OCTOBER 2017 A Special Supplement to
Recognizing Signs of Breast Cancer Breast Self Examine Explained Honoring Survivors
Gift of Life to honor Breast Cancer Survivors
2 • Breast Cancer Awareness, September 30 - October 1, 2017
The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com
The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com
Breast Cancer Awareness, September 30 - October 1, 2017 • 3
Gift of Life honors breast cancer survivors By Dawn Burleigh The Orange Leader
Support those who keep us safe.
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pending your money locally does more than fill your shopping cart; it helps purchase firefighter helmets, bulletproof vests and other life-saving equipment for local public service organizations.
The taxes paid on goods and services in our community are put to work immediately keeping our homes, streets and businesses safe. Whether it is a quick trip to the grocery store or a major purchase, your taxes provide the necessary funding for local law enforcement, firefighters and public service personnel. Please keep in mind that you can make a difference each time you reach for your wallet by spending money locally. Our public servants deserve and need our support.
BOBBY TINGLE, PUBLISHER THE ORANGE LEADER
While Hurricane Harvey may have led to the cancelation of the Gift of Life Color Run, the Walk of Survivorship is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 at Downtown Beaumont. The family affair is in honor of Julie Richardson Procter, the woman whose life and battle with breast cancer, inspired the creation of the Gift of Life program. Regina Rogers established the Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Program in 1994 as a tribute to her mother, Rogers. Rogers had a double mastectomy in 1988 and who died following complications from a stroke and heart attack in 1998. Originally dedicated to providing free mammograms for medically underserved women, in the past twelve years, the organization’s services have multiplied and the agency has grown into one of the largest cancer screening initiatives of its type in the state of Texas, according to the official website. To celebrate Rogers and help raise funds for screenings for economically and under insured women in the Golden Triangle, the Walk of Survivorship will also honor our local survivors. The “Gift of Life” is the only organization of its type in Southeast Texas, which approaches the fight against cancer in such a holistic manner, including increasing awareness about the importance of early detection; providing free cancer screenings and access to follow-up health care for medically underserved persons; educating our medical community on the latest innovations in cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment; and providing both formal and informal support for cancer patients and survivors. The Walk of Survivorship event kickoff will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct.
7. The Walk of Survivorship will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will be followed by a Celebration Ceremony with Sweet Potato Queen Jill Conner Browne and Top Vocalist Yvonne Washington. Registration for the event is a $30 donation to benefit the Gift of Life’s Breast health and educational awareness initiatives serving seven Southeast Texas counties, including Orange County. To register, visit golribbonrun.org Presenting sponsor for the event is Dianne and Don Shaver and Title Sponsors H-E-B and Jason’s Deli, the Walk of Survivorship will kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This special event is scheduled in lieu of the planned Julie Richardson Procter 5K Ribbon Run, which has been rescheduled to October 6, 2018, due to Hurricane Harvey. “The Ribbon Run has become a regional tradition of cancer awareness and survivorship,” said Executive Director Norma Sampson. “We invite you to put on your Hurricane Herculean sneakers and wear whatever you would like – pink n’ teal t-shirts or costumes. It’s a family affair – pets, wagons and strollers welcome. Together, we will rebuild and recover as we confront and overcome challenges, whether from cancer or the hurricane.” Regina Rogers, Gift of Life Founder and Chair, added, “Recognizing Southeast Texas Strong and the indomitable spirit of our region, and with the continuing support of our devoted sponsors who are steadfast in endorsing our efforts, we are hosting an event that also reflects our passion in fighting breast and ovarian cancer. With grateful hearts, we hope that everyone from throughout Southeast Texas will join with us to celebrate life, hope and survival.”
4 • Breast Cancer Awareness, September 30 - October 1, 2017
The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com
The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com
Breast Cancer Awareness, September 30 - October 1, 2017 • 5
Salon owner offers empowerment through wigs for clients suffering hair loss from medical treatments By Dawn Burleigh The Orange Leader
Terri Gauthier, owner of Total Impressions in Bridge City, understands the emotions one experiences while battling breast cancer. “Like many people, I too have walked through the battle of Breast Cancer with several very close friends,” Gauthier said in a press release. “Thankfully, some are now Breast Cancer survivors, but unfortunately not all.” As a Style and Color Consultant, Gauthier understands one of the traumas that many women have to go through from the
chemo treatment is loosing their own hair. “In each case it was always a very emotional day when they had to go and pick out a new hair piece or wig that would help them feel as normal as possible,” Gauthier said. “I have never forgot the emotions of that day.” To help empower women during the fight, Gauthier offers synthetic and real hair wigs and hair pieces. “My heart is to help make that difficult day a very pleasant and joyful experience,” Gauthier said. “My goal is to help them feel beautiful as they jump one more
hurdle in their battle.” Gauthier, a Salon owner of 29 years, also assists women with naturally thinning hair, and those that are losing hair from medical treatments. She also offers a 25 percent discount on wig purchases for all clients experiencing hair loss from medical treatments. Each style includes a cool comfort cap and heat-styleable Excelle fiber for individuals to change their look with ease. Total Impressions is located at 1145 Texas Avenue, Suite D in Bridge City.
Courtesy photo
Terri Gauthier, owner of Total Impressions in Bridge City, offers hope through wigs as women battle breast cancer.
WE STAND STRONG TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY.
755 North 11th St. Beaumont TX 77702 409-899-1499
6 • Breast Cancer Awareness, September 30 - October 1, 2017
The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com
Knowing and recognizing the signs of breast cancer may save your life As with many types of cancer, breast cancer is most successfully treated when it is detected early. Over the previous quarter century, death rates for breast cancer have been on the decline, a positive development that Breastcancer.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing reliable, complete and up-to-date information about breast cancer, suggests is a byproduct of the heightened awareness of breast cancer over the last 25 years and the increasing emphasis placed on breast cancer screening. Understanding the symptoms of breast cancer also can help women battle and defeat this potentially deadly disease. While
the presence of any of the following symptoms does not necessarily mean breast cancer is present, the appearance of the following should be enough to inspire women and even men to visit their physicians for thorough examinations and screenings. • Changes in the feeling of the breast or nipple: A change in how the breast or nipple feels could be indicative of a larger problem. If the nipple is especially tender and this persists for an extended period of time, exercise caution and discuss this change with your physician. Similarly, if a lump or thickening develops on or near the breast or underarms, speak with your physician.
• Changes in appearance of the breast: A lump or thickening in the breast may affect the appearance of the breast. Another visible symptom of breast cancer is a change in the skin texture or an enlargement of pores in the skin of the breast, which may appear similar to dimpling, not unlike an orange peel. Swelling or shrinking of the breast, especially when such symptoms appear on just one breast, may also indicate breast cancer. In addition, some women with breast cancer notice a sudden asymmetry with their breasts despite their breasts previously being symmetrical, and such a development should immediately
be brought to the attention of a physician. • Changes in the appearance of the nipple: A nipple that appears different also may be a sign of breast cancer. Some women with breast cancer have noticed a nipple turned slightly inward or inverted prior to their breast cancer diagnosis. Skin of the nipple, as well as that of the breast and areola, which is the dark circle of skin around the nipple, may also become red, scaly or swollen when breast cancer is present. • Clear or bloody discharge from the nipple: Women who are breastfeeding often notice a milky discharge from their nipple after breastfeeding. Such
discharges are normal. However, when a woman who is not breastfeeding notices the presence of a clear or bloody discharge from her nipple, such a development should be brought to the attention of a physician. Any of the aforementioned signs and symptoms may be a sign of infection or the presence of a cyst, both of which are less severe than the presence of breast cancer. But the success rates of treating cancers that are detected early is such that any potential symptom of breast cancer warrants an immediate discussion with a physician.
The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com
Breast Cancer Awareness, September 30 - October 1, 2017 • 7
Breast self-exam K N I H T INK guidelines P NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Let’s work together to raise awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early detection. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States, and is the second leading cause of cancer death in American women. Early detection saves lives, so make a montly breast self-exam part of your regular routine and see your doctor if you experience any breast changes. If you’re a woman age 40 or older or have a history of breast cancer in your family, be sure to schedule an annual mammogram and physical exam by your doctor.
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In addition to scheduling clinical screenings and mammograms, women should routinely examine and massage their breasts to detect any abnormalities. These breast self-exams can be an important part of early breast cancer detection. Although many women are aware that they should become familiar with their bodies, many are unsure about just how frequently they should conduct breast examinations. Experts at Johns Hopkins Medical center advise adult women of all ages to perform self-examinations at least once a month. That’s because 40 percent of diagnosed breast cancers are first detected by women who feel a lump. Establishing a regular breast self-exam schedule is very important. Begin by looking at the breasts in a mirror. Note the size and appearance of the breasts, and pay attention to any changes that are normal parts of hormonal changes associated with menstruation. Breasts should be evenly shaped without distortion
or swelling. Changes that should cause concern include dimpling, puckering or bulging of the skin. Inverted nipples or nipples that have changed position, as well as any rash or redness, should be noted. In addition, the same examination should be done with arms raised over the head. The breasts should be felt while both lying down and standing up. Use the right hand to manipulate the left breast and vice versa. Use a firm touch with the first few fingers of the hand. Cover the entire
breast in circular motions. The pattern taken doesn’t matter so long as it covers the entire breast. All tissue, from the front to the back of the breast, should be felt. The same pattern and procedure should be conducted while standing up. Many women find this easiest to do while in the shower. It is important not to panic if something is detected. Not every lump is breast cancer. And bumps may actually be normal parts of the breast, as certain areas can feel different than others. But bring any concerns to the attention of your doctor. Breast self-exams are a healthy habit to adopt. When used in conjunction with regular medical care and mammography, self-exams can be yet another tool in helping to detect breast abnormalities. Doctors and nurses will use similar breast examination techniques during routine examinations.
8 • Breast Cancer Awareness, September 30 - October 1, 2017
October 7-8, 2017 • 23rd Germanfest
Roberts Cove, LA www.robertscovegermanfest.com
The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com
Heart of tHe Cajun Prairie joie De ViVre a LittLe joy of LiVing aCaDia ParisH tourist Commission
October 18-21, 2017 • 81st International Rice Festival Crowley, LA www.ricefestival.com
877.783.2109 aptc@bellsouth.net www.acadiatourism.org
February 13, 2018 • 31st Tee Mamou Iota Mardi Gras Folklife Festival
Downtown Iota, LA 337-523-6557 www.IotaMardiGras.com
February 13, 2018 • 18th Carnival D’Acadie (Mardi Gras)
Downtown Crowley, LA 337-783-0821 www.Crowley-la.com