and mammograms is the key to reducing the breast cancer mortality rate. If breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent. If it is detected in later stages, when it has had a chance to spread, the five year survival rate drops to less than a 25 percent. In 2011, Komen Puget Sound invested more than $2 million to fight breast cancer locally and $700,000 for global medical research to find a cure for this disease.
May 2012 • Sound Publishing, Inc. • 9
Celebrating Survivors at Race Day
From the moment a person’s breast cancer diagnosis is confirmed, she or he is considered a survivor. Thoughtful gestures big and small mean so much to survivors, whether they’ve just been diagnosed or completed treatment many years ago. Race Day is an opportunity for us to recognize our survivors for their bravery, and to show them how much they are loved, cherished, and respected. Special survivor recognition includes a complimentary pink cap and t-shirt
provided by Zeta Tau Alpha. Survivors are also invited to visit the Survivor Celebration Tent located on the Fisher Pavilion rooftop for sparkling cider, pastries, goodie bags, travel prizes, a photo-op and an excellent view of the Race Day festivities! Race Day concludes on an emotional high note with a motivating and inspiring Survivor Parade.
, Dear Fellow Survivor
I was diagnosed Almost two years ago, s fortunate with breast cancer. I wa ved my life… that early detection sa only life but mine was not the e life of my that concerned me. Th my friends and daughter, my mother, munity are the women in my com , I committed equally important. So my power to to doing everything in an, regardless of ensure that every wom d have access to her ability to pay, woul ent and financial the screening, treatm life. I also made support that saved my pport research the commitment to su eir life nobody would lose th to find a cure, so that to this disease. y t, not only through m I fulfill my commitmen w participating with fello daily work, but also by for the en Puget Sound Race survivors in the Kom
east cancer Cure. Last year, 800 br celebrate one survivors joined me to itical funds to another and to raise cr generations ensure there are future of survivors. ing, 1,000 Due to a lack of fund in our underserved women itlist for a community are on a wa , and nearly needed mammogram en will lose 800 Washington wom ncer this their lives to breast ca d I want them year. I have my life, an to have theirs too. in me at the 2012 Race I encourage you to jo g look forward to meetin n ca u Yo . re Cu e th r fo n Tent, e Survivor Celebratio th in s or iv rv su w llo fe aring rvivor Parade, and we Su e th in g in at cip rti pa r me, pink t-shirt and cap. Fo ry ta en im pl m co ur yo ll my nt opportunity to fulfi rta po im an is ce Ra e th life ort the women in my pp su to t en itm m m co ed by Survivors. As describ r ste Si e ac br em to d an ylorfounder the late CJ Ta d un So t ge Pu en m Ko ur life. lebration of Life”…yo Day, “the Race is a Ce Sincerely,
CJ Taylor Day at the Race
Cheryl Shaw ecutive Director Komen Puget Sound Ex
10 • Sound Publishing, Inc. • May 2012
Top Ratings for Financial Stewardship – Five Years Running
Komen Puget Sound Awards $2.1 Million in Grants to Fight Breast Cancer Locally
“
As a breast cancer survivor I know how important early detection is. With about 1,000 women in Washington on a waitlist for needed mammograms, this $1.3 million grant from Komen Puget Sound will help make an immediate and important difference for low-income and underserved women in our community.
”
“
When I started to get pain in my armpit and right breast, I did a selfexamination in the shower and found a lump. I was frozen with terror. What was even more frightening to me was the fact that we had no health insurance. A friend’s mom worked for county health and told me about Michelle with husband Garth a state program for breast cancer patients without insurance. I called the Washington Breast and Cervical Health Program and they approved my support right away. The sense of relief was so incredibly great. I still don’t have the words to say how grateful I am for the help I received and am still receiving. I know that it saved my life. Thank you for the support and keeping these programs going.
”
– Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire
Education and Early Detection: Washington State Department of Health
Komen Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnostic Program
– Michelle Huseby Supported by a grant from Komen Puget Sound
YWCA of Seattle/King County & Snohomish County Opening Doors
This funding will provide education and mobile screenings for medically underserved and low-income African-American, Latina, sexual minority and homeless women.
This year, Komen Puget Sound is investing $1.3 million dollars to the Washington State Breast, Cervical, and Colon Health Program (BCCHP) to provide breast cancer screenings for low-income women. The funding will provide lifesaving mammograms to 14,000 low income women living in our region.
Patient Navigation
Franciscan Foundation
Sistah Connection: Patient Navigation for African American Women
Breast Cancer Navigator Program
This funding will improve education and access to screening, diagnosis and treatment for Asian, Pacific Islander, African American, Hispanic, Native American and sexual minority women in Tacoma/Pierce County.
International Community Health Services
Breast Health Outreach, Prevention and Education Program
This funding will provide breast health outreach, education and screening to lowincome, limited English-speaking Chinese, Filipina, Korean, Mien, Samoan and other Pacific Islander and Vietnamese women in Seattle/King County.
Lutheran Community Services Northwest – Familias Unidas Nuestra Salud
This program promotes breast cancer awareness and screening in the Hispanic/ Latino community of Snohomish and Skagit Counties.
Center for MultiCultural Health
This program provides assistance to African American women in King County to increase timely access to diagnostic and treatment services to ensure successful completion of treatment for breast cancer.
Citrine Health
Citrine Health’s Patient Navigator
Navigators will provide assistance to uninsured, low-income and/or rural breast cancer patients in Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island and San Juan Counties to increase access to and completion of prescribed treatment.
Mason General Hospital
Breast Cancer Patient Navigation and Outreach
This funding will assist breast cancer patients during treatment and provide survivor support, awareness and screening for low-income women, Latinas, and women living in remote rural areas of Mason County.
Senior Services of Seattle-King County
UW Medicine | School of Medicine
This funding will provide breast health community outreach and education for seniors, especially women of color.
Funding to Harborview Medical Center and University of Washington Breast Health Cancer Program at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance will provide patient navigation services to low-income breast cancer patients.
Breast Health Education and Screening Program
South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency Native Women’s Wellness Program
This program provides breast health outreach, education, screening and support to women in rural tribal communities in southwest Washington who rarely or never have been screened for breast cancer.
Partnering with Patients to Improve Breast Cancer Care
Patient Assistance & Treatment Support
Cancer Lifeline
Komen Patient Assistance Fund
Cancer Lifeline administers Komen Puget Sound funds to provide assistance and support for low-income patients while they are in treatment for breast cancer.
May 2012 • Sound Publishing, Inc. • 11
Investing in Research to Find a Cure – Worldwide and Right Here at Home K
omen Puget Sound is funding groundbreaking research to find a cure for breast cancer. Twenty five percent of all the money raised locally is pooled and distributed through Komen National Breast Cancer Research and Training Grants, with some funds returning to medical research facilities within the Puget Sound area. In 2011, Susan G. Komen spent $66 million in global research for the cure. Komen has invested over $500 million in research since 1982. Komen is the largest non-government funder of breast cancer research in the world. Every one of the greatest advances in Breast Cancer Research in the last generation have been supported by Komen-funded grants. Komen-supported medical research into targeted therapies developed for hormone-dependent and HER2-positive breast cancers has helped cut breast cancer recurrences by 50%.
Komen National Grant Funds Early Detection Research in Seattle In March 2012, Susan G. Komen for the Cure awarded a $600,000 grant to Dr. Samir Hanash, a researcher with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Dr. Hanash hopes to develop a blood test that would be a companion test to mammograms, but more accurate in detecting breast cancer at an early stage when it is most curable.
Breast Self-Awareness 1. Know your risk 9 Talk to your family to learn about your family
health history
9 Talk to your doctor about your personal risk of
breast cancer
2. Get screened 9 Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for
you if you are at a higher risk
9 Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40
if you are at average risk
9 Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years
starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40
3. Know what is normal for you 9 See your health care provider if you notice any of these
breast changes:
• Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast • Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast • Change in the size or shape of the breast • Dimpling or puckering of the skin • Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple • Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast • Nipple discharge that starts suddenly • New pain in one spot that does not go away
4. Make healthy lifestyle choices 9 Maintain a healthy weight 9 Add exercise into your routine 9 Limit alcohol intake 9 Limit postmenopausal hormone use 9 Breastfeed, if you can
For more information visit our website or call our breast care helpline. www.komen.org
1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636)
“Komen’s funding enables us to move the discovery process forward, and demonstrate and validate findings much more quickly,” says Dr. Hanash. “This research is expensive and rigorous, but the result would be a tremendous breakthrough and bring us closer to 100 percent accuracy in detecting breast cancer through a simple blood test that could be done at any clinic or doctor’s office.” Dr. Samir Hanash
– Dr. Samir Hanash, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
A STEP IN THE
12 • Sound Publishing, Inc. • May
2012
RIGHT DIRECTION Join QFC and the Komen Puget Sound Race for the Cure as we raise funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer. Ensuring that all women have access to breast cancer early detection and quality treatment support is the ultimate goal, and QFC is committed to seeing this happen.
Understanding the facts about the disease and knowing the warning signs can help protect you and your loved ones. Here are some useful tips: • Talk to your family and learn about your family health history • Complete monthly breast self-exams • Be alert to any changes in your body • Notify your doctor immediately if you notice any changes or have any concerns • Have yearly check-ups and mammograms, as recommended • Spread the word by talking and sharing with mothers, sisters, family and friends. Love and knowledge are powerful weapons in this battle. QFC is proud to be the Local Presenting Sponsor of this year’s Komen Puget Sound Race for the Cure. We will see you at Seattle Center on June 3rd!