Think Pink 2019 by John McCabe

Think Pink Wednesday, October 16, 2019 A Supplement to The Intelligencer And Wheeling News-Register

Triadelphia Students Help Make Warrior Quilts

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To kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Wheeling Hospital teamed up with Jim Robinson Ford-Lincoln Inc. to help Triadelphia Middle School students learn how they can support a loved one undergoing medical treatment. Diana Tucker, English teacher at Triadelphia Middle School, and Kyla Morris, nurse navigator at Wheeling Hospital, led the session at the school. Students also decorated patches of encouragement and support that will be used for Warrior Quilts through Neighborhood Ford Store’s Quilt for the Cure volunteer program. Pictured, from left, are Gabi Fisher; Tucker; Kerrigan Moses; Morris; Wyatt Fisher; Zariah Lewis; Robinson sales representative Mike DeArdo; and Josiah Renshaw-Pervall.

WVU Cancer Institute To Launch Moonshot Initiative MORGANTOWN —The WVU Cancer Institute will begin enrolling its first patients in a National Institute of Health Beau Biden Moonshot Initiative trial on Oct. 25 as part of a consortium of six U.S. health care systems with the goal of integrating the use of patient-reported outcomes into the routine practice of oncology. The aim of the SIMPRO (symptom management implementation of patient reported outcomes in oncology) Research Center is to assess how real-time feedback from patients can help providers improve symptom management and reduce the need for emergency department visits and hospital readmissions. The first phase of the trial will be open to patients who have undergone thoracic, gynecologic, or gastrointestinal surgery. The second phase, in early 2022, will focus on cancer patients who require a change of their chemotherapy regimen. “Here at the WVU Cancer Institute, we serve patients who not only live across our state, but beyond its borders,” said Dr. Hannah Hazard-Jenkins, breast surgical oncologist at the WVU Cancer Institute and co-principal investigator on the project. “These patients often have to drive hours to reach our facilities. This trial will allow us to learn how we can implement technology to help them man-

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Men and women who have been diagnosed with cancer will work with healthcare professionals as they begin and advance through treatment.

DR. HANNAH HAZARD-JENKINS age their symptoms and prevent complications during their recovery at home, possibly preventing the need for emergency room visits or hospital admissions.” Eligible patients will automatically be given access to an app called eSyM through MyWVUChart, WVU Medicine’s patient portal, and will receive a notification of their ability to participate. Patients will use eSyM to answer survey questions, which will be incorporated into their MyWVUChart account. Because eSyM will be housed within MyWVUChart, the pa-

JOHN MANKINS tient’s responses will be logged into Epic, the hospital’s electronic medical records system, where providers will be able to see the patient’s reported symptoms and react if necessary. Providers will be alerted through Epic if patients report severe symptoms. All WVU Medicine patients are given access to MyWVUChart and are encouraged to use it to send questions and concerns to their providers. Patients are also able to attach files or images to their own message. Please see MOONSHOT, Page 2

Working With Your Health Care Team Cancer is the second leading cause of death across the globe. According to the World Health Organization, cancer was responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. That statistic highlights just how serious a threat cancer can be. While cancer claims the lives of millions of people each year, a cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. In fact, five-year survival rates for various cancers detected in their early stages are very high. For example, the organization Cancer Re-

search UK notes that more than nine in 10 bowel cancer patients will survive the disease for more than five years if it’s diagnosed at the earliest stage. Five-year survival rates are similarly high among patients diagnosed with early stage breast and ovarian cancer. Men and women who have been diagnosed with cancer will work with various healthcare professionals as they begin and advance through treatment. Please see PROS, Page 2

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Wednesday, October 16, 2019

It’s Important to Know Your Family History When visiting a physician for the first time, patients may notice an extensive section on family history on one of the requisite forms they fill out before meeting the doctor. Though it can be hard to remember family members’ conditions, doctors have good reason to ask about their patient’s family’s medical histories. Family medical histories can be vital to one’s own health care. Family history might be one of the strongest influences on a person’s risk for developing cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more. While you cannot modify your genetic makeup, knowing your family’s medical history can help you take the steps necessary to protect yourself. Family history reports can serve as warning signs for illnesses. These clues can help doctors prescribe certain screening tests at earlier ages to catch potential diseases when they are most treatable. For example, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says that health care professionals may recommend more frequent screenings (such as mammography or colonoscopy) and screening at an earlier age for people at an increased risk of certain can-

cers. Doctors may recommend biannual checkups to stay apprised of any changes in health that may signal a risk. A thorough health care professional will record your family medical history and ask you to update it routinely in an effort to ensure you get the best, most effective care possible. You can help the process by having the information needed at the ready. The CDC suggests the following. ∫ Talk to family. Make a list of close family members and discuss any conditions or issues they might have had and at what ages. ∫ Learn about chronic diseases. Speak to your relatives about chronic diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure, being sure to ask how severe such issues were and if any required hospitalization. ∫ Plot your ancestry. Learn about your ancestry and if any medical issues are more common among people who share that ancestry. ∫ Record everything you learn. Keep the information where it can be easily accessed and updated. For example, My Family Health Portrait is a Photo Provided free web-based tool to organize family health information and share it with Family history plays a key role in how doctors will approach patients’ treatment and preventive care. doctors.

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The American Cancer Society notes that the following are some health care professionals who may form a cancer care team: ∫ Anesthesiologists: A professional who administer drugs or other agents that can put patients into a deep sleep or alleviate pain. ∫ Case manager: Case managers coordinate patients’ care throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Case managers work in a liaison-type role between patients and their insurance companies. ∫ Clinical nurse specialist: A clinical nurse specialist, or CNS, is a highly educated individual who works closely with the entire cancer care team. These professionals have advanced training and clinical experience in a certain area of medical and nursing practice. ∫ Discharge coordinator: Discharge coordinators are often nurses or social workers who help make sure patients have what they need to continue their recovery when they leave the hospital. ∫ Dosimetrist: A specially trained and certified individual who calculates and plans the correct dose of radiation therapy for cancer treatment. ∫ Medical oncologist: A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer with chemotherapy and other drugs. ∫ Nurse practitioner: A nurse practitioner, or NP, may be referred to as an advanced practice registered nurse. These professionals have a master’s or doctoral degree and special certification and work closely with doctors, helping to diagnose and manage care. ∫ Oncologist: A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer. ∫ Palliative care specialists or team: A group of healthcare professionals that may include doctors, nurses, pharmacists and others, who work together to help patients manage symptoms such as pain, nausea or fatigue. Photo by Heather Ziegler ∫ Pathologist: A doctor who specializes in diagThe annual West Virginia Breast Cancer Awareness Day kickoff was marked with the of a pink nosing and classifying diseases through lab tests and wreath on the front of the City-County Building this month. Shown from left are Howardplacement Gamble, adminisexamining tissues and cells with a microscope. trator of the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department, Julie Joseph, Think Pink luncheon chairwoman; Kelly Gompers, committee member; and Janet Joseph, ticket chairwoman. The Think Pink luncheon will Moonshot be held Thursday at Wheeling Park’s White Palace. Proceeds will benefit the West Virginia Breast and (Continued from Page 1)

Cervical Cancer Screening program conducted by West Virginia University Cancer Institute.

John Makins, 54, is a skin cancer survivor who used MyWVUChart to communicate with his medical team and receive test results during his treatment at the WVU Cancer Institute. “Anything that I felt concerned about or nervous, I would just use MyWVUChart to send my question,” Makins said. “It was just really incredible because the format was so simple to use, and they answered quickly. It really seemed to work for me to keep me calm and know that things are OK.” Makins said that using MyWVUChart was the most appropriate and timely way to ask his providers questions as opposed to calling and being placed on hold. “When you are told you have a rare and aggressive cancer and you have a 50/50 chance that you are going to make it, it is incredibly scary,” Makins said. “Being able to reach my doctor and the other service providers allowed me to stay on top of things. “I was able to use a cellphone to take pictures and send them in to ask if things looked like they were supposed to.” Much like the intent of the Moonshot study, Makins said the ability to communicate quickly through MyWVUChart gives people more comfort and helps them make the decision about whether they should seek immediate medical attention or if they can wait until their next visit. “I think people go to emergency departments because they are panicking because they can’t get an answer,” Makins said. “Being able to send messages directly to providers can take away a lot of the pressure, concern, and worry, saving patients time and cost.”

Wheeling Fire Department Selling T-Shirts

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Members of the Wheeling Fire Department continue their support of the breast cancer awareness campaign with the sale of these T-shirts. Stop by any city firehouse to purchase one or both.

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Martins Ferry Football Players Spread Awareness

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Displaying pink ribbon decals on their helmets are Martins Ferry Purple Riders, from left, Dasyn Hores, Richard McFarland and Caleb Olson. Each October during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Wheeling Hospital donates the decals to all OVAC football teams. The pink ribbon is recognized nationally as the symbol of breast cancer awareness. By displaying the decals, the athletes are helping spread the word to their loved ones of the importance of annual mammograms.

Learning Signs And Symptoms

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Women should speak to their doctors about personalized screenings based on family history and other risk factors.

Health Screenings That Every Woman Should Get

Routine wellness exams are essential for women who want to maintain and/or improve their health. Women may not be familiar with all of the screening options that can keep them on the right track. Preventive health screenings can shed light on risks for certain diseases and provide insight into patient behaviors that may be harmful. Screenings also may help save a life. Healthy diets and daily exercise are hallmarks of healthy people, but routine wellness exams are just as important. The following are some screenings women should include in their health and wellness routines. ∫ Blood pressure: Doctors will typically test blood pressure at every visit. Women whose blood pressure is below

120/80 mmHg can go every two years between blood pressure readings up until age 20, advises The American Heart Association. Adults 40 or older, or those with conditions that put them at risk for hypertension, should go annually or as advised by a doctor. ∫ Cervical cytology: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends routine pelvic examinations with cervical testing that includes Pap testing and HPV testing. Consult with an OB-GYN for testing frequency, which depends on age. ∫ Cholesterol: Cholesterol levels alone are not indicative of one’s overall health. However, a complete cholesterol test can determine a person’s risk for heart disease. If levels are consistently

normal, this test may only need to be performed every five years, advises the National Institutes of Health. ∫Mammogram: Mammograms screen for breast cancer. Given the risk of false positives, debate continues as to how frequently women need these screenings. The most recent guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says mammograms are recommended starting at age 50, and should occur every two years. The American Cancer Society advises starting at age 45 and having a mammogram annually through age 55. ∫ Blood-glucose test: The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases says women should be screened regularly for prediabetes or diabetes

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beginning around age 45. Women can speak with their physicians to determine how often they should receive these screenings ∫Osteoporosis screenings: Bone density can be measured starting at age 65 or earlier if a woman has a high fracture risk, states Regis College. ∫ Skin examination: The American Academy of Dermatology suggests speaking with a dermatologist about skin exams. Self-examinations should be routine, but dermatologists may recommend more formal tests to women who meet certain criteria.

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 627,000 women lost their lives to breast cancer in 2018. But women are not helpless in the fight against breast cancer, as early detection is critical and could potentially save thousands of lives each year. A proactive approach is a key component of protecting oneself against breast cancer. While the National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc. notes that many breast cancer symptoms are invisible and not noticeable without a professional cancer screening, women can keep an eye out for certain signs of breast cancer they might be able to detect on their own. Monthly self-exams can help women more easily identify changes in their breasts. During such self-exams, women can look for the following signs and symptoms and are advised to report any abnormalities they discover to their physicians immediately. ∫ Changes in how the breast or nipple feels: The NBCF says nipple tenderness or a lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm could indicate the presence of breast cancer. Some women may notice changes in the skin texture or an enlargement of the pores in the skin of their breast. In many instances, skin texture has been described as being similar to the texture of an orange peel. Lumps in the breast also may indicate breast cancer, though not all lumps are cancerous. ∫ Change in appearance of the breast or nipple: Unexplained changes in the size or shape of the breast; dimpling anywhere on the breast; unexplained swelling or shrinking of the breast, particularly when the shrinking or swelling is exclusive to one side only; and a nipple that is turned slightly inward or inverted are some signs and symptoms of breast cancer that can affect the appearance of the breast or nipple. It is common for women’s breasts to be asymmetrical, but sudden asymmetry should be brought to the attention of a physician. In Memory of Those we Have Lost and In Honor of The Breast Cancer Warriors

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Debunking Common Myths About Breast Cancer Cancer claims the lives of millions of people across the globe every year. But the fight against cancer is anything but hopeless, as the World Health Organization notes that between 30 and 50 percent of all cancer cases are preventable. Learning about cancer is one of the best ways for people to protect themselves from this not always deadly disease. Researchers continue to learn more about cancer everyday and routinely discover that information once thought to be accurate was actually off-base. Despite researchers’ best efforts, some myths about cancer still prevail. Some of these myths are about cancer in general, while others refer to specific cancers, including breast cancer. Myths about breast cancer can be as harmful as accurate information is helpful, so learning the truth and debunking those myths can be an important part of women’s preventive approach to breast cancer. ∫ Myth: Drinking milk increases your risk for breast cancer. The American Cancer Society notes that early studies raised concerns that drinking milk from cows treated with hormones could increase a person’s risk for breast cancer. However, ensuing research failed to find a clear link be-

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Information is a valuable asset in the fight against breast cancer. Learning to decipher between accurate and false information can be especially valuable.

tween the two. In fact, a 2002 study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found no significant association between dairy fluid intake

and breast cancer risk. ∫ Myth: Lumps indicate breast cancer. The National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc. says that only a small percentage of breast lumps turn

out to be cancer. However, abnormalities or changes in breast tissue should always be brought to the attention of a physician. ∫ Myth: Mammograms

New Jersey Non-Profit Helps Women Battling Breast Cancer SPRING LAKE HEIGHTS, N.J. (AP) — Cathy Commesso Juska was feeling particularly lousy one day, in the thick of three months’ chemotherapy for breast cancer. All she could stomach, she told a friend, were Gatorade and Teddy Grahams. That night there was a knock on her door, a special delivery: a case of Gatorade and big supply of Teddy Grahams, plus some vanilla ice cream for her 8-year-old son Jack. This was the handiwork of Just Us Girls, a Manasquan-based nonprofit that helps residents of Monmouth and Ocean counties who are battling breast cancer. For 25 years the group has supplied donations and fellowship — kindnesses like rides to treatment, advice on wigs and yes, Teddy Grahams deliveries. “Someone might come over and do a load of laundry for you,” Commesso Juska said. “Knowing you have that support is priceless.” She would know, be-

cause breast cancer runs in the family. Her mom, Ellen Commesso, was diagnosed in 1993 and battled two recurrences before dying in 2016. Both of her aunts are breast cancer survivors. And she’s in remission after a double mastectomy in 2015. “When I was diagnosed, I was single mother and I was out of work,” Commesso Juska said. “They helped me monetarily (the typical donation is $1,000, although that varies based on circumstances). They send you flowers when they know you’re finished with your treatment. They would pick Jack up at school or take him to (football) practice.” Just Us Girls has helped more than 700 people through the years — breast cancer patients (including men) and students, too, through scholarships. Its primary fundraiser is an annual 5K. This year’s takes place Oct. 26 at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt (also known as Sea Girt Army Camp).

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The Commesso family will be there in big numbers; they’ve brought 100-plus people in years past. “Their whole family has been unbelievable, with their support,” said Bernadette McHugh-Lennon, a former oncology nurse from Point Pleasant who is one of Just Us Girls’ longest-serving volunteers, dating back to 1994. “It’s so energizing, to see people we’ve helped coming back to support us and say, ‘We never forgot what you did for us.’” As McHugh-Lennon recalls it, the inaugural Just Us Girls 5K raised “a couple of thousand dollars” for the family of Laurie Campbell, a Manasquan resident who died of breast cancer. The next year they began looking for recipients, with McHugh-Lennon working her case-management contacts for leads. This was in the mid-1990s, and although October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month then as now, there were not nearly as many charities or initiatives as today. “I’d deliver a $1,000 check and the patient would burst into tears,” McHugh-Lennon said. “They were so surprised that somebody cared.” Around that time Just Us Girls connected with Ellen Commesso. Though she declined any monetary help, Ellen thoroughly appreciated the camaraderie, and the 5K was circled on her calendar each autumn. “It was my mom’s favorite day of the year,” Cathy Commesso Juska said.

The Pink House

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The White House is illuminated pink in Washington in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

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Jason DeBoard shaves a ribbon in his friend Neil Murphys hair during the "Clips for Cancer" Breast Cancer fundraiser at Wilkes University to kick off breast cancer awareness month.

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cause breast cancer to spread. This myth is rooted in the incorrect notion that breast compression while getting a mammogram causes the cancer to spread. However, the NBCF insists that cannot happen. In fact, the National Cancer Institute touts the benefits of mammograms while the ACS recommends women between the ages of 45 and 54 get mammograms every year. For additional breast cancer screening guidelines, visit the ACS at www.cancer.org. ∫ Myth: Women with a family history of breast cancer are likely to develop breast cancer, too. This myth is dangerous because, if taken at face value, it can give women with no family history of breast cancer a false sense of security. However, the NBCF notes that only about 10 percent of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that a woman’s risk for breast cancer is higher if she has a first-degree relative, including a mother, sister, daughter, or even a male family member, who have had the disease. But breast cancer can affect anyone, regardless of their family history.

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Ohio Valley Supports Relay for Life

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Ohio Valley residents are great supporters of the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life events each year, raising thousands of dollars for cancer research. Shown are participants at a past Ohio County Relay For Life held at Wheeling Park’s Good Lake. Relay attendees walk laps around the lake while raising money for the cause.

Diet and Exercise Can Prevent Breast Cancer When it comes to breast cancer risk, some things are beyond a person’s control. Women might not be able to do much in regard to their genetic makeup and family history, each of which can elevate their risk for breast cancer, but many risk factors are within women’s control. A healthy diet and routine exercise may help women reduce their risk of developing breast cancer, while poor lifestyle choices can increase that risk. For example, being overweight is a strong risk factor for breast cancer for women who are 18 and older, advises Stanford Health Care. Even 10 percent weight gain (or 15 pounds on a 150-pound woman) increases breast cancer risk as well as the risk of recurrence. Diet and exercise can play a pivotal role in reducing breast cancer risk, and it’s important for women to understand just how much good healthy diets and routine exercise can do for them in regard to fighting breast cancer. ∫ Stanford Health Care says some studies suggest limiting dietary fats in the diet, particularly those that come from animals, to reduce breast cancer risk. These include butter, full-fat dairy, poultry skin, and fatty meats. Reducing intake of dietary fats, especially animal fats, may protect against diseases sensitive to hormones, like breast cancer. ∫ Data from the Women’s Healthy Eating and Living study suggests that soy consumption from whole foods and soy milk for any breast cancer type is probably safe, despite public perceptions. Avoid soy supplements and concentrated soy

that comes in many soy protein powders until more about their effects is known. ∫ The American Cancer society links alcohol consumption to a higher risk of various cancers, including breast cancer. The more alcohol a person drinks, the higher his or her cancer risk. The ACS recommends no more than one drink per day for women and two for men. A five-ounce glass of wine is considered one drink. ∫ Susan G. Komen® says a high body mass index has been associated with increased risk for postmenopausal breast cancer. Exercise may help reduce risk by altering metabolism, hormones and breast density. ∫ Inflammation is an immune system response to injury or illness. However, when inflammation is chronic, it can damage DNA and lead to cancer, advises the National Cancer Institute. Deep marine fish; dark, leafy green vegetables; bright, multi-colored vegetables; black teas; and spices like turmeric can help fight or prevent inflammation. ∫ The ACS recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week (or a combination), preferably spread throughout the week to keep body weight in check. ∫ Stanford Health Care says consumption of high amounts of sugar can increase insulin levels and result in weight gain, each of which can lead to breast cancer. Limit intake of sugary snacks and refined carbohydrates, opting for healthy alternatives such as fruit, vegetables, beans, whole grains, dairy, and soy milk.

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Research Treatment Options A breast cancer diagnosis is something no one wants to receive. But the burden of breast cancer is substantial. In fact, the World Health Organization notes that breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women worldwide.Thankfully, breast cancer survival rates are high in many parts of the world, particularly in developed countries such as the United States, Canada and Japan. While survival rates are lower in developing countries, it is encouraging to know that the average five-year survival rates are as high as 90 percent in some nations. That suggests that the strategies used to successfully fight breast cancer in developed nations may one day prove as effective in developing nations, potentially leading to a sharp decline in global breast cancer deaths. Upon being diagnosed with breast cancer, patients will be educated about a host of potential treatment options. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that breast cancer is treated in several ways, and the course of treatment a doctor recommends will depend on the kind of breast cancer and how far it has spread. In addition, according to Breastcancer.org, breast cancer is made up of many different kinds of cancer cells, which often necessitates the use of various types of treatments to get rid of

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Various cancer treatments can be highly effective in the fight against breast cancer, particularly when the disease is caught in its early stages.

the cancer. The following are some treatment options doctors may discuss with breast cancer patients. ∫ Surgery: Breastcancer.org notes that surgery is typically the first line of attack against breast cancer. The CDC says the goal of surgery is to cut out cancer tissue. Some common breast cancer surgeries include lumpectomy, in which the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue is removed, and mastectomy, in which all of the breast tissue is removed. ∫ Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is used

to treat various types of cancer and involves the administration of special medicines to shrink or kill existing cancer cells. Breastcancer.org notes that chemotherapy is sometimes administered prior to surgery in an attempt to shrink the cancer. ∫ Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy aims to kill cancer cells using high-energy rays that are similar to X-rays. Sometimes referred to as “radiotherapy, radiation therapy is overseen by a radiation oncologist who specializes in this type of treatment.” ∫ Hormonal therapy:

Estrogen makes hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers grow, and hormonal therapy, which may be referred to as “anti-estrogen” therapy, aims to reduce the amount of estrogen in the body and block its action on breast cancer cells. ∫ Targeted therapies: These therapies, which Breastcancer.org notes are generally less likely than chemotherapy to harm normal, healthy cells, target specific characteristics of the cancer cells. Cancer cells can have many characteristics, so there are various types of targeted therapies.

Men Can Get Breast Cancer, Too The color pink has become synonymous with raising awareness about breast cancer. Each Mother’s Day, professional baseball players don pink attire and even use pink bats to raise awareness about breast cancer, while many pink T-shirts and ribbons can be seen during annual walks that aim to raise money for breast cancer research. Other sports have similar outreach efforts. These efforts and others involving the color pink are often inspired by good-natured people’s attempts to support female friends and relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, but it’s important to note that this potentially deadly disease can afflict anyone, including men. An overwhelming majority of breast cancer patients are female. In fact, the National Breast Cancer Foundation reports that less than 1 percent of all breast cancer cases develop in men. However, BreastCancer.org notes that more than 2,600 men

were expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. Men who overlook breast cancer and its potential symptoms could be putting themselves in jeopardy, however unlikely that may be. How do men get breast cancer? The fact that men don’t have breasts does not prevent them from getting breast cancer. That’s because men’s bodies have breast tissue and even small amounts of breast-stimulating hormones. According to BreastCancer.org, most males bodies don’t utilize these hormones all that much, which is why their breast tissue stays flat and small. However, some men, and even boys, utilize the hormones more than others, and even develop breasts, which are typically just mounds of fat. But in some instances males develop real breast gland tissue, which can be a byproduct of abnormal hormone levels or certain medications. What are some risk

factors for male breast cancer? Instances of male breast cancer are so rare that the disease has not been the subject of substantial research. But researchers have learned that various factors can increase a man’s risk for breast cancer. Learning these risk factors is important, as men are not typically screened for breast cancer, which means it’s often diagnosed in its later, less treatable stages. ∫ Age: The average age of men diagnosed with breast cancer is 68. That’s not too surprising, as age also increase women’s risk for the disease. ∫ Elevated estrogen levels: Men with elevated estrogen levels are at greater risk of developing breast cancer than those with normal levels. Estrogen levels can increase due to various factors. Men who take

hormonal medicines may experience elevated estrogen levels, while being overweight also increases those levels. Alcohol limits the liver’s ability to regulate estrogen levels, so men who are heavy drinkers also may be elevating their risk for breast cancer. ∫ Klinefelter syndrome: This condition affects about one in 1,000 men and is characterized by lower than normal levels of the male hormone androgen and higher than normal levels of the female hormone estrogen. ∫ Radiation exposure: Men who have been treated with radiation to the chest have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Men are not immune to breast cancer. Recognizing that and understanding risk factors for male breast cancer can save lives.

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Think Pink

6 – THE INTELLIGENCER – Wheeling, W.Va.

Woman Shares Lessons From 9-Year Cancer Battle LANCASTER, Pa. (AP) — April Good noticed something odd when she grabbed her bra while getting dressed to walk her daughters to the bus stop. “I picked it up to put it on and there was a spot of blood on it,” Good recalled of that September day in 2010. “I’m like, ‘All right, I don’t know what that would be from.’” Good put the concern in the back of her mind until her daughters were off to school. “When I came back inside, I went on the computer and looked it up,” she said. As she searched the internet for answers, Good feared she might have breast cancer. Tests over the next few days confirmed her suspicions. “When I found out, it was more shock,” Good, 48, said. “And there were definitely tears. I had these three little girls. .” About a week later, shortly after her girls came home from school, the family sat down in the living room of their Manheim Township home as Good summoned the courage to break the news to her three young daughters, then ages 5, 10 and 12. “’Mommy has breast cancer,’” Good remembers saying. “’I’m going to be getting chemotherapy. I’m going to lose my hair. But we’ll find things for me to wear on my head.’” ‘I’m going to survive’ About a week later, Good met her oncologist, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Dr. Beth Horenkamp, who informed Good that in addition to the lump on Good’s left breast, the cancer had spread to her liver and a lymph node behind her sternum. The news came as a shock to Good and her husband, Keith, 48, high school sweethearts who have been married 24 years. Good was immediately sent for a magnetic resonance image, or MRI, to make sure the cancer hadn’t spread to her brain. On her way to the scan, Good stopped at her sister’s house. “I walked into the bathroom. I wasn’t thinking of anything, but all of a sudden this picture of the back of a girl with long, brown hair in a white cap and gown came into my mind,” Good said. “It sounds weird, but I’ve always taken that as I’m going to survive at least to see one of my children graduate high school.” She has since seen

two of her daughters graduate high school. Though, chemotherapy continues to this day. ‘No evidence of disease’ Good, a 1989 Warwick High School graduate and stay-at-home mom, was diagnosed with ER/PR-negative, HER2-positive breast cancer. This type of cancer tests positive for a protein that promotes the growth of cancer cells. She first underwent six intense rounds of intravenous chemotherapy every three weeks, receiving a cocktail of cancer-killing drugs Taxotere and Carboplatin along with Herceptin, which blocks breast cancer cells from growing. The lifetime risk for women to get breast cancer is 1 in 8, according to breastcancer.org. The website’s statistics states that about 41,760 women in the United State are expected to die in 2019 from breast cancer, though death rates have been decreasing since 1989, possibly as a result of treatment advances, earlier detection through screening, and increased awareness. Good’s blonde hair fell out less than two weeks later. “I didn’t wear a wig,” she said. “I did the Pirate bandanna and hats. “I had always hated baseball hats. Then I had to get used to them. “I went to A.C. Moore and bought 20 bandannas.” Her favorite was the rainbow bandanna with smiley faces. “I would wear that on days when I was happy and good,” she said. “I was very focused on making everybody else feel better about the whole situation, not so much myself.” The chemo was followed by 33 straight weekdays of radiation. Good has been in remission since June 8, 2011. “I like to use NED: No evidence of disease,” Good said. “It sounds a little better.”

‘She’s really strong ...’ Good’s hair has since grown back. And she looks and mostly feels healthy, which is why it would be hard to know that every three weeks for the last nine years she has returned to Lancaster General Health’s Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute for a 90-minute IV treatment of Herceptin. “Initially, I was going to be needing two other types of chemo plus Herceptin, which was a fairly newer drug.” Good said. “Most people would be on that (Herceptin) for a year. But because mine was a little later when we found out the cancer had metastasized (to locations beyond the breast) I would be on it for the rest of my life.” Herceptin comes with side effects, including neuropathy, or numbness, in the hands and feet. “In the days after treatment, I feel like I’m walking on stones or pieces of glass,” Good said. “Like right now my feet are tingly.” Good admits she sometimes has dark days in the nights before treatment, family members say otherwise. “She has never been one to say, ‘Why me?’” Keith Good said. “She never once complained about what happened to her. “She’s just dealt with it.” “She’s really strong and caring about others,” daughter Ella, 14, said. “My mom’s a badass,” Good’s 19-year-old daughter Sydney said. At the time of her diagnosis nine years ago, Good was the third in her family to get breast cancer. “My paternal grandmother had it,” Good said. “A maternal aunt had it. ... And then just last October my mother, who was 79 when diagnosed, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. “It was found early. She had a lumpectomy. She’s fine. It’s gone.”

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Thank you to Bethlehem and West Liberty Elementary Schools!!!

Students and staff members raised more than $1,200 to provide gas cards for breast cancer sufferers traveling for treatment!!! Together We Achieve

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Dog Dyed Pink in Support

AP Photo

Michelle Carroll tugs on the toy her dog, Rico Suavee, as he plays with it while they walk down the street in Pittsburgh's Brighton Heights neighborhood,. Carroll, the owner of a pet grooming salon dyed her dog pink in recognition of breast cancer awareness month.

NFL Cheerleaders Show Support

AP Photo

San Francisco 49ers cheerleaders wear pink for cancer awareness before a game between the 49ers and the Cleveland Browns in Santa Clara, Calif.