2018 EDA Breast Cancer Awareness

OCTOBER 2018

Breast Cancer survival rates soar Foods that may help

Menopause and Breast Cancer risk

A PUBLICATION OF

PERQUIMANS THE

WEEKLY

"News from Next Door"

When I met my cancer care team for the first time That’s a moment I’ll never forget Because the journey to beat cancer is so tough, every patient at Vidant Chowan Hospital is cared for by a team of experts — including a Cancer Care Navigator — to create and coordinate an individual plan of treatment.

To learn more about our team approach, call toll free 855-MYVIDANT (855-698-4326) or visit VidantHealth.com/Cancer.

2

The Daily Advance — October 2018

Breast Cancer Survival Rates Soar!

A breast cancer diagnosis can be a devastating blow. Upon receiving such a diagnosis, people may begin to ask questions about treatment and the impact cancer may have on their personal lives. Many people who are diagnosed with cancer also begin to wonder about their mortality.

An estimated 266,120 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 63,960 new cases of non-invasive, or in situ, breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women in the United States this year, according to Breastcancer. org. According to the latest statistics presented by the Canadian Breast Cancer foundation, 26,300 women and 230 men had been diagnosed with breast cancer in Canada in 2017.

The good news is that breast cancer incidence rates began decreasing in 2000 after increasing for the previous two decades. In addition, death rates from breast cancer have been decreasingly steadily since 1989. The

National Cancer Institute says that the change in age-adjusted mortality rates are an indicator of the progress being made in the fight against breast cancer.

The most recent SEER Cancer Statistics Review released in April 2018 indicates cancer death rates among women decreased by 1.4 percent per

year between the years of 2006 and 2015. The American Cancer Society says that decreasing death rates among major cancer types, including prostate, colorectal, lung, and breast cancers, are driving the overall shift in survival.

The ACS says breast cancer death rates among women declined by 39 percent

from 1989 to 2015. That progress is attributed to improvements in early detection and treatment protocols. For anyone doing the math, over the last 25 years or so, 322,000 lives have been saved from breast cancer.

A similar scenario has unfolded in Canada. Breast cancer mortality rates in Canada recently decreased to 21.4 percent, down from 21.8 percent in 2011, states data from the Canadian Cancer Society. Currently, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer among Canadians is 87 percent, and the fiveyear net survival in the United States is 85 percent.

Increased knowledge about breast cancer, early detection through examinations and mammography and improved treatments are helping to drive up the survival rates of breast cancer. Although this does not make diagnosis any less scary, it does offer hope to those recently diagnosed.

- Metro Editorial Content

208 Hastings Ln., Elizabeth City, NC www.msa-corp.com

The Daily Advance — October 2018

3

B

Bra Fitting After Mastectomy or Reconstruction

ra manufacturers insist that millions of women wear the wrong size bras. According to an international survey of 10,000 women from Swiss lingerie company Triumph, 64 percent of women are wearing the wrong size bra. Other studies suggest that figure is closer to 80 percent.

While it can be challenging for women with healthy breasts to get the right fit, a well-fitting bra is essential, especially for those who have undergone mastectomy or reconstruction after breast cancer.

Post-mastectomy and lumpectomy procedures vary. Some women opt for a prosthesis, which is essentially a breast form (silicone, foam or fiberfill) that is placed inside of a bra or attached to the chest wall. Other women choose to undergo surgical reconstruction that will involve the insertion of an implant.

Depending on the procedure

they undergo, women may need to purchase special bras called “mastectomy bras.� John Hopkins Medicine advises that mastectomy boutiques and specialty shops carry a variety of prosthetics and garments.

Such shops also may employ certified fitters who are skilled at fitting women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer.

Women should know that their bodies may change after undergoing a mastectomy. It may be necessary to get sized after surgery and frequently thereafter to accommodate for weight loss/gain and other changes as one ages. The Pink Bra, a mastectomy bra specialty retailer, advises every woman should have her bra and breast form fitting checked at least once per year to allow for changes in weight or body shape that may occur as a result of post-surgery treatment.

Certain bra styles may feel and look better to women than others,

depending on the type of surgery and reconstruction they had. For example, a camisole bra may help cover surgical scars while a conventional strap bra might be suitable when no tissue has been removed under the clavicle. It may take some trial and error to find a brand, style and size that is most comfortable.

A surgeon will recommend the appropriate time to start wearing a prosthesis or undergo further reconstruction. He or she also can advise when substantial healing has occurred so that bra fittings will be most accurate. A physician may write a prescription for any prosthetic device or mastectomy bra so patients’ insurance companies will cover them John Hopkins says that, in the United States, most insurance companies will cover up to four mastectomy bras per year.

- Metro Editorial Content

George’s Optical Shop, Inc

Woodard’s Pharmacy

331-7922-George Overman Optician

Charles E. Woodard, RPh, Owner Welcomes You To Hertford

Hand Dipped Ice Cream Fresh Squeezed Lemonade & Orangeade 101 N. CHURCH STREET, P.O. BOX 157 HERTFORD, NC 27944 1)0/& r '"9

Double your lenses when you purchase the: Essilor Ultimate Lens Package with the purchase of two frames

Robert Earl MD, Erica M Ford PAC, Savannah Sievers PAC and Sarah Turner PAC

4

Also Purchase any frame and lenses and second pair 50% off Call for details or drop by!

The Daily Advance — October 2018

Learning Breast Anatomy is Important for Health The well-known breast cancer advocacy and research group Susan G. Komen indicates that, according to the most recent data available, 1.7 million new cases of breast cancer occurred among women worldwide in 2012. Western Europe, North America and northern Europe have the highest breast cancer incidences in the world, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the World Health Organization.

Women diagnosed with breast cancer may want to begin their treatment journeys by educating themselves on the anatomy of the breast so they can better understand their disease and how it develops.

The structure of the breast is complex and comprised of fat, glandular tissue, connective tissue, lobes, lobules, ducts, lymph nodes, blood vessels, and ligaments. The following is a breakdown of the common components of the breast.

• Fat Cells: The female breast is largely fat cells called adipose tissue.

This tissue extends from the collarbone down to the underarm and across to the middle of the rib cage. The main purpose of adipose tissue is to store energy in the form of fat and insulate the body.

• Lobules: Each breast contains several sections that branch out from the nipple. Lobule glands make milk and are often grouped together to form lobes.

There may be between 15 and 20 lobes in each breast, says the Cleveland Clinic.

Each lobe has roughly 20 to 40 lobules.

• Ducts: Connecting the lobules are small tubes called ducts. The ducts carry milk to the nipples of the breasts.

There are around 10 duct systems in each breast, each with its own opening at the nipple.

• Nipple: The nipple may be the most recognizable part of the breast.

It is in the center of the breast. The lobules will squeeze milk into the ducts, which then transfer it to the nipples.

Most nipples protrude outward, but according to Health magazine’s medical

editor Roshini Rajapaksa, MD, some The nipples do not have a singular hole bottle nipple. Rather, there are many lactiferous duct outlets in each nipple that correspond to the ducts in each breast.

• Lymph System: Snaking through the adipose tissue are lymph vessels and nodes. The lymph system

states the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. Bean-shaped

healthy tissue.

• Areola: The areola is pigmented skin surrounding a nipple. The areola contains tubercles called Montgomery’s glands, which secrete lubricating materials to make breastfeeding more comfortable.

Changes in any areas of the breast may be indicative of cancer. That is why women are urged to understand their breasts’ “normal” appearance and feel so they can recognize any changes and address them with a doctor right away.

- Metro Editorial Content

Proudly Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month 441 S. HUGHES BLVD., ELIZABETH CITY

252-338-2050 The Daily Advance — October 2018

5

Breast Implants Carry Very Low Risk of Causing Cancer

C

osmetic surgery to address anything from wrinkles to abdominal fat has become more acceptable in recent decades. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says that, since 2000, overall procedures have risen by 115 percent.

Although procedures like lower body lifts and nose reshaping remain popular, breast augmentation was the most common of the 1.7 million cosmetic surgical procedures performed in 2015.

Breast augmentation includes lifts, reconstruction and implants.

The safety of breast implants is continually scrutinized, particularly with regard to the potential correlation between implants and cancer risk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently updated its understanding and warnings concerning cancer linked to breast implants. Nine deaths and 359 cases

have been reported to the FDA that involved a unique cancer that is associated with breast implants.

Extremely rare anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or ALCL, affects cells in the immune system and can be found around the breast implant.

It is important to note that ALCL is not a form of breast cancer, but a separate strain of cancer that can be found in the skin or lymph nodes.

Women who have had problems with the implant, such as lumps or asymmetry, are at a higher risk for the condition than women who haven’t had problems. However, ALCL is estimated to occur in only one of every 300,000 women with implants.

Breast implants remain a generally safe option for those seeking augmentation or reconstruction.

Many of the risks associated with the implants will occur soon after surgery, if at all. These may include settling and malpositioning. Leaking and

capsular contracture, or when a layer of scar tissue develops around the implant, can occur in the first several years. The FDA suggests that women carefully consider the pros and cons to implants before deciding to go under the knife. In many cases, additional procedures or replacement in the future may be necessary.

According to the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, while a few women may keep their original implants for 20 years or more, that is not a common outcome. More information about breast implants and ACLC are available at www.fda.gov.

- Metro Editorial Content

(252) 338-3060 205 S. Hughes Blvd.

Elizabeth City, NC 27909

1720 City Center Blvd. t 3amigosrestaurant.com

BASS

PORTABLE TOILETS

(252)426-1897 $0..&3$*"- t 3&4*%&/5*"L 41&$*"- &7&/54 6

Eat In / Take Out

Call for To-Go Orders!

Bring this ad in and receive 10% off your total. circleII.com The Daily Advance — October 2018

circleIIrestaurant

Curtail Cocktails to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk?

M

ixed messages exist regarding the health benefits and implications of frequent, yet controlled alcohol consumption. While some studies suggest a drink or two a day promotes long-term health, other data indicates that even sipping an average of 10 grams of alcohol per day can increase a person’s risk of cancer.

According to Anne McTiernan, a cancer prevention researcher at Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the equivalent of a small glass of wine, an eight-ounce beer or one ounce of hard liquor is associated with a 5 percent increased risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women and a 9 percent increase in postmenopausal women.

Other data paints a similar picture.

Compared to women who don’t drink at all, women who have three alcoholic drinks per week have a 15 percent greater risk of breast cancer. Experts estimate that the risk of breast cancer

goes up another 10 percent for each additional drink women regularly have each day. And younger women also are at risk. Teen and tween girls who drink between three and five alcoholic beverages a week increase their risk of developing benign breast lumps.

The cancer information and research organization BreastCancer.org notes that research consistently indicates that

drinking alcoholic beverages increases a woman’s risk of hormone-receptorpositive breast cancer. This is because alcohol can impact levels of estrogen and other hormones associated with this particular type of breast cancer.

Furthermore, alcohol may damage DNA in cells, resulting in increased breast cancer risk.

Drinking alcohol does not mean

women or men are destined to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Alcohol is just one of many variables that can increase a person’s risk of getting the disease.

While curbing excessive drinking is good for health in general, curtailing cocktail consumption may help to slightly reduce breast cancer risk in particular. However, women can take many other steps to reduce their risk for breast cancer.

Diet and exercise can benefit overall health in various ways, including reducing a person’s risk for breast cancer. Various reports suggest that vigorous exercise, like cycling or running, can reduce a woman’s risk of post-menopausal breast cancer by nearly 10 percent compared to less active women. Choosing healthy foods can keep weight in check, helping to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

- Metro Editorial Content

The Shoppes at Kenyon Bailey

Kathy Davenport Owner

407 McArthur Drive Elizabeth City, NC 252-335-5882 Boutique - Cafe - Florist - Greenhouse Event Rentals - Catering - Flower Deliveries

Since 1939 Timber Buyers and Management

BUYERS OF PINE & HARDWOOD TIMBER & PULPWOOD

771-2497

ELIZABETH CITY, NORTHSIDE RD.

The Shoppes at Tanglewood 5BOHMFXPPE 1LZ 4UF $ t &MJ[BCFUI $JUZ t TAF Elizabeth City The Athlete’s Foot of Elizabeth City

The Daily Advance — October 2018

7

W

Determining Breast Cancer Stages

hen receiving treatment for breast cancer, women will learn about cancer staging. According to the nonprofit organization Breastcancer. org, determining the stage of the cancer helps patients and their doctors figure out the prognosis, develop a treatment plan and even decide if clinical trials are a valid option. Typically expressed as a number on a scale of 0 through IV, breast cancer stage is determined after careful consideration of a host of factors.

The staging system, sometimes referred to as the TNM system, is overseen by the American Joint Committee on Cancer and ensures that all instances of breast cancer are described in a uniform way. This helps to compare treatment results and gives doctors and patients a better understanding of breast cancer and the ways to treat it.

Breastcancer.org notes that the TNM system was updated in 2018, but before then was based on three clinical characteristics: • T: the size of the tumor and whether or not it has grown into nearby tissue • N: whether the cancer is present in the lymph nodes • M: whether the cancer has metastasized, or spread to others parts of the body beyond the breast While each of those factors is still considered when determining breast cancer stage, starting in 2018, the AJCC added additional characteristics to its staging guidelines, which make staging more complex but also more accurate.

• Tumor Grade: This is a measurement of how much the cancer cells look like normal cells.

• Estrogen- and Progesterone - Receptor Status: This indicates if the cancer cells have receptors for the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

If cancer cells are from deemed estrogen-receptor-positive, then they may receive signals from estrogen that promote their growth. Similarly, those deemed progesterone-receptor-positive may receive signals from progesterone that could promote their growth.

8

Testing for hormone receptors, which roughly two out of three breast cancers are positive for, helps doctors determine if the cancer will respond to hormonal therapy or other treatments.

Hormone-receptor-positive cancers may be treatable with medications that reduce hormone production or block hormones supporting the growth and function of cancer cells.

• HER2 Status: This helps doctors determine if the cancer cells are making too much of the HER2 protein.

HER2 proteins are receptors on breast cells made by the HER2 gene. In about 25 percent of breast cancers, the HER2 gene makes too many copies of itself, and these extra genes ultimately make breast cells grow and divide in ways that are uncontrollable. HER2-positive breast cancers are more likely to spread and return than those that are HER2negative.

• Oncotype DX Score: The oncotype DX score helps doctors determine a woman’s risk of earlystage, estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer recurring and how likely she is to benefit from post-surgery chemotherapy. In addition, the score helps doctors figure out if a woman is at risk of ductal carcinoma in situ recurring and/or at risk for a new invasive cancer developing in the same breast. The

score also helps doctors figure out if such women will benefit from radiation therapy or DCIS surgery.

Determining breast cancer stage is a complex process, but one that can

help doctors develop the most effective course of treatment. More information is available at www.breastcancer.org.

- Metro Editorial Content

Fall Into Savings with a Fresh Paint Job

$349!

Headlight Restoration $50!

Starting as low as

MENTION AD TO RECEIVE 10% OFF THE PAINT PRICE

NOW OPEN

OUR NEW COMMERCIAL PAINT BOOTH. WE CAN PAINT ANYTHING ON WHEELS.

FREE ESTIMATES

2207 SMITH AVE.

CHESAPEAKE

757-424-2003

Valid at this location only. Vans, trucks, SUV’s & commercial vehicles by estimate. Body work, rust repair & stripping of old paint extra. Not valid with any other offer. Maaco Collision Repair & Auto Painting centers are independent franchises of MAACO Franchising, Inc. and are locally owned & operated. Prices, hours and services may vary. 2012 MAACO Franchising, Inc.

The Daily Advance — October 2018

P

Foods That Help Fight Cancer

eople concerned about their cancer risk may find that switching their diets can do a world of good.

Certain foods may reduce cancer risk, according to various cancer experts, including the MD Anderson Cancer Center. In addition, some foods might increase a person’s risk of developing cancer.

Knowing what to put on the table come breakfast, lunch and dinner can go a long way toward reducing one’s cancer risk.

Some foods show cancer-fighting properties, although it is impossible to currently say one food or another can actually stop cancer from developing. Studies have shown that diets filled with colorful fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of developing cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

Cancer Research UK points out that some foods, such as red

meat and salt-preserved foods, can increase a person’s risk of developing some cancers, while vegetables, fruits and foods high in

fiber have the opposite effect.

A comprehensive review of thousands of studies on physical activity, diet and weight conducted for the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research found that plant-based foods are the best at fighting cancer. Broccoli, berries and garlic showed some of the strongest tendencies to prevent cancer.

603 S. Hughes Blvd. (Hwy 17) | Elizabeth City, NC | 252-335-4213

Senior Citizens

(55 and over)

Bowl for Just $2.00 per game (anytime lanes are open) and $3.00 shoe rental!!!

Together, Let’s STRIKE OUT Cancer!!!

According to research associates at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, a variety of chemicals from plants known as phytochemicals protect cells from harmful compounds in food and in the environment. Phytochemicals prevent cell damage and mutations.

When making their grocery lists, people who want to eat healthy and lower their cancer risk can include as many of these foods as possible. • Garlic: Studies suggest that garlic can reduce the incidence of stomach cancer by attacking bacteria associated with some ulcers and belly cancers. Sulfur compounds in the food may stimulate the immune system’s natural defenses against cancer and could reduce inflammation and tumor growth. • Broccoli: Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage and kale contain glucosinolates. These

are phytochemicals that produce protective enzymes that activate in the intestines. One particular compound, sulforaphane, is strongest and found in broccoli. Protective properties are highest in raw or steamed broccoli. • Blueberries: Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants.

Antioxidants neutralize the unstable compounds, called free radicals, that can damage cells and lead to cancer. • Tomatoes: The red, rich coloring of tomatoes comes from lycopene. In laboratory tests, lycopene has stopped cancer cells, including breast, lung, and endometrial cancers, from growing.

Researchers speculate that lycopene protects cells from damage that could lead to cancer by boosting the immune system.

- Metro Editorial Content

GEORGE & COMPANY HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING & ELECTRICAL “EXCELLENT SERVICE IS OUR GOAL�

KEVIN HARRELL

105 BEAU PARKWAY &-*;"#&5) $*5: /$ r

The Daily Advance — October 2018

9

Menopause & Breast Cancer Risk Menopause occurs when a woman’s reproductive cycle is over and she can no longer produce offspring. For many women, menopause occurs around age 50. While menopause itself is not a risk for breast or other cancers, it’s important to know that some symptom treatments and other factors can increase the risk for cancer among menopausal women.

The North American Menopause Society says that a woman going through perimenopause and menopause may experience various symptoms, which can range from hair loss to food cravings to hot flashes to vaginal dryness. The National Institutes of Health indicates some

women undergo combined hormone therapy, also called hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, to help relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and osteoporosis.

This therapy replaces estrogen and progestin, which diminish in a woman’s body after menopause sets in. However, NIH’s Women’s Health Initiative Study has found that women undergoing HRT have a higher risk of breast cancer, among other conditions.

WebMD says evidence suggests that the longer a woman is exposed to female hormones, whether it’s those made by the body, taken as a drug or delivered by a patch, the more likely she is to develop breast cancer. That means that HRT can increase breast cancer risk and also indicates that the longer a woman remains fertile the greater her risk for certain cancers.

Females who began menstruating before age 12 or entered menopause after age 55 will have had many ovulations. This increases the risk of uterine, breast and ovarian cancers, states the American Society of Clinical Oncology. It also may impact a woman’s chances of developing endometrial cancer.

Gaining weight after menopause can also increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer, states the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight or even losing a little weight can be beneficial.

Women who enter menopause are not necessarily at a higher risk for breast cancer, but some factors tied to menopause can play a role.

- Metro Editorial Content

DID YOU KNOW? While the vast majority of breast cancer diagnoses involve women, men are not immune to the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, the lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is about one in 1,000 among men in the United States.

By comparison, the risk for women in the United States is one in eight. While a man’s risk for breast cancer is considerably lower than a woman’s, the ACS still estimates that roughly 480 men will die from breast cancer in 2018, when more than 2,500 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in men.

In addition, the ACS notes that black men diagnosed with breast cancer tend to have a worse prognosis than white men.

Abbey Simmons

Groomer/Owner

252-335-WAGS(9247) Like us on Facebook

1249 US HWY 17S, Unit 6 Elizabeth City, NC 27909

Quality Concrete with Dependable Service

NORTHEASTERN READY MIX, INC. t 3&4*%&/5*"t $0..&3$*"t */%6453: “SERVING THE ENTIRE ALBEMARLE AREA”

335-1931

,OPCCT $SFFL %SJWF t &MJ[BCFUI $JUZ /$

10

MOBILE HOME PARK

CALL 453-3151 The Daily Advance — October 2018

3 Potential Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatments Cancer is a painful, potentially life-threatening disease. Though discomfort might be the first warning sign that compels people to visit their physicians on the road to receiving a cancer diagnosis, cancer treatments can produce a host of side effects, including pain, as well.

According to the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, breast cancer treatments can create both long-term side effects and late side effects. Longterm side effects are those that begin during treatment and continue after all treatments have stopped, while late side effects refers to symptoms that can appear weeks, months or even years after treatments have ended.

The list of potential side effects of breast cancer treatments is lengthy, but may include the following conditions or issues.

1. FATIGUE The nonprofit organization Breastcancer.org notes that fatigue is the most common side effect of breast

cancer treatments, with some estimates suggesting it affects as many as 90 percent of all patients. Some breast cancer patients may experience fatigue after treatment and find it’s worsening because they are eating less and not getting enough nutrients. In such instances, the initial fatigue may make

people too tired to cook, ultimately contributing to more fatigue when they are not eating or eating convenient yet potentially unhealthy foods. Cooking healthy foods in bulk when fatigue is not overwhelming and accepting others’ offers to cook is a great way for cancer patients to ensure their diets are helping them combat fatigue and not making fatigue worse.

2. LYMPHEDEMA Johns Hopkins School of Medicine notes that, following breast cancer treatment, some patients may suffer from lymphedema, a condition characterized by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the tissues.

Lymphedema most often occurs in the arms, but can contribute to swelling in other parts of the body as well. Why some people suffer from lymphedema after treatment and others don’t is a mystery, though surgeons at Johns Hopkins Breast Center have noticed a low occurrence of lymphedema

in patients who have undergone sentinel node biopsies or axillary node dissection. Breast cancer patients are at risk of lymphedema for the rest of their lives after treatment, and while there’s no way to prevent it, patients should avoid getting needle sticks or blood pressure tests in arms where lymph nodes were removed. In addition, any injuries or cuts in arms where lymph nodes were removed should be treated with vigilance.

3. INFERTILITY Many women will stop menstruating while undergoing chemotherapy or after chemo treatments, and that cessation is often temporary.

These irregularities may be traced to hormonal therapies that make the ovaries stop producing eggs. However, in some instances, even premenopausal women may have trouble getting pregnant after hormonal therapy.

- Metro Editorial Content

VIRGINIA DARE HOUSE -APARTMENTS-

“Affordable Housing for Senior Citizens�

SECTION 8

108 S. McMorrine St. Elizabeth City, NC 27909 Office: (252) 338-3881

ON-SITE CONTAINERS Commercial & Residential

BUILDERS CONTAINER SERVICE (252) 340-5191

DEBRIS REMOVAL OF ALL TYPES: CONSTRUCTION & DEMOLITION CONCRETE | SHINGLES FURNITURE & APPLIANCES TREES/SHRUBS | TRASH

For All Your Physical Therapy Needs 64 )XZ 4 t &MJ[BCFUI $JUZ /$ t XXX TBOTUPOFIFBMUI DPN

The Daily Advance — October 2018

11

Screen Out Mammogram Myths to Stay Healthy

B

reast cancer is one of the leading cancers afflicting women worldwide.

According to BreastCancer. org, in 2018, an estimated 266,120 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 63,960 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the United States.

Women want to do whatever possible to avoid breast cancer or detect it early. Mammograms have long been an important tool in women’s fight against breast cancer. But for as long as mammograms have been recommended, myths have prevailed concerning the procedure and its benefits and risks. Learning to distinguish between mammogram myths and facts can help women recognize the importance of these effective screenings.

Myth: I’m too young for a mammogram.

Fact: A yearly mammogram is recommended for women age 40 and older to help detect breast cancer early. This may lead to less aggressive treatment and a higher rate of survival.

Myth: I don’t need an annual mammogram because I have no symptoms or family history.

Fact: The American College of Radiology recommends annual

screening mammograms regardless of symptoms or family history. Earlystage breast cancers may not exhibit symptoms. Women whose breast cancer is caught in its earliest stages have a five-year survival rate of 99 percent.

Myth: I have breast implants so I can’t get screened.

Fact: Women with breast implants can still have regular mammograms.

Special positioning and additional images may be needed, but the procedure is possible.

Myth: Mammograms are ineffective.

Fact: According to British Columbia Cancer Screening, mammograms are the gold standard for detecting breast cancer early. Mammograms may detect breast cancer two to three years before a woman or a health care provider can feel lumps.

Myth: Mammograms are foolproof.

Fact: Mammogram screenings are not perfect and are just one tool in helping to detect cancer.

Age or breast density can influence the appearance of breast tissue on mammograms. It’s important to note that the inherent qualities of the cancer and how it responds to treatment can affect outcome even if the breast cancer is detected earlier, offers Johns Hopkins Medicine.

- Metro Editorial Content

“The Best In The Business, “The Best In The Business, passionately focused on providing results passionately focused on providing results that exceed expectations!”

that exceed expectations!”

STACEY

STACEY

HITE

HITE

MANAGING BROKER

Cell: (252) 339.5200 M A NREALTOR A G I N G B R O Kstaceywhite@HowardHanna.com ER

Cell: (252) 339.5200 staceywhite@HowardHanna.com https://www.facebook.com/HowardHannaSE.ElizabethCity/

12

The Daily Advance — October 2018

Differences between chemotherapy and radiation

C

ancer can take on many forms and spread throughout the body, infiltrating healthy cells and causing an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells that often turn into tumors.

Various cancer-treatment options are available to treat men and women diagnosed with this potentially deadly disease, but the ones most familiar to many people are radiation and chemotherapy. Working with their doctors, patients can explore their treatment options to determine which therapies may be most effective.

CHEMOTHERAPY Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment in which a patient is administered drugs that are designed to kill cancer cells. These drugs work by attacking the components that allow cells to divide, grow and spread. Many chemotherapy drugs are given intravenously, in cycles, over a couple of weeks, but some chemotherapy medications may be taken orally. Chemotherapy primarily targets cells that divide rapidly, like cancer cells. But because other healthy cells also divide rapidly, such as cells in the hair and digestive tract, patients may

experience side effects in these areas when undergoing chemotherapy treatment, according to the Southeast Radiation Oncology Group.

RADIATION Radiation surrounds us in various forms. Many people are familiar with ultraviolet radiation from the sun, and radiation can be present in certain minerals and substances as well. The high-energy particles and waves contained in radiation can be used in cancer therapy, according to the American Cancer Society. Radiation therapy can be delivered in various forms. External radiation uses a machine that precisely directs high-energy rays from outside of the body into a tumor and nearby tissue.

Internal radiation relies on a radioactive implant placed inside the body near the tumor. Systemic radiation is the delivery of radioactive materials to a patient orally or through an injection.

HORMONE THERAPY Doctors may suggest hormone therapy to treat breast cancer. The American Cancer Society says estrogen promotes the growth of cancers that are hormone receptor-positive (roughly 67 percent of

breast cancers are). Hormone therapy will lower estrogen levels or prevent estrogen from acting on breast cancer cells. However, it will not work on tumors that are hormone receptor-negative.

Doctors use a combination of therapies to treat breast cancer and other forms of cancer.

Learn more about various cancer therapies at The National Institutes of Health’s MedLine Plus website www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ druginformation.html or speak with an oncologist.

- Metro Editorial Content

NCAUPR43028

1BTRVPUBOL $PVOUZ 'BSN #VSFBV .FMJTTB $PQFMBOE -65$' t $ISJT )JMM -65$' #SFOEB $BSUXSJHIU t 3VTUZ 4XFFOFZ -VLF 4NJUI t ,FOU )JMM -65$'

911 Halstead Blvd Elizabeth City, North Carolina 27909

*North Carolina Farm Bureau® Mutual Insurance Co. *Farm Bureau® Insurance of North Carolina, Inc. *Southern Farm Bureau® Life Insurance Co., Jackson, MS *An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

252 338-0173 | ncfbins.com

The Daily Advance — October 2018

13

Can diet prevent breast cancer from spreading?

H

ealthy diets that include plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables that can boost the body’s natural immune system can help people in their fight against cancer. While some foods, namely unhealthy, high-fat/highcaloric foods, are best avoided, women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer who want to prevent the spread of cancer to other areas of their bodies may want to cut some surprising foods from their diets.

Preliminary research now suggests limiting the consumption of asparagine, an amino acid, to dramatically reduce the ability of cancer to spread to other parts of the body. A study published in

the journal Nature found that reducing asparagine consumption in laboratory mice with triple-negative breast cancer could dramatically reduce the ability of the cancer to travel to distant sites in the body.

Asparagine is found in foods like asparagus, whole grains, soy, seafood, eggs, poultry, beef, legumes, and more.

While reducing asparagine will not affect the original breast cancer tumor, it could stop cancer from showing up elsewhere in the body. Researchers suspect that many women with breast cancer do not lose their lives to the original breast cancer tumor, but instead they succumb to metastases or subsequent growths away from the primary site. “Our study adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests diet can influence the course of the disease,� said Simon Knott, Ph.D., associate director of the Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics at Cedars-Sinai and one of two first authors of the study. The research from this study was conducted at more than a dozen institutions.

Apart from dietary restrictions, metastasis also could be greatly limited by reducing asparagine synthetase using chemotherapy drug L-asparaginase.

More research is needed as to whether similar results can be produced in human trials, making avoiding asparagine currently a helpful but not entirely foolproof method for preventing the spread of breast cancer to other areas of the body.

- Metro Editorial Content

DID YOU KNOW? Men have a small amount of breast tissue, and that means they can be affected by breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, men’s breast tissue has ducts, but only few, if any, lobules. That’s because men do not have enough female hormones to promote the growth of breast cells. Breast cancer can be separated into several types based on what the cancer cells look like under the microscope. They can be in-situ, meaning non-invasive or pre-invasive.

They also may be invasive types that have spread to the ducts in the breast tissue. Breast cancer is about 100 times less common among men than among women. Only about 2,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in men this year. But men who feel lumps or other anomalies in the area around the nipple should consult their physicians.

s e i s n a P f o T housands to choose. from which Great selection of Trees and Shrubs

The 1040 N. Road ST. Elizabeth City, NC

Complete Automotive Repair 14

Plant Park

/634&3: t (3&&/)064& t -"/%4$"1*/(

4&-%&/ 453&&5 t &-*;"#&5) $*5: t www.theplantpark.com

The Daily Advance — October 2018

The Plant Park supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month and encourages all Women to perform regular monthly self-check exams

M-F 8:30-5:30, Sat. 8:30-5, OPEN SUN. 1-4

BREAST CENT

ER

BREAST CENTER

BREAST CENTER CRH BreastCenter_EC DailyAdv_9.375x9.5_9-18.indd 1

9/17/18 2:22 PM

The Daily Advance — October 2018

15

THE BREAST CENTER AT SENTARA ALBEMARLE MEDICAL CENTER

PROVEN AND QUALITY CARE When it comes to detecting and treating breast cancer, no one should go through it alone. At Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, a team of doctors, nurses and a patient navigator coordinate an individual care plan for each patient, taking into account the patient’s own goals and unique experiences. Our care team provides state-of-the-art breast ser vices, including 3-D mammography, advanced biopsy techniques and expert surgical care, right here, close to home.

The Breast Center at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center 1144 N. Road Street Elizabeth City, NC 27909 252-337- 9220

Start your journey with Sentara and schedule your screening mammogram today. Call 252-337-9220 or visit sentara.com/mammogram.

16

The Daily Advance — October 2018