Breast Cancer 2010

OCTOBER 2010

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FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Understanding Breast Cancer Each year, Mother's Day in the United States helps shed light on the problem of breast cancer. Heightened efforts at raising awareness of breast cancer around Mother's Day include the cooperation of many corporations, including Major League Baseball, whose players use pink bats in a show of support for breast cancer victims and survivors.

But breast cancer is an issue that extends beyond the month of May, and many people might be surprised to learn of breast cancer's prevalence. In the United States alone, breast cancer incidence in women is 1 in 8, or roughly 13 percent. In fact, among women in the U.S., breast cancer rates are higher than those of any cancer besides lung cancer.

With such staggering figures, it's important for both women and men (who can also suffer from breast cancer) to gain a greater understanding of this deadly disease.

Is Breast Cancer Hereditary?

According to BreastCancer.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing reliable, complete and current information about breast cancer, only 5 to 10 percent of cancers are due to an abnormality inherited from a parent. While all breast cancers are caused by a genetic abnormality, roughly 90 percent of breast cancer cases are the result of genetic abnormalities that are a result of the aging process and the wear and tear of everyday life.

In the case of breast cancer, cancerous cells gradually invade nearby healthy breast tissue and make their way into the underarm lymph nodes, which are small organs that filter out foreign substances in the body. If the cancer reaches the lymph nodes, it then has a pathway into other parts of the body. Upon diagnosis, a patient will be told what stage of breast cancer they are in, which tells how far the cancer has spread beyond the original tumor.

* Exercise. The American Cancer Society recommends engaging in 45 to 60 minutes of physical exercise 5 or more days per week, as evidence continues to mount that exercise can reduce breast cancer risk. * Alcohol and smoking. Alcohol limits the liver's ability to control blood levels of estrogen, which can increase risk of breast cancer. Similarly, smoking has been associated with a small increase in breast cancer risk.

Can Breast Cancer Be Prevented?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is always an ideal approach, but breast cancer is never the fault of the individual. A balanced diet, a lifestyle that includes abstaining from smoking and drinking alcohol in excess and regular exercise are all ways to stay healthy, but none will guarantee a woman or man will not get breast cancer.

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. Any type of cancer is the result of mutations in genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy. In a healthy body, the cells replace themselves in an orderly fashion, as healthy new cells take over as old ones die out. When mutations occur, changed cells gain the ability to keep dividing without control or order, producing more similar cells and forming a tumor.

ommended to reduce cancer risk.

Are There Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?

BreastCancer.org also notes additional risk factors for breast cancer can include

recent oral contraceptive use, stress and anxiety and exposure to estrogen.

While all of the mentioned risk factors are within an individual's control, there are a host of additional factors beyond a person's control that can increase risk of breast cancer. These factors include age, family history, personal history, and race among others.

By the Numbers

13

%

In the United States alone, breast cancer incidence in women is 1 in 8, or roughly 13 percent.

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BreastCancer.org notes that there are factors a woman or man can control that might lessen their risk for breast cancer.

Those risks include: * Weight. Post-menopausal women in particular can reduce their risk of breast cancer by maintaining a healthy weight.

Fat tissue is the body's main source of estrogen after menopause, and having more fat tissue means higher estrogen levels, which increases breast cancer risk. * Diet. Many cancers are linked to diet, but studies have yet to show for certain which types of foods increase the risk for breast cancer. In general, it's good to restrict sources of red meat and other animal fats, such as fats from dairy products. Some studies have shown that eating a lot of red and/or processed meats is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. Eating a diet low in fat and rich in fruits and vegetables is often rec-

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Personal journey

leads local woman to share survivor story

By SARAH BETH ARIEMMA sariemma@unionrecorder.com

B

rooke Pearson is a mother, a registered nurse, a daughter, a wife, a Christian, a friend and now — a breast cancer survivor.

These titles all define her as a woman, but it is her journey through surviving breast cancer that has inspired her to share her story with others who may need inspiration.

“I was diagnosed in August of 2009. My mother is a breast cancer survivor, so I always knew to watch for a lump of some kind,” Pearson said.

Pearson works as a registered nurse in the labor and delivery ward of the Medical Center in Macon. She has been married to her husband, Nathan, for nine years. The moment she felt a lump in her breast, she assumed the abnormality resulted from her ter-

mination of breast-feeding her youngest daughter, now 2.

“I never believed for a moment that the lump was anything serious. That’s why I went to the initial appointment alone. My husband wanted to go with me, but I knew he would be wasting his time because it had to be related to finishing breast-feeding. I was so wrong,” she said.

Dr. Lisa Farmer diagnosed her, and with the words, “it is cancer,” Pearson realized that everything in her life had changed.

“I had the attitude of ‘OK, this is what I have.

What are we going to do about it?’ I wanted to make a plan and get started. Telling our oldest daughter was difficult. She was 5 at the time, so she understood enough. The only question she had for my husband and me was, ‘are you going to die?’

That was a difficult question to answer,” Pearson said, “but I explained that we would all die someday and that God would call me home when it was my time.”

Pearson began chemotherapy in September 2009.

She continued with the chemo for five months. In May, she started the first of her 33 radiation treatments.

“Losing my hair was hard. I kept telling myself, ‘it is just hair,’ but when it fell out, it was a constant reminder that I was sick. Going through chemo was another hard challenge. The dizziness and nausea were unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I couldn’t sit still from the time I got up until the time I went to bed. It was difficult,” Pearson said.

Pearson’s doctors diagnosed her with two types of breast cancer: DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) and Invasive Breast Carcinoma. When the doctors performed a biopsy on her lymph nodes, the scans showed a positive result for cancer. A scan in December 2009 showed the most uplifting result of all: Pearson’s cancer had disappeared from her lymph nodes and her breast.

“When they told me in December that the cancer was gone, even before I had finished chemo, I was

ecstatic. It was indescribable how happy I was. I just cried. My husband was incredibly supportive throughout the entire experience. No matter how helpless he might have felt, he always tried to do more to help me out.”

Pearson had a double mastectomy and had nine lymph nodes removed in order to insure that the cancer had receded. Her breast tissue and lymph nodes came back clear. She later discovered through genetic testing that she carried a BRCA2 mutation. This mutation significantly raised her chances of contracting ovarian cancer. In July, she had her ovaries removed as a preventative measure.

“If you have just been diagnosed, take it one day at a time. When you try to look at the whole pictureit is overwhelming. When you focus on getting through the day, it’s easier,” Pearson said.

“I’ve met so many wonderful cancer survivors. This has brought me so much closer to God, and brought my family closer together. We just feel so loved and so blessed.”

31 years strong

Local resident celebrates three decades as cancer survivor

By JESSICA LUTON jluton@unionrecorder.com

F

or Eatonton resident Alice Babb, this year marks a special occasion in her life.

Thirty-one years ago this November, Babb successfully won her battle with breast cancer and as she continues to remember the blessings in her life, she is reminded of the experience of finding out that she had breast cancer at the age of 32.

“It’ll be 31 years this coming November,” she said.

“You’re basically in disbelief because, first of all, you just can’t think of anyone in your age range that’s ever had cancer. You don’t believe. You just do not believe that it’s happening to you. At 32, I had never even had a mammogram.”

Babb admits that modern medical science has come a long way since her own battle with breast cancer, which required a rigorous weekly treatment

and a mastectomy, and she encouraged those currently battling cancer to adhere to doctor’s orders.

“Well, the biggest tip that I would have for anybody is to listen to doctor’s orders,” she said. “They know more than we think they know and they know more than we do. It’s always good to get a second opinion. You need to do what [the doctor] says and advises to you. Then, you might still be here 31 years later.”

Those battling breast cancer nowadays, she said, have more options than when she faced the disease 30 years ago.

“Back when I had it, they didn’t have anything they could do for you except to cut your breasts off and give you chemo or radiation,” she said. “You didn’t even have the option to get reconstruction surgery right away.”

Treatment can be overwhelming, she admitted, but it’s important to continue.

“You just can’t let the treatment get you down,” she said. “You’ve got to keep on trudging. I wanted to lie in the bed all weekend and feel sorry for myself, but you just can’t do that. You can’t give up. You’ve got to have faith in your doctors and the great healer, which is Jesus. You have to have faith and you have to have hope.”

There’s always a reason to continue on against the battle, she said.

“I just always tell people that even if they’re life is not perfect, they still have a lot to live for,” said Babb. “They just need to go on for family members or for themselves. You never know what kind of a blessing you can be for others.”

Babb, who along the way has volunteered for various organizations including Reach to Recovery and Relay for Life, is happy to have been an inspiration for others, as many were with her when she faced her battle more than 30 years ago, and she recently heard from a man via Facebook whose wife had gone through treatment with her.

“Just recently I heard from a man who found me on Facebook. I love this social networking site as it reconnects you with people from your past,” she said. “He messaged me and said that he believed he met me when his wife was sick. I felt so complimented when I read these words, “My wife thought a lot of you and the strength you showed her.”

Babb was glad that she could be a blessing in someone else’s life during their time of need.

“It elates me that I was a positive influence on another young woman going through the same dif-

ficulty,” she said. “I met this man’s wife during chemo, as we had the same oncologist in Macon.

How I wish she could have won her battle with cancer. However, God apparently needed another angel in heaven at that time and called her home.”

Babb encouraged those who are currently battling cancer to remain positive, as it can be a big help when you’re facing something of this nature.

“All we really need is love and good health is certainly an added advantage,” she said. “When you contemplate this seriously you realize that these are the most important things for a happy life.

However, if you must endure poor health, thinking positively counts. You must believe and have faith that God is the great healer. I did and I’ve continued to be here on this earth almost 31 years after my diagnosis.”

Babb said her one hope was that a cure for cancer could be found, as she has lost several relatives and many close friends and acquaintances to cancer of many kinds.

“My ongoing prayer is that a cure, one day, will be discovered for cancer and there will be an end to all this sadness and suffering,” she said. “We never want to bid farewell to those we love.”

Allied Arts presents ‘Casting Hope’ Special to The U-R

…Peavy soon realized she was a member of the sisterhood of survivors, …

A reception in honor of the release of Sophia Peavy’s book, ‘Casting Hope’ was held earlier this month in recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Friends of Allied Arts invited the public to “Casting Hope: A Celebration of Life,” Sunday, Oct. 3 at the Marlor House, 201 North Wayne St. in Milledgeville.

“Casting Hope: A Celebration of Life” includes the release of a new book and the opening of a new exhibition. The book, “Bless You Sister, I’ll Be Prayin’ for You,” was edited and compiled by Sophia Peavy of Milledgeville.

In June 2009 Peavy learned she had breast cancer, a diagnosis to which Peavy responded with her characteristic mix of grace, determination and stamina. Peavy soon realized she was a member of the sisterhood of survivors, an extraordinary group of women living with cancer, each of whom had a story that heartened Peavy as she faced treatment. Knowing that their experiences would help others, she approached her fellow survivors with a request.

Would they be willing to write about their journey?

Thus was born “Bless You Sister, I’ll be Prayin’ for You,” a collection of first-person accounts of women facing, fighting and surviving cancer.

Peavy and several of the women included in the book will be signing copies of the book and

reading excerpts of their stories on Sunday.

According to Peavy, “It would be a shame for others not to hear these stories. They can help so many people that are going through some of the same things. The stories are very inspirational. Some of the stories are filled with anger and pain, but hopefully documenting their story has helped them cope with this anger.”

“Casting Hope: A Celebration of Life” will also includes the opening of an exhibition of art work by artist Kim Karelson and woodcarver and photographer Chad Awalt. The art work relates to the theme of the book in a very positive way. Karelson is Peavy’s cousin and Awalt’s mother, Aline Awalt , is a cancer survivor. The two artists are both represented by the Mason Murer Gallery in Atlanta. Inspired by the courage and strength of family and friends confronting cancer they decided to collaborate on this exhibition benefiting cancer research and awareness. Awalt made 12 life size plaster casting of female torsos that Karelson painted and embellished. These were shown at the Mason Murer Gallery in 2009. The exhibition in Milledgeville will also include Awalt’s portraits of women whose stories are in “Bless You Sister, I’ll Be Praying for You” as well as his life size figurative wood carvings.

The Marlor House is located at 201 North Wayne St. in downtown Milledgeville. For more information call Allied Arts at (478) 452-3950 or visit www.milledgevillealliedarts.com

Woodcarver and photographer Chad Awalt’s work is also on display as part of the exhibit.

THINK PINK

Let’s work together to raise awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early detection.

Breast Cancer affects mothers, daughters and friends from all walks of life. Help in the ongoing fight against breast cancer by scheduling a mammogram for yourself today! Also, encourage others you know to do the same. Early detection does save lives.

Mechelle Hendrix

BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR We Love You, Tammy & Teresa

In Loving Memory of

Elaine Wagner We love you Pam, Kayla & Jessie

Debbie Ruff Isom from your loving husband Jerryl L. Isom

Screenings Crucial in Breast Cancer Detection Breast cancer screening means checking a woman's breasts for cancer before there are signs or symptoms of the disease. Three main tests are used to screen the breasts for cancer. Talk to your doctor about which tests are right for you, and when you should have them. * Mammogram: The most effective means to detecting breast cancer, a mammogram is an X-ray of the breast.

Mammograms can detect breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.

Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from

clinical breast exams and to perform breast self-exams, be sure you also get regular mammograms.

Breast cancer screenings are typically available at clinics, the local hospital or a doctor's office.

If you want to be screened for breast cancer, call your doctor's office. They can help you schedule an appointment. Most health insurance companies pay for the cost of breast cancer screening tests.

For more information on cancer prevention and control, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at www.cdc.gov/cancer.

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month In

breast cancer. If you are age 40 years or older, be sure to have a screening mammogram every one to two years. * Clinical breast exam: A clinical breast exam is an examination by a doctor or nurse, who uses his or her hands to feel for lumps or other changes. * Breast self-exam: A breast self-exam is when you check your own breasts for lumps, changes in size or shape of the breast, or any other changes in the breasts or underarm (armpit).

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Practicing Breast Self-Awareness Early detection of breast cancer is the single-most effective way to beat the disease. That is why it is essential for women to conduct their own breast exams to discover any potential anomalies early on.

While doctors stress the importance of self-examination, many women still show up for routine wellness visits admitting they don't do examinations because they simply don't know how. Perhaps because the practice was given the formal name "breast self-exam." Today, however, doctors tell women to have "breast self-awareness."

That means women don't have to follow a set protocol regarding checking for breast changes, and simply being aware of how the breasts look and feel is key.

Why the change in the formalities?

Doctors have determined that most

women notice a lump in their breasts while doing routine activities, such as bathing or dressing. They also figured out that a formal method of examining the breasts was not necessary. Lumps can be found simply by touching the breasts in any pattern, as long as the entire breast is checked.

To demystify the process even further, follow these guidelines. * Breasts are best checked for changes directly after a menstrual period. At this time the breast tissue will be softer and less tender due to diminishing hormone levels. * Look at the breasts every day and notice their appearance and shape.

Recognizing subtle differences can help alert a doctor if something is amiss.

* Be conscious of these changes: - changes in breast size, shape, skin texture, or color - dimpling or puckering of the breast - discharge from the nipples - scaliness of the skin - nipple pulling to one side - lump or mass in the breast - enlarged lymph node under the arm Any changes or questions about breast condition should be promptly brought up with a doctor. * Women should know their risk for breast cancer. While there isn't a definitive genetic correlation, the high rate of breast cancer in one family may mean a particular woman is more at risk. * Get routine screenings at a doctor's office. Women over the age of 40 should get a mammogram every year.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

I

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A E K I L GIRL Focused on the Fight.

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