Breast Cancer, October 2022

BECAUSE BREAST HEALTH MATTERS

Tri-State Memorial Hospital offers an expansive breast health program right here in the Lewis-Clark Valley!

Courtesy of TriState Memorial Hospital

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women, following behind skin cancer.

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2022, there will be over 280,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women. This is why Tri-State Memorial Hospital offers comprehensive breast cancer services from 3D Mammograms to biopsy

and surgery. Their Women’s Imaging Center places an emphasis on screening for early detection, patient education, and a variety of treatment plans.

To continue keeping care local so patients can heal close to their loved ones, Tri-State also offers Genius 3D Mammography, which find 20-65% more invasive breast cancers than 2D alone. It has better, earlier detection, is faster and more comfortable, and exposes pa-

tients to less radiation.

Expertise is critical when it comes to choosing where to have your breast cancer care. At TriState Memorial Hospital, Dr. Byron E. Wright, MD, FACS, has over 15 years of experience in his field. Services he offers includes, but is not limited to, breast conservation surgery, benign breast disease, mastectomy, and sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Tri-State Women’s Imaging was

the first of its kind in the region, and continues to bring the latest in women’s diagnostic technology and breast surgery to the area. The facilityisdesignedforprivacywith women’simagingseparatefromthe rest of the imaging department, with changing rooms located right next to the exam rooms. Ask your provider about scheduling your mammogram today!

TriStateHospital.org/WomensImaging

POTENTIAL WARNING SIGNS FOR BREAST CANCER

Metro Editorial

Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women across the globe. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, there more than 2.26 million new cases of breast cancer in women in 2020. Such figures are sobering, but it’s important to recognize that breast cancer survival rates have improved dramatically in recent decades, providing hope to the millions of women who may be diagnosed with the disease in the years to come.

Various factors have helped to improve breast cancer survival rates, and education about the disease is certainly among them. Women are their own greatest allies against breast cancer, and learning to spot its signs

and symptoms is a great first step in the fight against this potentially deadly, yet treatable disease.

KNOWING YOUR BODY

e American Cancer Society urges women to take note of how their breasts normally look and feel. at knowledge isvitalbecauseithelpswomenrecognize when something does not look or feel good to the touch with their breasts. Screening alone may not be sufficient, as the ACS notes that mammograms do not find every breast cancer.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

When women are well acquainted with how their breasts look and feel, they’re in better position to recognize any abnormalities, which may or may

not be indicative of breast cancer. e ACS reports that the following are some potential warning signs of breast cancer.

Anewlumpormass: eACSindicates that this is the most common symptom of breast cancer. A lump or mass that is cancerous is o en painless, but hard and has irregular edges. However, lumps caused by breast cancer also can be so , round and tender. Some even cause pain.

• Swelling: Some women experience swelling of all or part of a breast even if they don’t detect a lump.

• Dimpling: e skin on the breast may dimple. When this occurs, the skin on the breast sometimes mimics the look of an orange peel.

• Pain: Pain on the breast or nipple could indicate breast cancer.

• Retraction: Some women with breast

cancer experience retraction, which occurswhenthenippleturnsinward.

• Skin abnormalities: Breast cancer may cause the skin on the breast to redden, dry out, flake, or thicken.

• Swollen lymph nodes: Some women with breast cancer experience swelling of the lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone.

epresenceofanyofthesesymptoms merits a trip to the doctor. Women with these symptoms should not immediately assume they have breast cancer, as the ACS notes that various symptoms of breast cancer also are indicative of noncancerous conditions that affect the breasts. Only a physician can diagnose breast cancer, which underscores the importance of reporting symptoms to a doctor immediately.

Women are urged to report any abnormalities in their breasts to a physician immediately.

Ciara, Christy and Gale from CULLIGAN WATER

MOSCOW

are wearing the pink, and united for Breast Cancer awareness and finding the cure.

Culligan Water LLC

320 North Jackson St. Moscow, ID 83843 208-882-1351

www.culliganwaterllc.com

7

WAYS TO REDUCE BREAST CANCER RISK

Metro Editorial

Many women are concerned about the potential for developing breast cancer in theirlifetimes.Breastcanceristhesecondmost common cancer among women in theUnitedStatesandCanada.Despitethat prevalence, there are ways for women to reducetheirriskforbreastcancer.

While it is impossible to change family history or genetic markers like gene mutations that increase breast cancer risk,thefollowingaresevenwayswomen can lower their risk.

1. EXERCISE REGULARLY AND MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT.

Physical activity and monitoring calories can keep weight in check. e Mayo Clinic recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activityor75minutesperweekofvigorous aerobic activity. Strength training at least twice a week also is recommended. Being overweight or obese increases a woman’s risk for breast cancer.

2. CONSUME A HEALTHY DIET.

e link between diet and breast cancer riskisstillbeingstudied.However,research suggests that a diet high in vegetables and fruit, and calcium-rich dairy products, but low in red and processed meats may lower breastcancerrisk.

3. AVOID OR LIMIT ALCOHOL CONSUMPTIONS.

Alcohol increases risk of breast cancer, even in small amounts. For those who drink, no more than one alcoholic drink a dayshouldbethelimit. emoreawoman

drinks, the greater her risk of developing breastcancer,statestheMayoClinic.

4. UNDERGO GENETIC COUNSELING AND TESTING.

Women concerned about a genetic connection or family history of breast cancer can speak to their doctor about testing and counseling that could help them reduce their risk. Preventive medicines and surgeries might help those at elevated risk for breast cancer.

5. LIMIT HORMONE THERAPY.

Combination hormone replacement therapy for post-menopausal women may increase risk of breast cancer, indicates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Similarly, taking oral contraceptives during reproductive years may increase risk. Women can speak with their physicians to weigh the pros and cons of taking such hormones.

6. BREASTFEED CHILDREN, IF POSSIBLE.

Breastfeeding has been linked to reducing a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.

7. LEARN TO DETECT BREAST CANCER.

Women should get to know their bodies so they can determine if something is awry as early as possible. Early detection of breast cancer increases the chances that treatment will prove successful.

Women can embrace various strategies to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.

FAMILY HISTORY INCREASES RISK FOR BREAST CANCER

Metro Editorial

Millions of people across the globe will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. In fact, only certain skin cancers affect more women than breast cancer within the United States and Canada.

e World Cancer Research Fund International says breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women across the globe. Belgium, e Netherlands and Luxembourg had the highest number of breast cancer cases in 2020, while Barbados and Fiji had the greatest number of deaths attributed to the disease. Some of these high case numbers may be attributed to women with family histories of breast cancersomethingthatincreasesrisksignificantly.

BreastCancer.org indicates that women withcloserelativeswhohavehadbreastcancer, such as sisters, mothers or grandmothers, are at considerably higher risk of developing breast cancer themselves. Also, breast cancer may occur at a younger age in women with familyhistoriesofthedisease.

Understanding breast cancer risk is vital for women’s health. e following breakdown, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, can help women from all backgrounds understand their risk for breast cancer.

AVERAGE RISK

No first- or second-degree relatives with breast or ovarian cancer, or one seconddegree female relative with breast cancer (in one breast only) diagnosed a er age 50.

MODERATE RISK

is is a somewhat higher risk that may not turn into breast cancer. It occurs when there is one or two first-degree or two second-degree female relatives with

breast cancer (in one breast only), with both relatives diagnosed a er age 50; otherwise, one or two first- or second-degree relatives with high grade prostate cancer.

STRONG

Women with strong risks have much higher chances of developing breast cancer thanthegeneralpopulation.Conditionslike having one or more first- or second-degree relatives with breast cancer diagnosed at age 45 or younger, triple negative breast cancer, primary cancer of both breasts, and both breast and ovarian cancer in the same relative are warning signs of increased risk.

It’s important for women with increased risk for breast cancer due to family history to discuss options with their doctors. More frequentmammogramsandotherscreening tests may be recommended, and screening at younger ages than the standard age also

may be considered. Women who are at high risk may be urged to undergo genetic counseling and testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer markers.

Breast cancer can be an especially scary

prospect for women with family histories of the disease. By familiarizing themselves with their risks for breast cancer, women can take the necessary steps to protect their long-term health.

THE LINK BETWEEN DIET AND BREAST CANCER

Metro Editorial

Cancer is an insidious disease that affects just about every part of the body, including the breasts. The World Cancer Research Fund International indicates there were more than 2.26 million new cases of breast cancer in women in 2020.

Women understandably want to learn what they can do to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. One of the first considerations may be analyzing diet and determining if it is affecting breast cancer risk.

Avarietyoffactorsaffectawoman’srisk for developing breast cancer, and certain lifestyle choices, including diet, can play a role. However, according to Healthline, the risk factors with the biggest impact include sex, age and genetics. Lifestyle can influence breast cancer risk but not at the same levels as genetic markers, family history, gender, or age. However, women interested in doing all they can to stay healthy may want to take a closer look at the foods and beverages that can adversely affect breast cancer risk.

HEALTHY DIET

Healthy food choices are linked to lower incidences of cancer and other conditions. Susan G. Komen states that eatingplentyoffruitsandvegetablesmay be linked to a lower risk of developing breast cancer. A pooled analysis of data from 20 studies found women who ate the most vegetables had a lower risk of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer (butnotestrogenreceptor-positivebreast cancer) compared to women who ate the least vegetables, according to a 2013 report published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. And it doesn’t really matter if produce is organic or not. According to the American Cancer Society, the benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables outweigh any health risks linked to pesticide residue.

THE COMPLEX RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAT, SUGAR AND CANCER

Though a single food will not lead to higher breast cancer risk, overeating and putting on excess weight can increase risk. That is why it is essential to get plenty of exercise each week and monitor calorie consumption. While women who are in their reproductive years may not see as much breast cancer risk from being overweight or obese, after menopause, that risk increases, says Susan G. Komen. The risk is not directly related to fatty foods, however. The American Cancer Society says an examination of the amount of fat eaten by women in the United States found no link between fat and breast cancer risk.

In addition, while consuming too much sugar may not be healthy in the long run, it’s a myth that “sugar feeds cancer.” Eating sugar may lead to weight gain, which may increase the risk of breast cancer, says the ACS.

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

One component of diet that has been studied extensively is the effects of alcoholic beverages on breast cancer risk. Susan G. Komen reports that a pooled analysis of data from 53 studies found women who had two to three alcoholic drinks per day had a 20 percent higher risk of breast cancer compared to those who didn’t drink alcohol. Alcohol should be limited to one drink per day for the average woman, or none at all, if possible.

Diet is only one factor in the risk for developing breast cancer. While important, there are other components that increase risk by a more significant margin.

3 TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

Metro Editorial

Millions of women worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Such a diagnosis is never welcome, but women should know that survival rates have improved dramatically in recent decades. In fact, theWorldHealthOrganizationreportsthat,bytheend of2020,nearlyeightmillionwomenwerelivingdespite having been diagnosed with breast cancer at some pointintheprevioushalfdecade.

One of the reasons for the improved survival rates is the efficacy of various treatments. e National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® notes that doctors have various options to treat breast cancer, and they o en devise treatment plans that include some combination of treatments. ough no one wants to imagine receivingabreastcancerdiagnosis,understanding the

TREATMENT cont. on page 14

EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES

Courtesy of Gritman Medical Center

Breast cancer ranks just a er skin cancer as the second most common form of cancer among women in the United States.

With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tallying roughly 250,000 cases and more than 40,000 deaths annually because of the disease, early detection remains the best tool for treatment.

Regular mammogram appointments with the Patricia J. Kempthorne Women’s Imaging Center at Gritman Medical Center, part of an annual screening, help with early detection of breast cancer. Gritman’s medical staff recommend that most women, patients with an average risk of developing breast cancer, begin annual screenings at the age of 40. For women who may be at higher risk, earlier screenings may be recommended in consultation with a primary care provider.

e Gritman Women’s Imaging Center has a dedicated and private location within the hospital designed to provide individualized care to each and every patient. e center is staffed by a highly trained, experienced and compassionate team committed to women’s health needs.

Accredited by the American College of

Radiology, the Women’s Imaging Center features the latest 3D imaging and biopsy technology. Compared to traditional 2D mammography, 3D provides superior diagnostic capabilities, allowing for a stronger likelihood of early detection.

e advanced technology uses X-rays to create a three-dimensional image of the

breast.

In addition to 3D mammography, the centeralsooffersbreastMRI,stereotactic breast biopsy, needle localization breast biopsy, breast ultrasound, ultrasoundguided breast biopsy and screening for osteoporosis.

Located inside Gritman’s main hos-

pital campus in Moscow, scheduling an appointment with the Women’s Imaging Center is easy and convenient. Learn more about the Women’s Imaging Center at gritman.org/womens-imaging or by calling 208-882-5377.

Learn more about breast cancer at gritman.org/online-clinic.

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Find out what your risk factors are for breast cancer and schedule a mammogram. Early detection is key.

UNIQUE WAYS TO REDUCE CANCER RISK EVERY DAY

Metro Editorial

e human toll cancer takes is significant, both on the lives it claims and on the friends and family of those victims.

Estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer indicated 10 million individuals across the globe lost their lives to cancer (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer) in 2020. New research indicates those numbers could be on the rise.

A study published in the journal e Lancet in 2020 found that deaths from

cancer are now more common in some high- and middle-income countries than deaths from cardiovascular disease.

Authors of the study, which examined incidences of cancer among adults between the ages of 35 and 70 in 21 countries across five continents, concluded that cancer is like to become the leading cause of death in middle-age.

ough cancer is a formidable disease, many cases of cancer are preventable. In fact, the things people do every day can go a long way toward lowering their cancer risk by a significant margin. Certain

behaviors, like avoiding smoking, are widely known to reduce cancer risk. But some lesser known actions also can help individuals lower their risk.

QUIT WHEN YOU HEAR THE CLICK AT THE GAS STATION

e Air Pollution Control District of Santa Barbara County in California notes that gasoline vapors include a variety of toxic substances, including benzene. Benzene is an air pollutant that

adversely affects the central nervous system, the respiratory tract and the immune system. Modern automobiles now click when the gas tank is full and it’s vital that drivers avoid adding any more gas a er they hear that click. Drivers may be accustomed to topping off a er the click, but doing so can affect the vapor recovery system in a car. at system is designed to keep toxic chemicals like benzene out of the air. Topping off can needlessly expose drivers and their passengers to benzene, which the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

considers a carcinogen, or cancer-causing chemical.

GRILL WISELY

Millions of people anxiously await the return of warm weather so they can once again fire up their backyard grills. Various studies have suggested there’s a link between well-done grilled meat and cancer. One study conducted by researchers at Vanderbilt University found that high intake of well-done meat increases exposure to heterocyclic amines (HCAs), a type of carcinogen that forms in cooked red meat. at doesn’t mean individuals should put away their grills, but a change in grilling habits could help lower cancer risk. For example, one study from researchers at Kansas State University found that adding antioxidant-rich spices such as rosemary and thyme to marinade and soaking meat for at least an hour before cooking can reduce HCAs by as much as 87 percent.

DRINK MORE FLUIDS

Drinking more fluids is one of the easier things people can do every day to

reduce their cancer risk. e American Cancer Society recommends individuals consume eight cups of water per day, but millions likely fall far short of that amount. at’s unfortunate, as research presented at the American Association for Cancer Research International ConferenceonFrontiersinCancerPrevention

Research in 2011 found that high fluid intake was associated with a 24 percent reduced bladder cancer risk among men. In addition, a separate study funded by the Strauss Institute and published in 2020 in the International Journal of EnvironmentalResearchandPublicHealthfoundthat women with breast cancer consumed less water and total fluids than women who did not have breast cancer. e researchers concluded more investigation into the link between drinking more water and reducing breast cancer risk is necessary, butnotedthatdrinkingwaterisharmless, convenientandbeneficialtomanyaspects of health.

ough cancer could soon become the leading cause of death in various parts of the globe, many of those deaths can be prevented. And even the simplest measurescanmakeadifferenceincancerrisk.

It’s

That’s

TREATMENT

cont. from page 9

potentialtreatmentsforthediseasecanhelp womenandtheirfamiliesbemoreprepared should that day ever arrive. e following are three treatment options physicians may discuss with women as they begin devising waystoovercomethedisease.

1. CHEMOTHERAPY

Chemotherapy is used to treat various cancers, including breast cancer. Chemotherapy employs various drugs to destroycancercellsorslowtheirgrowth. e drugs administered during chemotherapy are known as cytotoxic drugs and may be administered orally or intravenously. e NBCF notes that chemotherapy is offered to most patients, though doctors will consider a host of variables before deciding if chemotherapy is right for a given patient. ose variables include the type of tumor, itsgradeanditssize.

2. RADIATION THERAPY

During radiation treatments, high energy rays are used to kill cancer cells. Only cells in the part of the body that is being treated with radiation are affected, so patients needn’t worry that other parts of their body will be hit with radiation. e NBCF reports that patients diagnosed with Stage 0 (DCIS) and most diagnosed with Stage 1 invasive cancer or higher can expect doctors to prescribe radiation therapy. Women who have had a lumpectomy also are likely to be prescribed radiation. Two main kinds of radiation are generally considered for breast cancer patients. External beam breast cancer radiation treatment delivers cancer-killing rays through a large machine. Internal breast cancer radiation is a newer treatment that injects radioactive cancer-killing treatments into the affected area.

3. TARGETED THERAPY

e NBCF reports that targeted therapy is commonly used in combination with traditionalchemotherapy.Targetedtherapy attacks specific breast cancer cells without

harmingnormalcells,whichiswhyittends to produce less severe side effects than chemotherapytreatments.Targetedtherapy employsdrugstoblockthegrowthofcancer cells in very specific ways. One example citedbytheNBCFisthedrugTrastuzumab, or Herceptin®, which is given to women whose breast tumors have too much of the abnormal protein HER2. ough the side effects of targeted therapies tend to be less severe, women may still experience issues

like fever and chills, nausea, headaches, and other symptoms a er drugs have been administered.

Expanding breast cancer treatments have done much to improve survival rates for patients. Women diagnosed with the disease are urged to play an active role in their treatments and ask any questions they might have before, during and a er being treated.

Clarkston Auto Sales supports the fight against breast cancer.

No one is actually gone until the ripples they cause in the world die away.

No one is actually gone until the ripples they cause in the world die away.

- Terry Pratchett

Please donate to your preferred Breast Cancer Research center and help bring an end to breast cancer.

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: TAKE ACTION THIS OCTOBER

Courtesy of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center

e first Breast Cancer Awareness Month kicked off in October 1985 with former First Lady and breast cancer survivor Betty Ford, who helped launch a call to action for women across the country. e events invited women to educate themselves about breast cancer andtotalkopenlyaboutbreasthealth.

Today,3.8millionbreastcancersurvivors and those living with breast cancer use October as an occasion to share their personal cancer stories amid celebrations, mobilescreenings,fundraisingevents,and memorials for those who have lost battles withthedisease.

Due to broad education efforts since that first Breast Cancer Awareness Month, earlier detection with annual mammograms and advances in treatment options, survival rates from breast cancer have continued to increase since the early 1990s. We can’t let down our guard. Please use this October to learn more about the risks of breast cancer and the steps you or your loved ones can take to support good health.

RISK

Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer in women, and 1 in 8 will develop breast cancer at some point in her life (National Cancer Institute at cancer.gov). In 2022, 30 percent of all new cancer diagnoses made in the United States will be breast cancer. Among American women, 287,500 will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and another 51,400 more with non-invasive breast cancer this year. And while women carry more risk than men, anyone with breast tissue can develop cancer. An estimated 2,710 men

in the U.S. will be diagnosed in 2022 (National Breast Cancer Foundation at nationalbreastcancer.org).

EARLY DETECTION

Mammograms can detect abnormalities in breast tissue that cannot be seen or felt with a breast selfexam. Mammography detects 65 percent of breast cancer cases before the cancer spreads outside the breast. Before cancer spreads, the five-year survival rate is highest at 99 percent. Early detection is key to maintaining a high survival rate. Because changes in breast tissue can happen any time, continue breast selfexams between annual mammograms. Knowing what is normal for your own

breasts can help you communicate with your primary care provider if changes do occur.

HONORING BREAST CANCER

AWARENESS MONTH

What is the best way to honor Breast Cancer Awareness in October? Schedule a mammogram!

Whether you’re over 40 and heading to your first mammogram, you’re under 40andhaveriskfactorsforbreastcancer, or if you’re simply overdue, October is the perfect month to take action for your breast health. And, if you haven’t already, learn how to complete a breast

self-exam and do it monthly.

St. Joseph Breast Imaging Center is a full-service breast health center that features 3D mammography screening and diagnostic workups. Radiologic technologists with advanced certification through the American Registry of Radiological Technologists perform all mammography exams. To schedule an appointmentcall208.799.6505orlearnmoreatsjrmc. org/mammo.

A mammogram can help detect breast cancer before signs or symptoms appear. Our 3D mammography provides more accurate screening that can improve cancer detection by up to 40%.* If you’re 40 or older, it’s important to get a mammogram every year. Why not schedule yours today?