Breast Cancer October 2021

October 2021

Inside: WOMEN HAVE SOME CONTROL IN REGARD TO THEIR RISK FOR BREAST CANCER A supplement of the Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News

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EXPERTS EMPHASIZE IMPORTANCE OF CONTINUING CANCER TREATMENTS Metro Editorial

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

lished by the British Medical Journal. symptoms every time they enter faciliEven a four-week delay was associated ties. with a 6 to 8 percent greater liklihood of • Designating firm triage plans for those cont. on page 14 dying during the study period.

While hospitals and health clinics cannot remove every danger of infectious disease contraction, safety is the top priority for cancer patients. Many organizations are working closely with infection prevention and infectious disPalmer Graduate eases teams to provide cancer care in safe CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CARE FOR ALL AGES environments. Some of the procedures Most Insurance Accepted including Medicare implemented may include: Family and Prenatal Care • Reducing the number of people alGonstead Technique and Gentle Instrument lowed into cancer facilities.

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When the COVID-19 virus took the world by storm in early 2020, individuals already battling health problems, including the approximately 15 million Americans currently living with cancer, had many difficult decisions to make.

Health officials continue to urge people to take precautions when going out in public and to limit close contact with others outside of their family units.

Medical care systems across the country have been overwhelmed by coronavirus patients. Many people undergoing cancer treatments and maintenance regimens for other conditions canceled or postponed their appointments. Doctors postponed surgeries and other procedures for thousands of patients with cancer. Many also canceled screening appointments, resulting in serious disruptions in care.

The National Cancer Institute reports that, through May 2020, breast cancer screenings dropped by 89.2 percent and colorectal cancer screenings fell by 84.5 percent. The NCI estimates there will be 10,000 more deaths attributed to these two cancers over the next 10 years as a direct result of the pandemic.

Delays in treatment for many different types of cancer can lead to worse outcomes for patients. However, each time a patient goes to a medical center to receive care, he or she may perceive an increased risk of contracting COVID-19. That’s especially so for those who have not yet been vaccinated. Many health experts, including Harvard Medical School, advise against delaying cancer treatments during the pandemic, noting that the risk for adverse outcomes due to cancer overwhelm the risk of coronavirus contraction. In fact, even a short delay in treatment may lead to deadly outcomes, according to a review of 34 studies pub-

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HOW TO CATCH CANCER EARLY Metro Editorial

Cancer is most treatable and beatable during its earliest stages. But how does a person detect cancer early, when he or she may not even realize cancer is present? There are a few steps to take.

SCREENING TESTS

Scheduling screening tests for common cancers, even if there are no symptoms present, is an effective way to detect cancer in its early stages. The American Cancer Society recommends the following tests.

• Breast cancer: Women between the ages of 40 and 44 can begin to schedule annual breast cancer screenings if they so choose. The ACS recommends women between the ages of 45 and 54 schedule annual screenings, after which mammograms can occur every two years.

• Colorectal cancer: Regular screenings for colorectal cancers can begin at age 45 with stool-based or visual exams that look for signs of cancer.

• Cervical cancer: This cancer screening should begin at age 25 and continue until women are 65. Pap tests and human papillomavirus tests are recommended at various intervals, typically between three and five years for healthy women.

• Skin cancer: All people regardless of age are advised to check their skin regularly for any changes that may indicate the presence of skin cancer.

Screenings for prostate cancer, lung cancer, endometrial cancer, and some others may be important for those with a family history of these cancers or those who are at higher risk due to various behaviors. People are urged to speak with their physicians about cancer screenings and any additional steps they can take to lower their risk for cancer.

LOOKING FOR MICROVESTICLES

To detect cancers earlier, doctors may employ blood tests that examine the presence of microvesticles in the blood.

Harvard Medical School says cells shed microvesticles, but the amount shed by tumors is substantial. However, finding these very small particles requires a pow-

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

erful device and complicated lab process.

Newer innovations at the Center for Systems Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital have led to the development of a handheld device that uses a nanotechnology sensor to detect tumor microvesticles in a drop of blood in roughly two hours. This technology has the potential to diagnose cancer much earlier, according to Dr. Ralph Weissleder, director of the center and developer of the technology.

FEELING “OFF”

Individuals are their best advocates for early cancer detection. Any symptom that is out of the ordinary and persists should be treated as a red flag. Lumps, pains, the presence of blood in stool or urine, persistent coughs, fatigue, abnor-

mal vaginal discharge, sores that do not heal, and a loss of appetite all could be early signs of cancer. People are urged to schedule appointments with their primary care doctors to discuss any abnormalities.

As cancer spreads, it can affect the effectiveness of treatment. This also may affect chances of survival. The earlier one detects cancer, the greater his or her chances of surviving the disease.

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Breast cancer shows no symptoms in the early stages.

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THE COMPLICATED LINK BETWEEN GENETICS AND CANCER Metro Editorial

Few, if any, families have not been affected by cancer. Estimates based on data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer suggested that 19.3 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in 2020, which reflects the far-reaching impact cancer has on people across the globe.

With so many instances of cancer across the globe, it’s no surprise that some families include more than one person who has had cancer. As a result, it’s not uncommon for some people to feel as if cancer runs in their family. Such a conclusion may not be entirely off-base, but it’s also not entirely accurate.

WHY DO SOME CANCERS SEEM TO RUN IN FAMILIES?

The American Cancer Society notes that various factors may make it seem as though certain types of cancer run in families. For example, family members may share certain behaviors, such as poor diet, that can increase their risk for obesity, which in turn increases their risk for various diseases, including cancer. In such instances, it’s not the family’s genes that are the risk factor for cancer, but rather the shared poor diet. Other commonalities within families, such as smoking, can increase cancer risk,

GENETICS cont. on page 14

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THE VALUE OF ACTIVITY-DRIVEN FUNDRAISERS Metro Editorial

Fundraising is vital to the survival of many nonprofit organizations. Charity watchdog groups like Charity Navigator suggest nonprofits should aspire to spend less than 10 percent of their budgets on fundraising. That can be a tall task and underscores the need for charities to find creative, cost-effective ways to raise funds.

Nonprofit organizations raise funds in

WHAT ARE ACTIVITY-DRIVEN FUNDRAISERS?

various ways. Some organizations partner with local businesses and receive a portion of the proceeds participating establishments earn on certain days, while other organizations may cold call prospective donors during times of the year when giving to charity tends to increase, such as the holiday season. Activitydriven fundraisers are another popular way for nonprofit organizations to raise funds, and these endeavors can be highly effective.

Activity-driven fundraisers focus on an engaging activity that encourages supporters to actively participate in an effort to raise funds. The Ice Bucket Challenge is one of the more notable activity-driven fundraisers in recent years. Participants in the challenge would pour a bucket of ice water over their heads or the head of another person, and then challenge or nominate another person to follow suit.

Participants also would urge donations to support research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, an incurable motor neuron disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Additional examples of activitydriven fundraisers are runs and walks in which participants solicit donations from supporters that increase with each mile they walk or run. The American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Awareness 5K walk and fun run is one popular activity-driven fundraiser that annually attracts sizable numbers of participants and donors.

ARE ACTIVITY-DRIVEN FUNDRAISERS EFFECTIVE?

The sheer volume of activity-driven fundraisers makes it more difficult to gauge the success of these events. However, a recent study from researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that people are inclined to contribute more when the experience is painful and labor-intensive. That suggests that activitydriven fundraisers like charity runs can be highly effective and lucrative ways to raise money. Indeed, various estimates suggest the Ice Bucket Challenge raised more than $220 million worldwide.

Nonprofit organizations raise funds in myriad ways. Activity-driven fundraisers are among the more engaging, and often successful, ways to raise money for a good cause.

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WOMEN HAVE SOME CONTROL IN REGARD TO THEIR RISK FOR BREAST CANCER Metro Editorial

No one, regardless of their age, occupation, skin color, or socioeconomic status, is immune to cancer. In fact, individuals might be hard pressed to say no one in their family and/or circle of friends has been diagnosed with cancer at some point.

According to the National Cancer Institute, there were 18.1 million new cancer cases across the globe in 2018. Among women, when excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, no cancer was more prevalent globally than breast cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund reports that, in 2018, breast cancer accounted for 25.4 percent of all new cancer diagnoses in women. That figure is nearly three

times as high as the percentage of cases of colorectal cancer, which accounted for the second most new cancer cases diagnosed in women in 2018.

It’s understandable to be fearful of such figures, which can make a breast cancer diagnosis seem almost inevitable. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that not all risk factors for breast cancer are set in stone. Though age and family history, two known risk factors for breast cancer, may be beyond a woman’s control, she still can exercise some control over other risk factors.

• Physical activity: The CDC notes that women who are not physically active have a higher risk of getting breast cancer than those who are. The Office

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, notes that women should get two hours and 30 minutes of moderateintensity aerobic physical activity every week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week. This should be accompanied by muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days each week. Carrying around extra weight can make moving around more difficult, so the Office on Women’s Health urges larger women to start slowly if it’s been awhile since they exercised. In addition, aging women can speak with their physi-

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cians for advice about exercise regimens they should or need not avoid.

• Taking hormones: The CDC notes that hormone replacement therapies that include both estrogen and progesterone taken during menopause can increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer when taken for more than five years. In addition, the CDC reports that oral contraceptives, such as birth control pills, have been linked to a higher risk for breast cancer.

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THE ROLE OF STAGING WHEN DIAGNOSING BREAST CANCER Metro Editorial

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and people who receive such news may be flooded with a wide range of emotions. When delivering such a diagnosis, doctors share vital information about their patients’ disease. Those details can go a long way toward easing patients’ concerns.

Staging is an important component of cancer treatment. The National Cancer Institute notes that stage refers to the extent of the cancer, including how large the tumor is and whether or not it has spread, or metastasized. Learning the stage of the cancer, which is typically expressed on a scale of 0 through IV, helps

doctors understand how serious the cancer is and the patient’s chances of survival. Staging also is used to plan treatments and potentially identify clinical trials that may serve as treatment options.

The American Joint Committee on Cancer oversees the breast cancer staging system and utilizes the TNM system.

Breastcancer.org notes that three clinical characteristics, referred to as ÒT, N, and M,Ó are used to calculate the stage of the cancer: • the size of the tumor and whether or not is has grown into nearby tissue (T) • whether the cancer is in the lymph nodes (N)

• whether the cancer has spread, or metastasized, into other parts of the body beyond the breast (M) Additional characteristics were added to the AJCC’s TNM breast cancer staging system in 2018. Though this has made determining the stage of breast cancer more complex, Breastcancer.org notes that it’s also made staging more accurate.

That improved accuracy increases the likelihood that doctors will choose the most effective treatment plan for their patients, which should ease those patients’ concerns as they begin treatment.

Staging is complex, and patients should know that staging alone does not dictate prognosis. The following breakdown, courtesy of the NCI, is a brief description of the five stages of cancer (stages O through IV). A more detailed description of breast cancer stages can be found at https://www.breastcancer.org/ symptoms/diagnosis/staging.

• Stage 0: This is diagnosed when abnormal cells are present but have not spread to nearby tissue. Stage 0 is also called carcinoma in situ, or CIS. CIS is not cancer, but it may become cancer.

• Stages I through III: Cancer is present in these stages. The higher the number, the larger the tumor is and the more it has spread into nearby tissues.

• Stage IV: The cancer has spread into distant parts of the body.

Staging plays an important role in treating cancer. Recognizing the role of staging can help patients better understand their disease and the direction of their treatments. More information about staging is available at cancer.gov.

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ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BREAST CANCER?

Many breast cancers begin with the formation of a lump, but Breastcancer.org reports that IBC usually begins with reddening and swelling of the breast, and symptoms can worsen considerably within days or even hours. That underscores the importance of seeking prompt treatment should any symptoms present themselves.

METASTATIC BREAST CANCER

Metro Editorial

type of breast cancer can help women and cancer. The NBCF reports that between 70 Millions of women are diagnosed with their families gain a greater understanding and 80 percent of all breast cancer diagnoses are instances of IDC. An IDC diagnobreast cancer every year. According to the of this disease. sis means that cancer began growing in the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, more milk ducts but has since spread into other than 2.3 million women across the globe DCIS is a non-invasive cancer that is di- parts of the breast tissue. This is why IDC is were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. agnosed when abnormal cells have been characterized as Òinvasive.Ó Though IDC The BCRF also notes that breast cancer is the found in the lining of the breast milk duct. can affect people, including men, of any age, most frequently diagnosed cancer among The National Breast Cancer Foundation the ACS notes that the majority of IDC caswomen in 140 of 184 countries worldwide. notes that DCIS is a highly treatable can- es are in women age 55 and older.

Breast cancer statistics can give the imcer. That’s because it hasn’t spread beyond pression that each of the millions of women the milk duct into any surrounding breast diagnosed with the disease is fighting the tissue. The American Cancer Society notes The NBCF describes IBC as an Òagsame battle, but breast cancer is something that roughly 20 percent of new breast cancer gressive and fast growing breast cancer.Ó of an umbrella term. In fact, there are varicases are instances of DCIS. Breastcancer.org notes that IBC is rare, as ous types of breast cancer, including ductal data from the ACS indicates that only about carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcino1 percent of all breast cancers in the Unitma, inflammatory breast cancer, and metaIDC is the most common type of breast ed States are inflammatory breast cancers. static breast cancer. Learning about each

DUCTAL CARCINOMA IN SITU (DCIS)

INFLAMMATORY BREAST CANCER (IBC)

INVASIVE DUCTAL CARCINOMA (IDC)

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Metastatic breast cancer may be referred to as stage IV breast cancer. When a woman is diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, that means the cancer has spread, or metastasized, into other parts of the body. The NBCF indicates that metastatic breast cancer usually spreads to the lungs, liver, bones, or brain. Symptoms of metastatic breast cancer vary depending on where the cancer has spread. For example, if the cancer has spread to the lungs, women may experience a chronic cough or be unable to get a full breath.

These are not the only types of breast cancer. A more extensive breakdown of the various types of breast cancer can be found at https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/ types.

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VARIOUS FACTORS THAT COULD AFFECT BREAST CANCER TREATMENT Metro Editorial

Treatment for breast cancer is often successful. For example, data from the American Society of Clinical Oncology indicates that the five-year survival rate for women diagnosed with non-metastatic invasive breast cancer is 90 percent, while the average 10-year survival rate for such cancers is 84 percent. Those figures reflect advancements in treatment and the effectiveness of campaigns designed to encourage women to receive routine breast cancer screenings as part of their preventive health care regimens.

Once doctors have diagnosed breast cancer, they will consider a host of factors as they try to determine a course of treatment.

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• Stage: The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. notes that treatment options depend on the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Stage is usually expressed in a numerical value between 0 and IV, with 0 being the least severe form of the disease and IV being the most advanced (i.e., metastatic).

• Tumor size and location: The Cleveland Clinic notes that the size and location of the tumor also affects how doctors will approach treatment. In general, the smaller the tumor, the more easy it is to treat the disease. Where in the breast the tumor is located also will affect the treatment plan. Doctors often employ a combination of treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery to

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treat breast cancer, and such an approach may be more likely to be employed if the tumor is large.

• Pathology tests: Pathology is the science of causes and effects of diseases.

When treating patients for breast cancer, doctors order pathology tests so they can better understand how the disease is affecting their patients’ bodies. For example, the Cleveland Clinic notes that pathology tests like hormone receptor tests and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2/neu) can indicate if hormones or growth factors are helping the cancer grow. The results of these and other pathology tests can then help doctors determine an effective course of treatment.

• Personal characteristics: Doctors will consider women’s age, general health and family history when mapping a course of treatment. In addition, doctors discuss menopause with women when determining a course of treatment.

Breastcancer.org notes that some breast cancer treatments can bring on menopause more abruptly than it would happen otherwise, so doctors will consider women’s history with menopause when determining treatment.

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SUPPORT GROUPS AND RESOURCES FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS Metro Editorial A strong support network can help breast cancer patients navigate their treatments and all of the uncertainty that can arise after a cancer diagnosis. Many women undergoing treatment for breast cancer lean on friends and family for everything from emotional support to help with household tasks and much more. Though family and friends are often invaluable to women during their battles with breast cancer, sometimes a little support from women going through the same ups and downs can be just what patients need to stay the course and overcome their disease.

According to the World Cancer Research Fund, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women across the globe. The WCRF estimates that breast cancer accounts for roughly 25 percent of all cancers in women. The World Health Organization reports that 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. Those figures are significant, but it’s important that women recognize that five-year survival rates have improved dramatically in recent decades. In fact, the American Cancer Society notes that the five-year survival rate for localized breast cancers is 99 percent, while the rate for breast cancers that has spread outside the breast to nearby structures or lymph nodes is 86 percent.

Rising survival rates for breast cancer mean that millions of women across the globe have already survived the disease, and many such women play vital roles in support groups that help women every day.

CancerCare¨ is a national organization in the United States that is dedicated to providing free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer. All CancerCare¨ services are provided by oncology social workers and renowned can-

cer experts. The following are just a few of the support groups cancer patients can access through www.cancercare.org.

• Breast Cancer Patient Support Group: This free, 15-week online support group is for people diagnosed with breast cancer who are currently receiving treatment. Access the group at https:// www.cancercare.org/support_groups/43breast_cancer_patient_support_group.

• African American Triple Negative Breast Cancer Patient Support Group: This group is for African Americans diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer who are currently receiving treatment. The group is free and continues for 15 weeks.

Access the group at https://www.cancercare.org/support_groups/197-african_ american_triple_negative_breast_cancer_patient_support_group.

• Metastatic Breast Cancer Patient Support Group: This free, 15-week support group is for people diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer who are currently receiving treatment. Access the group at https://www.cancercare.org/support_groups/44-metastatic_breast_cancer_patient_support_group.

• Breast Cancer Post-Treatment Survivorship Support Group: Patients who have completed their breast cancer treatment within the past 18 months are eligible for this free, 15-week support group.

Access the group at https://www.cancercare.org/support_groups/180-breast_cancer_post-treatment_survivorship_support_group.

Support groups can be invaluable resources for women as they navigate breast cancer treatment.

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EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES

Annual breast cancer screenings with advanced technology available at the Gritman Women’s Imaging Center in Moscow

Courtesy of Gritman Medical Center Breast cancer ranks just after 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.

The Gritman Women’s Imaging Center has a dedicated and private location within the hospital designed to provide individualized care to each and every

patient. The 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.

The advanced technology uses X-rays to create a three-dimensional image of the breast.

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

Located inside Gritman’s main hospital 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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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

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CONTROL cont. from page 8 Women can speak with their physicians about how to control hormone-related risk factors for breast cancer.

• Alcohol consumption: Studies have found that the more alcohol a woman consumes the greater her risk for breast cancer becomes.

Smoking, exposure to chemicals that have been found to cause cancer and

GENETICS cont. from page 6 even if the families do not have a genetic predisposition to cancer.

DO GENES EVER AFFECT CANCER RISK?

The ACS notes that some cancers are caused by abnormal genes being passed along from generation to generation. In such instances, the cancer is not inherited, but an abnormal gene is. However, such instances are somewhat rare, as the ACS reports only about 5 to 10 percent of all cancers result directly from gene defects inherited from a parent. These gene defects are called mutations.

WHAT ARE INHERITED GENE MUTATIONS?

According to the ACS, an inherited gene mutation is present in the egg or sperm cell that formed the child. When an egg is fertilized by sperm, it creates one cell. That one cell then divides many times, eventually becoming a baby. Since all of the cells that eventually form come from that first cell, the inherited gene mutation is present in every cell. That’s why it’s possible for gene mutations that lead to cancer to be passed down from generation to generation.

HOW DO PEOPLE KNOW IF A FAMILY CANCER SYNDROME AFFECTS THEIR FAMILIES?

The ACS notes that cancer is a common disease that roughly one in three people in

changes in hormones related to working night shifts are some additional risk factors for breast cancer that women may be able to control.

Breast cancer affects millions of women across the globe each year. Though that may instill a feeling of helplessness, women should know that many risk factors for breast cancer are within their control.

the United States will develop during their lifetimes. So even if two family members develop the same type of cancer, that does not necessarily mean a family cancer syndrome is present. However, the ACS reports that certain factors make it a family cancer syndrome more likely. Those factors include: ¥ Many cases of the same type of cancer, especially if it is an uncommon or rare type of cancer ¥ Cancers occurring at younger ages than usual. Age is a risk factor for many types of cancer, but the average age of diagnosis tends to be in adulthood. Many young people in the same family being diagnosed with a cancer that is most often diagnosed in older adults is a potential indicator of a family cancer syndrome.

• More than one type of cancer in a single person, such as a woman with both breast and ovarian cancer • Cancers occurring in both of a pair of organs, such as both eyes, both kidneys, or both breasts • More than one childhood cancer in siblings, such as sarcoma in both a brother and a sister • Cancer occurring in the sex not usually affected, such as breast cancer in a man • Cancer occurring in many generations, such as in a grandfather, father and son The relationship between genetics and cancer is complicated. More information is available at www.cancer.org.

tering facilities.

Cancer patients should discuss their who have positive screenings. cancer treatment plans with their care • Offering telehealth appointments for teams, especially if there is concern consultations and when in-person about pandemic safety. The goal should treatments are not necessary. be to continue treatment with minimal • Sanitizing high-touch areas and com- disruption. mon surfaces repeatedly.

• Requiring COVID testing prior to en-

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TREATMENT cont. from page 3

Culligan Water LLC 320 North Jackson St. Moscow, ID 83843 208-882-1351 www.culliganwaterllc.com

14 | OCTOBER 1, 2021 | LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

GET YOUR MAMMO:

IT’S AN HOUR THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!

By Sallee Jones, DO, PhD, FACS, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center The holidays are around the corner and it’s my favorite time of the year! It’s time to enjoy changing leaves, sweatshirts, bonfires, apple cider, pumpkin spice and mammograms. (OK, so maybe not mammograms but I thought I’d try.) I know what you’re thinking, there are so many reasons why we don’t get, or put off getting our mammogram, including we don’t have time, it might hurt and so on.

But let’s talk about the facts for just a minute.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the U.S., behind only skin cancers. In fact, the ACS puts the average risk as a one in eight chance that a woman will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. In addition, the World Health Organization states breast cancer is now the most common cancer globally, claiming 12 percent of new cancer cases. Breast cancer is also the second leading cause of cancer death in women, superseded only by lung cancer.

So, that’s some not-so-good news. How about some good news? Those death rates have been steadily dropping. Statistics show that the overall death rate from breast cancer decreased by one percent each year from 2013 to 2018. Now, the question is “why?” Well, the decreases have been associated with several factors, including

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

better treatments and earlier detection through screenings.

Here’s some more good news.

You can get screened by scheduling a simple, routine mammogram. A mammogram takes only about one hour, once a year, but its benefits can last much longer. Mammograms help detect breast cancer earlier than waiting for symptoms to appear. That’s an incredibly important weapon in the fight against breast cancer because early detection can result in an easier and more effective treatment if cancer is discovered.

While there are certain risk factors for breast cancer – including lifestyle-related risks, as well as some risk factors you cannot change, like your family medical history – some breast cancer patients have no risk factors or even any symptoms.

Actually, 85 percent of breast cancer cases are in women with no family history of the disease.

That’s why early detection is so vital to finding and treating breast cancer.

If you are a woman 40 and older, you should be including an annual mammogram in your

yearly health journey. If you are at higher risk, you may need to begin annual screenings sooner. As with other health issues, it’s important to have a discussion with your trusted provider about your lifestyle and risks and to determine the right time for you to begin annual breast cancer screening.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so if you haven’t already scheduled your mammogram, schedule one on your way to picking up a pumpkin spice latte. Now is a great time to get it on your calendar

and get the peace of mind that comes from taking charge of your health. It’s one hour a year that could save your life.

If you would like to schedule a 3D mammogram, call St. Joseph Breast Imaging Center at 208.799.6505 or visit sjrmc.org.

For more information on breast cancer and mammograms, visit breastcancer.org and cdc. gov/cancer/breast.

Dr. Jones is a board-certified general surgeon at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She is a female surgeon who partners with women in the fight against breast cancer and benign breast disease.

LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS | OCTOBER 1, 2021 | 15

SJREMC

Your health means everything. If you’re 40 or older, schedule your annual mammogram. It can help detect breast cancer early, when odds of successful treatment are highest. Our 3D mammography provides more detailed images that can improve cancer detection by up to 40%.* But there’s danger in delay. Don’t make your health wait. Schedule your 3D mammogram now!

Learn more by watching our mammogram video at sjrmc.org Schedule your 3D mammogram today!

Call 208.799.6505

Breast Imaging Center *Source: cancer.org

16 | OCTOBER 1, 2021 | LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS