Brainerd Dispatch | Wednesday, October 20, 2021
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Breast Cancer AWA R E N E S S
CRMC doctor offers breast cancer prevention tips By Theresa Bourke Brainerd Dispatch About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Steps to prevent that are available, and Dr. Rachel Cady wants all women to know about them. An obstetrician/gynecologist at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center and a certified menopause practitioner, Cady plans to share her expertise and information on how genetic testing and risk assessment can be used as cancer prevention tools during a virtual seminar at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21. “Your genetics can’t change. Everybody’s concerned about their family history and that kind of thing, but what I want women to know is that there are a lot of new updates as far as who should be screened for or at least offer genetic counseling and possibly genetic testing for breast cancer and other cancers,” Cady said during a phone interview Friday, Oct. 15. Those updated guidelines came from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
earlier this year and broadens the necessary criteria for genetic testing and counseling. Cady In the past, Cady said genetic counseling was only offered to those with a deep family history of cancer, and it came at a high cost. While the majority of breast cancer patients have a sporadic case of cancer, Cady said about 25% of those who develop breast cancer actually have a genetic predisposition to cancer. “If you identify who those 25% are by testing before they develop cancer, you can do a lot of things to prevent that.” In extreme cases, preventative mastectomies could be done on those with mutations in their BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. What have come to be called breast cancer genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are genes everyone has, and they normally play a role in preventing breast cancer by repairing DNA breaks that can lead to cancer and the uncontrolled growth of
tumors, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Some people experience a mutation in these genes where the genes do not work properly and could increase the risk of cancer. In other cases, medications — like tamoxifen or raloxifene — could be prescribed as preventative measures. Prior to genetic testing, women can do self-assessments online with tools like the Gail model or the Tyrer-Cuzick model by answering questions about personal and family health history. The results of those assessments could show if women could be good candidates for genetic testing or preventative treatments. “The idea is if you’re identifying people before they get cancer, then you’re really helping a lot of people out there,” Cady said. Under the new National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, women with a first- or second-degree relative who has had breast cancer should be offered genetic counseling and testing, which Cady said has become cheaper and
more accessible in recent years. What many women don’t realize when it comes to risks of cancer, Cady said, is lifestyle habits. About one-third of all cancer cases in the U.S., she said, are actually preventable. “Obesity, diet, exercise and alcohol — those four aspects — really do play into, not only assessing a person’s breast cancer risk, but their risk of developing cancer in general,” Cady said, noting obesity is a pro-inflammatory disease, and that inflammation can sometimes trigger cancer development. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that surveyed 91,000 women, found that women who ate a plant-based diet, for example, had about a 15% risk reduction in developing breast cancer.
Tune in to Cady’s talk
Those interested in Dr. Cady’s presentation can tune in to facebook.com/crosbycares at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21. For more information about women’s health, visit cuyunamed.org/patient-care/womens-health.
Plant-based, whole nosis. food diets are advisable, Not everyone may Cady said, as are at least qualify for genetic coun115 minutes of moderate seling and testing, but intensity exercise every Cady wants women to week, no smoking and know that they can idenlimited alcohol intake. tify some of their own “These are all huge risks and change habits risk factors,” she said. While women can’t to reduce that risk. “I think that the focus change their genetics, on breast cancer in the they can control their population exercise routines and general what they put into their should be more on edubodies. cation about genetics, Essentially, the goal genetic testing, knowof Cady’s presentation ing your own risk facis to identify high-risk tors and being proactive individuals and be more about modifying those proactive rather than reactive, as tends to be risk factors.” THERESA BOURKE may be typical in the U.S. with reached at theresa.bourke@ chemotherapy and surbrainerddispatch.com or geries being offered to 218-855-5860. Follow her on minimize morbidity and Twitter at www.twitter.com/ DispatchTheresa. mortality after a diag-
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Wednesday, October 20, 2021 | Brainerd Dispatch
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Breast Cancer AWA R E N E S S
Crosslake woman promotes mammograms for early detection of cancer By Nancy Vogt Echo Journal
‘G
et tested.” That’s Crosslake resident Pam Nelson’s advice to women to get mammograms during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and anytime. “I was the last person I thought would get cancer,” said Nelson, describing her shock upon learning in March that she had a form of breast cancer. Afterall, she exercises every day and eats clean, healthy food all with the goal and expectation of staying well. Nancy Vogt / Echo Journal “I just did all the Pam Nelson, of Crosslake, caught her breast cancer early by heeding her nurse practitioner’s advice to get a things I thought would keep me healthy,” she mammogram in March 2021. She had cancerous tissue removed and underwent radiation. said. Nelson’s breast cancer doing as much as I can They’re confident During a routine Nelson said. was stage 0 - the appointment, her nurse naturally between food the cancerous cells are Nelson reiterated earliest stage possible practitioner urged her and supplements and gone. that the key takeaway - because it hadn’t to get a mammogram. teas and different ways “Right now I’m on from her breast cancer broken out of the milk Nelson, 56, hadn’t of detoxing my body,” medications and also journey is to get tested, ducts. But the cells had one in many years were high grade. She because she and her learned the cancer was husband, Rob, are selfslow growing and not employed and didn’t aggressive. have employer health According to the insurance. American Cancer So she put off annual Society, about one in mammograms. five new breast cancers “She pressed me this will be DCIS, and nearly year. I said, ‘I’ll call for all women with this the cost,’” Nelson said. early stage of breast A mammogram cancer can be cured. In wasn’t as expensive DCIS, the cells that line as she anticipated, the ducts have changed so Nelson had a to cancer cells but they mammogram in early have not spread through March. the walls of the ducts The X-ray results into the nearby breast came back a little suspicious, and Nelson tissue. underwent another mammogram for an “I was the last person enlarged view. She I thought would get wasn’t too worried. cancer.” Then she learned the results were still suspicious and they PAM NELSON, 218.454.1542 | knutenelson.org wanted to do a biopsy CROSSLAKE to gather tissue to be analyzed. Now she was Medical personnel scared. On a Friday in March, wanted to schedule surgery. Nelson took she learned she had DCIS - ductal carcinoma the weekend to process in situ. Nelson explained the information and do her own research. she had no cancerous She learned this type of lumps. Rather, the breast cancer may never cancer was within the milk ducts of the breast break out of the milk ducts and become an and hadn’t yet broken invasive cancer, but the out into lumps. possibility does exist. DCIS is mainly found She struggled, in mammograms and preferring natural not usually through breast self exams since healing, but in the there are no lumps to end chose the path of feel. Small deposits of science. She underwent calcium show up as two surgeries, both to little white spots in the remove as much of the mammogram around tissue with cancer cells where cancer may be as possible, followed by lurking. 20 radiation treatments.
even if you think you’re healthy. “You don’t know that. You can’t always use that as your gauge,” she said of her firsthand experience. In her case, an overdue mammogram led to early detection of cancer. She sent a note thanking her nurse practitioner for pushing Nelson to schedule a mammogram. “People tend to put off their mammograms. Unfortunately, they just don’t want to do them,” Nelson said, because they’re uncomfortable or because of cost. “Go get tested. Don’t rely on a breast exam at home. If you detect it that way and find a lump, it’s already out,” Nelson said. Nancy Vogt may be reached at 218-855-5877 or nancy.vogt@ pineandlakes.com. Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter at www. twitter.com/@PEJ_Nancy.
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Brainerd Dispatch | Wednesday, October 20, 2021
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Breast Cancer AWA R E N E S S
CARRYING THE TORCH
Advocate continues her mother’s legacy after three decades By Randy Griffith The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa. WINDBER, Pa. — When her mother died of breast cancer at the age of 56, Michelle Boyd was knocked for a loop. “I went through the normal emotions,” Boyd said. “I was upset. Mad. Why? Why did this happen to our family?” Eventually, she began to channel those emotions in a positive direction by raising money for breast cancer support and research in her mother’s memory. She did local fundraisers and participated in events through a national foundation for about eight years. In the meantime, Boyd learned more about breast cancer and advocated for awareness among her friends and community. She began getting annual mammograms about the time her mother was diagnosed, even though she was still in her 20s. She had been to different facilities to get her mammograms over the years, but found something special when she first went to Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center in Windber, she said. “What an amazing facility,” Boyd said. “We are so lucky to have it in our own backyard. From the moment
you walk in the door, they make you feel like you are the only patient — you’re their family.” After experiencing the Joyce Murtha center’s patientcentered approach, Boyd began to direct all her fundraising efforts to the Windber facility — part of Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber. There have been ceramics and painting parties, and cake-decorating gatherings. Erin Goins, director of the breast care center, said Boyd’s efforts provide more than additional funds to help patients who can’t afford care. “She is a connection to the community as a whole,” Goins said. “Any time she hosts an event, she is not only raising funds, she is also raising awareness. It is so humbling to have someone who wants to give back.” The energy Boyd provides is inspiring, Goins added. “The staff at the center tries to maintain our emotional composure,” she said. “However, we struggle privately with each patient’s story when they are diagnosed. It can become difficult to stay positive at times due to the nature of what we do, but it is because of people like
Michelle that we are inspired to want to continue to do our best at providing care.”
friend is in her second battle with breast cancer. Diagnosed at age 35, the friend thought she had beatLooking ‘to do more’ en the disease. She’s now 41, One of the big fundraisers and the cancer has returned, is an annual golf outing in spreading to other parts of memory of Boyd’s mother, her body. Helen Birus. This year’s event “It’s heartbreaking, and it at Somerset Country Club was encourages me to do more,” the fourth she has organized Boyd said. with help from her husband, As part of the Oct. 23 Color Scott Boyd, and their sons, Me Pink Run/Walk, Boyd is Travis and Logan. It’s the organizing a basket raffle to third event at Somerset. expand the event’s benefit to When they decided to the Joyce Murtha center. launch the outing, they lined The 5K run and 1.5-mile up the date at Oakbrook Golf walk starts at the breast care Club near Jennerstown. They center and proceeds through put the word out with calls Windber streets, with “pink to family and friends and stations” where volunteers through social media posts. spray willing participants’ “With 15 minutes of calls clothing with pink aerosol. and social media, we had 80 Knowing funds raised for people,” Boyd said. “We were the Joyce Murtha Center supsold out. After the first year, port cancer patients in the it’s kind of easy with people local community is a fitting coming back.” tribute to her mother, Boyd In addition to attract- said. ing golfers, the family has Helen Birus was raised in been able to offer prizes for Johnstown’s Woodvale secdrawings at the golf events tion and moved to Moxham through donations from busi- when she married Matthew nesses and other supporters. Birus. The family lives in Lorain A homemaker, Helen conBorough. Michelle and Scott tributed to the family’s Boyd are the owners of Scotty income, working part-time at the former Kopriva’s MarB’s tavern, 324 Ohio St. This year’s fundraising ket in Richland and selling has taken on new meaning, her homemade pierogies and because Michelle Boyd’s best baked goods.
Boyd said the family always kept up with health care needs such as checkups and screenings, in part because her father had a number of health issues. Helen Birus got her regular mammograms, but discovered the cancer herself between screenings. “It just popped up and it was a very aggressive cancer,” Boyd said. Her mother died in 1989, and Boyd said she has been amazed at the advances in breast cancer treatment that have been made since then. “We didn’t even know what kind (of breast cancer) my mom had,” she said. “Back then, it was: ‘You have breast cancer. Here’s your treatment.’ ” Because of the advances and her personal connections, Boyd is an outspoken advocate for breast cancer awareness. “I encourage people to get screened,” she said. “Know your body. If something isn’t right, go to your doctor immediately.” Men should encourage the women in their lives to get screened, she added. “Early detection is your best defense,” Boyd said. © 2021 The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC.
Breast cancer survivor, health officials encourage women to get yearly mammograms By Kelci McKendrick Enid News & Eagle, Okla. Two years ago, Sandy Schapansky was busy with work and in her personal life, so she put off her yearly mammogram for a few months to let things slow down. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, so she put it off even longer — until she felt an unusual lump in her left breast in September 2020. Schapansky, a certified medical assistant at Integris Women’s Health Enid, immediately scheduled a mammogram, and soon after, on Oct. 2, 2020, she received her diagnosis: stage three breast cancer. After having a lumpectomy and receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments throughout the past year, Schapanskly got the news that she was cancer-free on Thursday, and she is encouraging others to get their annual mammograms and to know their bodies. “If you get your mammograms consistently, and you know your breast tissue, you have a better chance of being
on top of the diagnosis early,” Schapansky said. “Somewhere in that timeframe when I skipped, that’s when my cancer came on. Had I just gone ahead and gotten that mammogram ... that could’ve given me a heads-up, and maybe it wouldn’t have been in my lymph nodes.” Melanie Hutchinson, a physician at St. Mary’s Family Medicine North, said because of COVID19, a lot of people had put annual check-ups and screenings such as mammograms on the back-burner. Now, she said, it’s time to start getting back into a normal routine of getting those yearly screenings and visits with your doctor. “Keeping up on your routine screenings is how we catch diseases early,” Hutchinson said. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among women in the United States, and there is a 1 in 8 chance that a woman will develop breast cancer sometime in her life. Ryan Royal, manag-
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er of Radiological Services at Integris Bass Baptist Health Center, said because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, patients often get the reminder to schedule their annual mammograms. Royal said because of that, the number of mammograms performed typically increases during the month of October, so Integris Bass is scheduling appointments for mammograms every Saturday this month to help give patients more availability. “(Breast Cancer Awareness Month) rings the bell, so to get everybody in this month, we opened up Saturdays,” he said. “October hits, and ... it reminds them, so it’s just a good month to get it in.”
Hutchinson said the older women get, the more likely they are to develop breast cancer, which is why she said yearly mammograms should be discussed at age 40 and initiated no later than age 50. According to the ACA, women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms if they wish, and women ages 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year. Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every two years or can continue with yearly screening. National Breast Cancer Foundation encourages adult women of all ages to perform breast self-exams once a month, stating that
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the breast self-exams can help people to be familiar with how their breasts look and feel so they can alert health care professionals if there are any changes. Twenty-five years ago, Schapansky discovered an abnormality in her right breast. It turned out to be microcalcifications, which are small calcium deposits that look like white specks on a mammogram. Schapansky said that being aware of her breast tissue made the lump she discovered in her left breast two years ago concerning. “I think women need to know their breasts,” Schapansky said. “They should not feel awkward about doing a breast exam and knowing that tissue.”
It’s important for people to know their bodies, Hutchinson added. “As far as breast self-awareness and knowing, ‘OK, this is new. I’ve never felt this before. I have a new mass. I have a change in pain. I have a different discharge,’ — those would all be reasons to ... to see a provider and talk about what kind of breast imaging is appropriate,” Hutchinson said. Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance companies cover the cost of mammograms. “It’s a simple, quick and easy task to stay on top of,” Royal said. © 2021 the Enid News & Eagle (Enid, Okla.). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC.
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