Breast Cancer 2013 by APG-West (Idaho Press)

Breast cancer awareness

Breast cancer survivors, from left, Maribel Real, Carol Cross, Karen Otter and Cindi Raney. Photo illustration by Greg Kreller and Randy Lavorante/IPT

SISTERHOOD FOR THE CURE

Support group provides special bond for patients, survivors INSIDE

While uncommon, breast cancer occurs in men �� 2 Family’s proactive approach keeps cancer fears at bay �� 4 hen faced with a diagnosis of cancer, emotional Nampa woman’s ongoing struggle a cautionary tale �� 5 or physical needs can be taken care of by groups Woman’s vigilance saves her from breast cancer �� 5 that offer support. One unique support group is Author brings message of healthy living to survivors �� 6 Caldwell, Nampa rodeos support fight against breast cancer 6 the Mercy Sisterhood. The Mercy Sisterhood, or the Sisterhood of St. Al’s as Mobile units bring mammograms to women near and far �� 7 they’ve started to call themselves, is a group of the hos- October breast cancer awareness events..................................................... 7 By ERYN SHAY JOHNSON

For the Idaho Press-Tribune

pital’s employees united by the same diagnosis: breast cancer. “I’ve worked here with this group for about 10 years,” Carol Cross said. “We formed five or six years ago, unofficially, and started meeting every now and then.” Cross is one of the sisters. Her companions include Cindi Raney, Karen Otter, Gretchen Robertson and Maribel Real. “I talk to my doctors and nurses enough about my illness,” Raney said. “Here is a camaraderie. We need something, we get together.” While the women share the common bond of cancer, C M Y K

they try not to make it the focus of their friendship. “This group doesn’t concentrate on the illness,” said Real. “We celebrate our victories.” “We see ourselves as healthy,” chimed in Cross. “We’re all working full time. We all work through our treatment. Cindi works full time.” Raney, who was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer 10 years ago, is a hero and example to the sisters. “Cindi is fighting again,” Otter said. “She’s outlived all the treatment plans.”

While the women focus on victories, they recognize the importance of supporting each other when times get tough. “When we need to meet, we meet,” Otter said. One of those occasions was two years ago when one of the sisters passed away. “That was the hardest thing,” Raney said. “We were both diagnosed as stage IV and she struggled, but she was the one that, even in her worst of times, she would come by the hospital and say ‘We’re gonna beat this.’” “She would have been a loss no matter what took her,” Otter added. But the women remain strong. “The various members of our group have been through a variety of things: treatments, surgery, anything you can do one of us has done,” Raney said. “We’ve been there for each other,” added Cross. The sisters spread their knowledge of the illness to patients and coworkers alike, trying not only to increase awareness, but to give hope to those diagnosed.

Please see Sisterhood, page 2

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Idaho Press-Tribune • Sunday, October 6, 2013

idahopress.com

While uncommon, breast cancer occurs in men By MICHELLE CORK

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For the Idaho Press-Tribune

reast cancer in men remains rare. And two local experts say because only about one percent of all breast cancers occur in men, it’s tough to make a case for regular screenings during checkups or for men to do breast self-exams. However, some men are at greater risk for the disease. And men in general are diagnosed at a later stage. “They tend to be stage II or greater at the time of initial diagnosis,” explained Dr. Elizabeth Prier, a breast surgeon who serves as the medical director of the Saint Alphonsus Comprehensive Breast Surgery Center. Prier said in stage II, the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. She said more than 50 percent of men are diagnosed at stage II, compared with 35 percent of women. Diagnostic radiologist and director of St. Luke’s Breast Care Services Dr. David McNaul said nationwide about 2,100 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in men annually. The American Society of Clinical Oncology estimates approximately 400 men will die of the disease this year. McNaul said since joining St. Luke’s 10 months ago, he has not seen a case of male breast cancer, although he saw two the previous year. Prier estimated she’s seen just two cases in men in the past five or 10 years. As in women, age is a risk factor. Breast cancer in both sexes is most often diag-

Breast cancer surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Prier recommends breastcancer.org and cancer.net as reliable online sources of information about breast cancer in men. nosed between the ages of 60 and 70. Being overweight also increases your risk, according to Prier. “Fat tissue makes estrogen,” she explained. “There is actually an increased risk of breast cancer in the morbidly obese. ... It can double your risk.” The higher levels of estrogen associated with Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic condition in which men are born with an extra X chromosome, may also increase their chances of getting breast cancer. “Men who are taking estrogen for any reason would increase their risk for developing breast cancer,” McNaul said. Both McNaul and Prier agreed one of the strongest risk factors is a family history of mutation of the genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2, which, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at the National Institutes for Health, produce tumor-suppressor proteins. The NCI says the proteins “help repair damaged DNA and, therefore, play a role in ensuring the stability of the cell’s genetic material. When either of these genes is mutated ... DNA damage may not be repaired properly. As a result, cells are more likely to develop additional genetic alterations that

can lead to cancer.” BRCA mutation was brought to the general public’s awareness when actress Angelina Jolie announced in May she had had a preventive double mastectomy after testing positive for a BRCA1 mutation, which her doctors estimated put her at an 87 percent risk for developing breast cancer. While it’s become common to hear about breast cancer prevention and treatment for women, it remains exceptional for men, who aren’t encouraged to do breast self-exams and who are much more likely to undergo screenings for colon or prostate cancers when they see their doctors. When cancer is detected, Prier said it’s usually by the man himself, who typically

feels a mass behind or next to his nipple. “The treatments are almost always a mastectomy,” said McNaul, who added lumpectomies are rare, generally because men have less breast tissue. Prier added if there’s evidence the cancer has spread to lymph nodes, those too may be removed. She said tamoxifen, usually taken for five years after surgery, is a successful part of treatment. “It significantly decreases the risk of recurrence ... and increases the rate of survival.” “We don’t recommend self-breast care exams in men because the incidence is so low,” McNaul said, “but if they do find a lump, they should visit their primary care physician.”

Sisterhood Continued from page 1

Otter agreed. “You don’t know what they’re going to “People need to realize do — and you don’t want with a cancer diagnosis that anything done.” you are not going to die,” Whether it was the said Otter. “Cancer people initial diagnosis, surgeries need to hang out with proor countless hours spent ductive cancer people.” in treatment, the women Raney is in agreement. are there to support each “Don’t let cancer conother by holding hands and sume your life. Work if you comforting spouses and like your job, maintain that reminding their sisters that identity. With mine, I do “you’re going to get through what I need to do, even if it is this.” only a small thing,” she said. Otter said the group also The group recommends makes sure to watch each women get an annual exam other’s backs and remind and apply for the grants them to go to appointments that are available to cover and follow-ups. the costs associated with “We’re genuine,” she the screening. said. “Other groups don’t do “The diagnosis is devas- that, but we have a personal tating,” Cross said. tie, got to know each other “That’s the worst,” and became stronger.”

Carol Cross

Karen Otter

The women make it a point to be known through the hospital as a place to turn to if someone is diagnosed, but their meetings are far from scheduled. “I don’t think we would like it if it were the second Sunday of every month,” Otter said, and the others

laughed in agreement. “We’ve been trying for quarterly meetings, to get together on the weekend and do lunch,” Cross said. “When someone moves away, we definitely get together.” The first meeting the sisters had was at the

Cindi Raney

Maribel Real

hospital and, since then, they have tried to meet outside of work. Because October is breast cancer awareness month and the month they lost a sister, the group makes it a point to do something in the fall. “Several of us walk in the (Susan G. Komen Race

for the Cure),” said Raney. “We always try to meet in October.” Whenever the hospital does an event to raise money or awareness, the sisters are there to support it. And are there to do whatever they can for the other sisters of the Mercy Sisterhood.

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Idaho Press-Tribune • Sunday, October 6, 2013

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Idaho Press-Tribune • Sunday, October 6, 2013

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

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Family’s proactive approach keeps cancer fears at bay By BRAD CARLSON

For the Idaho Press-Tribune

argo Smedshammer’s recent screening for breast cancer evoked memories of August 1995, when she heard the news. “She picked us up from school on the day the doctor called her,” she said of her mother, Jean Findley. “We were close to the McDonald’s in Ontario. My reaction was shock.” Findley told her three daughters she had an abnormal mammogram result and possibly cancer. She would need to return to the hospital for more tests. Smedshammer and her sisters suddenly faced the prospect they could lose their mother. As teenagers, they did not have much experience thinking about mortality. She and her mother, father (Roger Findley) and sisters waited at least a week between tests and procedures, experiencing emotional ups and downs that would ultimately draw them closer. “I remember the interim being so hard, just waiting,” Smedshammer said. “All of our worst fears were confirmed. She did have cancer.” Now her mother is a long-term survivor and Smedshammer is a believer in early detection through mammograms and selfexams. “This is important. It saved my mom’s life,” she said. Smedshammer, who lives in Marsing and works as a physician’s assistant in Ontario, said she appreciates the progress she has seen in cancer diagnosis and treatment over the years. The mammogram Smedshammer had in late September, about a month after turning 33, was her second ever. Annual screenings are recommended starting at age 40, or age 35 if a woman’s mother or sister had cancer, she said. Smedshammer had her first after finding a lump that turned out to be a noncancerous enlargement of a lymph node. (American Cancer Society recommendations: Cancer.org) Findley was 50 in 1995 when her primary care doctor recommended the mammogram, a forward-thinking move when the test’s importance was just starting to be recognized, her daughter said. Findley’s first was a few years earlier. “She would not have detected her cancer if not for her mammogram,” Smedshammer said. “She never felt a lump. They caught it early.” After an initial procedure did not remove all cancer cells plus a large enough margin of unaffected area, her mother could have opted to remove more tissue — including some lymph nodes, which contain immunity-boosting cells — and then undergo radiation treatment. Instead, she opted for a mastectomy combined with the

Photos by Adam Eschbach/IPT

Margo Smedshammer, Marsing, has a mammogram screening Sept. 26 at the West Valley Medical Center Women’s Imaging Center in Caldwell. Smedshammer had a mammogram 19 months ago to evaluate a lump, which was diagnosed as a lymph node. She returned to have it re-evaluated after the lump grew. then-new reconstructive procedure that relocates fat from the abdomen. “It had not spread (to lymph nodes), and that was the one ray of hope,” Smedshammer said. “It was a really roller coaster-time as hopes went up and down.” Smedshammer recalled her mom going through emotions, but concentrating on “figuring out the treatment that would give her the best chance of living unaffected from cancer.” It helped that Findley’s dad, the late Dr. James Alderfer, was a California general practitioner who knew someone there performing the new procedure successfully. “I never did feel a sense of panic on this,” Findley said. The early diagnosis helped, as did an immediate search for information from her father, respected authors on breast cancer and others. “I talked to friends, neighbors and everybody who knew anybody who had been through these things; one of the most important and supportive things I did,” she

said. She returns the favor eagerly. Including the family throughout was key, Findley said. For her daughters, all teens at the time, it would have been a “terrible time to lose your mother,” she said. “I think the girls were more nervous than I was. I had a sense of peace it would work out.” During diagnosis and treatment, the Ontario-based family was more irritable, but also more affectionate, Smedshammer recalled. Her energetic and witty father — a college professor and farmer — was more reserved as he and Findley, and their oldest daughter, focused on family needs and tasks at hand. Friends reached out. “I was the middle child. I probably acted

out more,” Smedshammer said. She recalled being angry her mom could have been taken away, but thankful her cancer was detected. Her mom, a U.S. Bureau of Land Management botanist, benefited from being in good physical condition, she said. Teenaged girls should start self-exams early, and women should not fear getting mammograms at recommended intervals, Smedshammer said. Her sister who is 16 months older has had one. Women diagnosed with breast cancer should remain unafraid, positive and proactive, Findley added. “Nobody in our family is scared of doctors,” she said.

Confused about Mammograms? Reliable experts offer differing opinions on screening mammography recommendations, but one thing is certain: breast cancer risk should not be ignored. One out of every seven women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, and early detection is key to survival. Talk with your doctor about your breast cancer risk, and together you can design a screening plan tailored to your needs. And when it’s time for your screening mammogram, the team at St. Luke’s Breast Care Services is here for you.

Take Care Forward.

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Idaho Press-Tribune • Sunday, October 6, 2013

Nampa woman’s ongoing struggle a cautionary tale By GINNY EGGLESTON For the Idaho Press-Tribune

tacy Heath has dealt with her share of tragedy over the last year. On Dec. 21, 2012, Heath lost her husband, Arthur Heath, in a car wreck. The following January, Heath discovered a lump in her breast. Still reeling from the loss of her husband, Heath said she did not go to the doctor right away to have her breast checked. In July, Heath finally went in to get an exam after she discovered another lump in her armpit. She got a mammogram and ultrasound at Mercy North in Nampa, then a biopsy at Saint Alphonsus in Boise the next week. From that biopsy, Heath said, the doctors determined she had an infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) in her breast and a metastatic carcinoma in her lymph node. “I had surgery on the 28th of July,” she said. “They removed everything from the breast and the lymph nodes in my armpit.” During surgery, doctors removed 12 lymph nodes and an inch-and-a-half mass from Heath’s breast. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, IDC is the most common type of invasive breast cancer, making up nearly 70 to 80 percent of all breast cancer diagnoses. “It’s the most common form and the fastest-growing,” Heath said. “It’s very aggressive.” Because the breast cancer metasta-

Submitted photo

Stacy Heath has a fast-growing form of breast cancer. She has discussed her treatment with her daughter Tayler, 7. Heath says if she had continued her annual exams in recent years, she would have found the problem earlier. sized into Heath’s lymph nodes, Heath will have to undergo chemotherapy followed by radiation. At 41, Heath has no history of breast cancer in her family and she has no prior health problems. Before the birth of her now 7-year-old daughter, Tayler, Heath regularly went for her an-

nual exams. “Before I had my daughter, I went in for 17 years,” Heath said. She always had normal exams, so after she had a tubal ligation, Heath said she saw no reason to continue getting regular checkups. Heath said she was set to begin che-

motherapy on Sept. 30. She will undergo chemo treatments every 21 days for six months. After that, she will receive radiation treatments daily for six weeks straight. Heath has spoken with Tayler about her cancer treatments. “She goes between thinking it’s funny I’m going to lose my hair and crying because she doesn’t want me to be sick.” Heath said she will have the support of her mother, aunt and mother-in-law while she undergoes treatment. Heath said after she goes through chemotherapy and radiation treatments, the doctors will give her an ultrasound every six months to monitor her recovery. “The prognosis is if it comes back, it will happen within the first two to three years. If it doesn’t come back in two to three years, it probably never will.” Looking back now, Heath said she should have continued getting her annual exams, and she should have gone to get a checkup right away when she noticed something wrong. “Had I gone when I found the lump in January, I wouldn’t have had to do chemotherapy,” she said. “It wouldn’t have gotten to my lymph nodes.” Heath said women should not ignore their health, and they should go for their regular exams. “Go no matter how long it’s been or how healthy you are,” Heath said. “I thought ‘I haven’t had any problems, why bother?’ You shouldn’t think that way.”

Woman’s vigilance saves her from breast cancer By GINNY EGGLESTON

For the Idaho Press-Tribune

n Dec. 19, 2012, during a routine mammogram, Patricia Ginther, then 62, was informed she had an irregularity in her breast. Ginther’s mother died of breast cancer when Ginther was only 17, so regular breast exams and mammograms have always been a part of her life. “I am pretty diligent about having it done,” she said. “Mother was 38 when she passed away from cancer. My mother had two mastectomies: one side, then the other. Back in the ‘60s, they weren’t doing chemotherapy or radiation.” In January, Ginther underwent another mammogram and breast ultrasound to confirm the mass in her breast. That same day, she un-

derwent a needle biopsy so other treatment. the mass could be tested for “I opted not to do the cancerous cells. Two days radiation at that time,” she later, the doctor told Ginsaid. “If it came back in the ther that she had a precansame spot, I wouldn’t have cerous mass called a ductal been able to get radiation carcinoma in situ or DCIS. again. I would have only According to the Na- Patricia Ginther been able to do a mastectomy.” tional Breast Cancer Foundation, DCIS is the presence of Ginther said although the surabnormal cells inside a milk duct gery was not physically difficult, in the breast. DCIS is noninvasive, it was emotionally very hard. She meaning it hasn’t spread out of the gave credit to her husband, Ray, milk duct to invade other parts for helping her through the diffiof the breast. However, if left un- cult times. treated, DCIS can spread into the “My husband was a good supsurrounding breast tissue. port to me. He was worried of “They said there were options course, but he was my mainstay, for me and my risk of reoccurrence my strength. He did very well.” was low,” Ginther said. Ginther and Ray have two She underwent a lumpectomy grown children and three grandon Jan. 31 and chose not to do any children. Her daughter, who is

now 37, got her first mammogram this year. In addition to the support of her family, Ginther also relies on her faith to carry her through tough times. “I’ve got my faith in a living God and he gets me through those times of fear. That’s what keeps me going.” Since undergoing treatment, Ginther’s doctor recommended she get a mammogram every six months. However, due to the expense, Ginther can only get a mammogram once a year. Currently, Ginther qualifies for the public health program “Women’s Health Check” or WHC. WHC provides annual mammograms and periodic Pap tests to low-income women in order to increase

screening rates for breast and cervical cancer. Southwest District Health also offers a sliding fee scale for checkups and breast screenings based on a woman’s annual income. Additionally, the Susan G. Komen Foundation offers financial help and low-cost mammogram options to women who are in financial need. Ginther said women need to do what they can to get their mammograms regularly, despite their financial situation. “If you don’t qualify for the [WHC] program, you can still go to Southwest District Health and get a reduced rate,” said Ginther. For women who are not going in for regular exams, Ginther had very simple advice: “I would say definitely start doing so.”

For help finding a doctor or scheduling a mammogram, please call (208) 706-2055.

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Idaho Press-Tribune • Sunday, October 6, 2013

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

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Author brings message of healthy living to survivors Cookbook includes recipes, wellness tips for life after cancer

the Swing Cookbook: Recipes for Eating and Living Well Every Day After Breast Cancer,” a guide that includes essential nutriBy KELCIE MOSELEY ents in recipes, exercise tips kmoseley@idahopress.com and ideas for promoting a © 2013 Idaho Press-Tribune healthy mindset through BOISE — At the end of activities like yoga. Samples her breast cancer treatof recipes from the cookments in 1998, Barbara book were available at the Unell was told to go back to event. living her life and come to Barbara Unell That book has since been the doctor’s office again in Author and breast integrated into MSTI’s own three months for her check- cancer survivor “survivorship” program, up scans. which took off in 2010, said No more plans or constant sup- Alicia Rosales, survivorship proport — just go back to how things gram navigator. were. “They key component (of the “People say the worst day of program) is the survivorship care their life is the day they’re diagnosed (with cancer), and the sec- plan,” Rosales said. “It talks about ond worst day is the day they’re let the kinds of treatment received, go of treatment, because the whole what side effects they may have, and tips for staying healthy.” safety net is gone,” Unell said. That plan is tailored to each That didn’t feel right to her, so patient, who meets with a speshe decided something needed to be done to provide more support cialist for one hour after their last to breast cancer survivors. Two treatment, where they can ask years later, she founded Back in any questions, find out what to the Swing, an organization dedi- expect in the weeks to come and cated to fundraising for “survivor- get information about how to live a healthy lifestyle that will hopeship” programs and research. “There is no other grassroots, fully keep them in remission for a national organization, nonprofit longer period of time. All elements that’s sole focus is helping to sup- of the plan are backed by scientific port clinical breast cancer sur- research on reducing cancer risk vivorship medical care in com- and risk of recurrence. Since its inception, Back in the munity hospitals, so that after a person finishes treatment or even Swing has grown into a movebefore, that person can look at ment, and Unell has appeared on how to improve their health after- Oprah, NPR and other programs. She started a “retail therapy” wards,” Unell said. St. Luke’s Mountain State Tu- branch of the organization that is mor Institute invited Unell to aimed at giving breast cancer surspeak to survivors Oct. 1 at an vivors something to do that’s fuevent in the Stueckle Sky Box at ture oriented and supporting local Boise State University. Last Au- businesses at the same time. gust, Unell co-wrote the “Back in But the movement has gone

Samples of recipes from author and breast cancer survivor Barbara Unell’s “Back in the Swing Cookbook” were available at the St. Luke’s event Tuesday night. The recipes include ingredients like berries, dark chocolate and coffee. Kelcie Moseley/IPT

much bigger than that. In 2011, the American College of Surgeons changed its accreditation requirements to include survivorship programs. By 2015, every hospital or cancer center must have a survivorship program in place to maintain its standing as an accredited institution. And the MSTI is on the forefront of that process, Unell said. The institution is much further along than many centers and hospitals across the country. Several St. Luke’s specialists spoke to the audience of survivors Tuesday as well, relaying messages of wellness and moving for-

ward. The recommendations for a healthy lifestyle for cancer survivors aren’t much different than those for healthy lifestyles in general, and actually strongly mimic the recommendations given to patients who have had a heart attack, Rosales said. The program isn’t just offered to breast cancer patients, either. Those with colorectal, anal, lung and prostate cancer are also able to receive the services, and by 2015, all cancer patients will be included. Rosales said the response to the program so far has been overwhelmingly positive, with a

WHERE CAN I GET THE BOOK? The “Back in the Swing Cookbook” is available on Amazon for $20.78 in hardcover copy or $9.99 on the Kindle, or through the organization’s website, www.backintheswing.org. It can also be found in major bookstores. vast majority of patients following “wellness goals” and participating in support groups provided or recommended by St. Luke’s. Though Rosales said support groups are available at the hospital, they encourage survivors to join outside groups as well, because the goal is to help them reenter the community. Kathleen Hill, 47, Greenleaf, ended her breast cancer treatments five years ago, but said she hasn’t been successful finding support groups in Canyon County. “I’ve never been informed of any groups,” Hill said. She was glad she went to the St. Luke’s event because she learned about the free groups there and hopes to join one. Hill said she experienced the type of sendoff Unell described at the end of her treatment process. “I thought (the whole event) was wonderful,” Hill said. “… And the desserts were amazing.” One of the biggest messages from Unell, Rosales and others was that survivors could take control back with food choices, getting active, taking charge of their health and not letting cancer be the controlling force. “Cancer doesn’t define who you are,” Rosales said, “it’s just part of your story.”

Caldwell, Nampa rodeos support fight against breast cancer By IDAHO PRESS-TRIBUNE STAFF

and competitors are encouraged Shine runs during the Snake River to wear pink in support of the Stampede Community Festival CANYON COUNTY — The fight against breast cancer. and donates its proceeds to Stamcrowds and competition aren’t pede for the Cure. Event organizers say the goal each year is to cut the only things that are world Stampede for the Cure class at Nampa’s Snake River The event has raised $420,000 a check for as much as $10,000 to Stampede and the Caldwell since 2006 to help make women Stampede for the Cure. Night Rodeo. New this year, a Bunco for the more aware of the importance Both, in major ways, sup- of mammograms. Money raised Cure event was held for rodeo port local women and the fight from the campaign stays local week. A portion of the proceeds against breast cancer. At the SRS, and helps women who are under- were donated to the cause. For more information: stamit’s the Stampede for the Cure, insured or can’t afford it, get mampedeforthecure.org and CNR hosts Power of Pink mograms. Night. Each “pink night,” guests The Idaho Truck Show and If someone you know is in need: newsroom@idahopress.com

St. Luke’s Breast Care Services Fund Office: 381-2095 Saint Alphonsus Breast Care Services Funding Office: 288-4621

Power of Pink The goal of Power of Pink Night at the Caldwell Night Rodeo also intends to give free mammograms to women who can’t afford it. The event features a run/walk inspired by the loss of a CNR director’s wife. Also, 2013 marked the first year for the Chicks and Chaps

event hosted before the rodeo. About 65 women joined the fun for $75 each, which included a bag of promotional goods, mixed drinks, dinner and the rodeo clinic. Thousands of dollars are donated each year from the events. Every dollar stays in the area to help local women. For more information: caldwellnightrodeo.com To obtain an enrollment form: 455-3905 in Caldwell or 367-3019 in Boise

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Idaho Press-Tribune • Sunday, October 6, 2013

Mobile units bring mammograms to women near and far Both Saint Alphonsus and St, Luke’s have mobile units that bring breast care to rural areas.

By ERYN SHAY JOHNSON

eing mobile makes aspects of life easier, especially when a breast cancer test can come to you. St. Luke’s and Saint Alphonsus both have mobile units that act as breast care centers on wheels. Both hospitals send the units out to rural areas that before didn’t have access to mammograms and care. St. Luke’s’ unit and Saint Alphonsus’ two units cover nearly all of southern and central Idaho. “We go to the most distant places during summer,” Renee Hawkins, director of breast care services at St. Luke’s, said. “Challis, Grangeville, Ontario — we go in a big circle. We visit the same locations and work to schedule appointments 12 months out.” St. Luke’s’ unit will see nearly 2,000 women a year. The driver, nurse and mammography technician treat patients with scheduled appointments and walk-ins.

Submitted photo

For Saint Alphonsus, the second unit has opened up access to women not only in rural areas, but in local ones as well. “Our original unit is 13 years old and acted as an outreach program — Council, Payette, Parma; that was our main focus,” said Betty Kiser, a radiologic technologist for Saint Alphonsus. “Now that we have two, we do a lot more in town. We do health fairs, visit businesses (and) go to schools.” The convenience of the units coming to different areas has made it easier for those who may not have the time to visit a breast care center. Even though the

units are mobile, the equipment is the same quality as the center. “We go through the paper process — since there isn’t always Internet in these areas — then do a clinical breast exam with an R.N.,” explained Hawkins. “There are two rooms, just like at the hospital. It takes about an hour. The experience is very personal and the staff are very much engaged, as if they were at the office.” “Anyone over 40 can get a screening mammogram,” said Kiser. “If they are a previous patient, we pull the info, they come in, get the exam — it takes about 15 minutes.” The large pink RVs are convenient for women in rural areas and those with busy lives, but the hope is that the units spread awareness and education as well as relieving some of the anxiety of a visit to the hospital.

October breast cancer awareness events Oct. 12 BOISE — Boot Camp for the Cure, 9 a.m., Camel’s Back Park. Forty-five minute, full-body metabolic strength training session followed by team games and debauchery. Everyone is welcome.

Oct. 15 BOISE — CLIMB support program, 5:45-7:30 p.m., Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center. Saint Alphonsus is pleased to offer the CLIMB support program free of charge to kids in the Treasure Valley ages 6-18 with a parent, grandparent, guardian or other beloved adult going through cancer treatment. Every Tuesday through Nov. 19.

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p.m., Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel, 11 N. Latah St. Catered dinner featuring cancer-fighting foods followed by a panel discussed with local health care professionals. Cost: $10. Call the Komen Idaho office at 384-0013 to RSVP. CALDWELL — Healthy Conversations: Breast Cancer Seminar, 12-1 p.m., West Valley Medical Center Indian Creek Room, 1717 Arlington Ave. Join Dr. Jon Agee, a general surgeon, for an informative discussion on breast cancer risk factors and assessment, current screening techniques and their effectiveness and the latest advancements in mammogram technology. Call 455-3995 to register.

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“A lot of people have anxiety,” Kiser said. “It scares them; the thought of having the exam. A lot are less apprehensive with the bus. It’s fun, easy and informal.” All of the units treat and see thousands of women each year. “It’s about taking education out to those women,” Hawkins said. “That impact is greater than the cancer we’ve found. There is financial assistance for women, and it is very easy to qualify.” Kiser said that four percent of women have breast cancer, which means four out of every 100 women. During this year’s Western Idaho Fair, the St. Al’s unit treated a little more than 100 women and found two who had positive mammograms. “Both of these women said they wouldn’t have taken [the mammogram] if the unit wasn’t there,” Kiser said.

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Idaho Press-Tribune • Sunday, October 6, 2013

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

idahopress.com

“A woman’s fighting spirit, her effort to overcome her cancer, is something I’ve come to admire and value daily in my work.” Dr. Elizabeth Prier – Breast and General Surgeon - Boise

A TEAM OF SURGEONS AND SPECIALISTS DEDICATED TO WOMEN’S BREAST HEALTH. INDIVIDUALIZED TREATMENT PLANS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE THE BEST OUTCOMES AND SUPPORT THE VALUES MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU. IDAHO’S ONLY FELLOWSHIP TRAINED BREAST SURGEON OFFERS NAMPA RESIDENTS LEADING-EDGE SOLUTIONS WITH A HEALTHY DOSE OF COMPASSION AND SPIRIT.

Make an appointment with the Nampa Breast Care Center: (208) 463-5997 976902 C M Y K