Think BROUGHT TO YOU BY
October 1, 2020 A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE
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Coronavirus Considerations
How COVID-19 affects breast cancer guidelines
T
he novel coronavirus has changed life for the foreseeable future. While it’s clear how COVID-19 has impacted their abilities to shop, visit with friends and relatives or travel, the virus has also made life especially difficult for people with preexisting health conditions, such as breast cancer.
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Medical News Today reports that the symptoms of COVID-19 and which can have delayed or alternative treatments. These may be more severe for breast cancer patients. Furthermore, measures can help balance maintaining positive sur vival outcomes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that as well as reducing risk of exposure to the virus, according to the undergoing cancer treatment can American Society of Breast Surgeons. weaken the immune system, further Breast cancer patients have been increasing a person’s vulnerability broken down into priority levels of A, B • Priority A: A patient has to infection. Specifically, targeted and C for urgency of care. conditions that are immediately therapies, chemotherapy and radiation Breast cancer patients are further can weaken the immune system urged to take extra caution in their life-threatening or require urgent and compromise its ability to fight daily activities to help reduce the risk treatment. off the coronavirus. Furthermore, of contracting COVID-19. That means these treatments also may cause always wearing a mask or another face • Priority B: A patient has lung problems that can exacerbate covering when interacting with other conditions that don’t require COVID-19 symptoms, particularly people. This advice may be applicable among breast cancer patients whose even if a six-foot distance can be immediate treatment, but he or she cancer has metastasized to the lungs. maintained. Wash hands frequently, In April 2020, new guidelines for the especially when coming in from public should begin treatment before the prioritization and treatment of breast places. If possible, ask a friend or end of the pandemic. cancer patients during the COVID-19 family member to do your shopping or pandemic were released, compiled by run errands for you to limit exposure • Priority C: A patient has a group of U.S. medical organizations, to other people and crowds. conditions for which treatment can including the National Accreditation Breast cancer patients may have Program for Breast Centers, the to discuss the possibility of altering be safely put on hold. American College of Radiology and or delaying treatment for breast the Comprehensive Cancer Network. cancer with their oncologists because At hospitals where resources and staff of increased risk factors presented have become limited due to COVID-19 treatment efforts, doctors by COVID-19. Together, patients and doctors can work to keep have had to define which breast cancer patients need urgent care breast cancer patients as healthy as possible.
Breast Reconstruction: To help you feel like YOU again!
2915 New Hartford Road • Owensboro, KY • 270-688-3700 • OwensboroHealth.org/BRA
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Awareness
What are the
WARNING SIGNS N
of cancer?
o one is immune to cancer, which the World Health Organization notes is the second leading cause of death across the globe. Though cancer is responsible for more than nine million deaths per year, the WHO notes that many cases of cancer are preventable. The WHO estimates that one-third of deaths from cancer are due to five behavioral and dietary risks: high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption. People who smoke, drink to excess and/or eat unhealthy diets can greatly reduce their risk for cancer and the likelihood that they will join the millions of cancer patients who die from the disease each year. Learning the warning signs for cancer is another way people can reduce the likelihood that they will die from cancer. Cancer Research UK notes that cancers diagnosed at early stages are more likely to be treated successfully than those that are in the later stages. Late-stage cancers have typically spread beyond their origination point, making treatment more difficult and survival less likely. Early detection of cancer is vital to survival. For instance,
Cancer Research UK notes that more than nine in 10 bowel cancer patients will survive their disease for more than five years if diagnosed at the earliest stage. The five-year survival rates are similar for breast cancer and ovarian cancer patients whose diseases are diagnosed in their earliest stages. By learning some of the common warning signs of cancer, people can increase the likelihood of early detection, greatly improving their chances of surviving this potentially deadly disease. Each type of cancer has its own unique symptoms, and people with family histories of cancer are urged to discuss those histories with their physicians so they can learn the warning signs of the specific cancers that may run in their families. In addition to such discussions, men and women can keep an eye out for these symptoms, which the Cleveland Clinic notes are some of the more general indicators of cancer.
MARIA E. SMITH MD, FACOG
SUZANNE M. RASHIDIAN DO, FACOOG
EMILY CLARK APRN
WARNING SIGNS OF CANCER • Change in bowel or bladder habits • A sore that does not heal • Unusual bleeding or discharge • Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere • Indigestion or difficulty swallowing • Obvious change in a wart or mole • Nagging cough or hoarseness More information is available on the World Health Organization’s website at www. who.int.
JENNIFER MEUNIER APRN
LESLIE PEMBERTON PA-C
BROOKE WANINGER-WHITE MA, CLT
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Schedule your appointment today. Phone: 270-478-5334 | Fax: 270-215-0500 • 1921 LEITCHFIELD ROAD | OWENSBORO, KY 42303
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May 15, 3:54 pm
On her ďŹ rst day of chemo, she didn’t feel alone. The moment that changed everything
Help end breast cancer.
K O M E N E VA N S V I L L E . O R G
info@komenevansville.org
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Coping with Changes
How to cope with physical changes resulting from cancer treatment
A
mong American women, breast cancer ranks as either the most commonly occurring cancer or a close second. The World Cancer Research Fund says there were two million new cases of breast cancer in 2018 across the globe. Fortunately, for most women, a cancer diagnosis is not terminal. Early detection and thorough treatment help improve a patient’s survival rate, especially for those with cancer that is localized to the breast or has only minimally spread. Women may have to undergo various forms of treatment, including radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. The National Cancer Institute notes that, while they’re effective, breast cancer treatments can cause changes affecting a woman’s physique, body image and sexuality. Some changes will be short-term, such as hair loss or fatigue. Others may be permanent, such as breast loss or scarring from lumpectomy and mastectomy. Fertility may also be affected, potentially compromising a woman’s ability to conceive and carry a child after treatment. Regardless of the changes, breast cancer patients must realize they are not alone. Scores of women have experienced similar feelings and can be sources of support and inspiration during recovery. In addition, a handful of strategies can help women confront the physical changes resulting from cancer treatment in a positive way.
• Understand that it is okay to feel frustrated, upset or angry with the changes that have occurred. It doesn’t make you shallow. Anyone has the right to grieve treatment options that have changed their bodies. • Attempt to focus on how cancer treatment and the entire experience has made you stronger and more in tune with life. Cancer can be a wake-up call that sparks positive changes going forward. Focus on your strengths, rather than on what you cannot reverse. • Look for new ways to enhance your confidence, like a new hairstyle or a makeup makeover. Patients recruit a stylist who can help shape a wig or offer innovative ideas to adapting to their changing bodies so patients are more comfortable with their appearance. • Speak with a doctor about what you can do to treat skin changes from treatment. Topical creams may alleviate painful redness or dry patches, while other remedies can minimize
surgical scarring. • Talk to professionals about prosthetics and shapewear. Local experts such as Cherricare and Shaw’s Prosthetics Plus specialize in post-mastectomy care ranging from breast prostheses and swim forms to mastectomy bras and compression garments. A fitting with a specialist can result in custom-made garments that contour to or mold your shape to your preference, giving the look of natural breasts under your clothing. • Consider reconstructive surgery. If you’ve undergone a mastectomy, you may prefer a more permanent solution to your changing body. Reconstructive surgery involves inserting natural tissue or implants to restore the natural shape of your breasts. Some breast cancer patients prefer a surgical, permanent enhancement over shapewear garments, but it’s advised to speak with a physician about which solution best meets your physical and emotional needs.
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Less Common but Dangerous
Don’t overlook symptoms of male breast cancer
B
reast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer diagnosed among women, but it can affect men as well. While they make up a smaller concentration of breast cancer patients than women, men themselves have breast tissue, which means it’s possible for them to develop breast cancer. Male breast cancer is most common in older men, but it is important to recognize that the disease can strike men — and women — at any age.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Men with breast cancer experience symptoms similar to those experienced by women. Possible signs to be aware of include: • skin dimpling or puckering • a lump or swelling, which is typically (but not always) painless • nipple retraction • redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin • discharge from the nipple, which may be clear or blood-tinged The American Cancer Society advises that sometimes breast cancer can spread to the lymph nodes under the arm or around the collar bone and cause a lump or swelling in these locations. The protrusion may be noticeable even before the original tumor in the breast is large enough to be felt. Men should realize that enlargements or issues affecting both breasts (not on just one side) typically are not cancer. Enlargement or changes to both breasts in men can be caused by weight gain, medications or heavy alcohol consumption. Visiting a physician can help determine what is causing your particular breast issue.
TYPES OF MALE BREAST CANCER
According to the Mayo Clinic, two types of breast cancer typically affect men: • Ductal carcinoma: Cancer that begins in the milk ducts. Nearly all male breast cancer is ductal carcinoma. • Lobular carcinoma: Cancer that begins in the milk-producing glands. This type is rare in men because they have few lobules in their breast tissue. Especially rare types of breast cancer that can occur in men include Paget’s disease of the nipple and inflammator y breast cancer.
DIAGNOSIS
BreastCancer.org says that a small study of breast cancer in men found that the average time between first symptoms and diagnosis was about 19 months. This can be startling because early diagnosis can be vital to sur vival. Through the realization that breast cancer can happen to men and more education and awareness, men can feel more comfortable about discussing changes to breast tissue with their doctors.
E MOR Y Working Together C ENTRE for Your Health P HARMACY Simplify Your Medicine For Less
Ask Us About On-The-Go Packs Do Away with your Rx Bottles
5-10 Minute wait on most prescriptions CURBSIDE SERVICE
FREE DELIVERY
We Loves Senior
527 Emory Drive (Next to Wesleyan Park Plaza)
270-684-0649
Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Closed Sundays & Holidays
Pharmacist/Owner: BILL SEWELL Pharmacist: TRAVIS SEWELL
A place for all your
life.
PREGNANCY CARE | BREAST HEALTH PELVIC HEALTH | FERTILITY CARE WOMEN’S CANCER CARE | THERAPY SERVICES www.deaconess.com/twh
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Patient & Survivor Resources POST-MASTECTOMY CARE SHAW’S PROSTHETICS PLUS, INC.
SUSAN G. KOMEN
1019 Old Hartford Road, Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 684-7672 shawsprostheticsplus.com/ Shaw’s is an ABC-accredited, VA-approved facility that provides custom breast protheses, mastectomy bras and lymphedema sleeves.
EVANSVILLE
CHERRICARE
LOUISVILLE
1726 Sweeney St., Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 926-2252 https://cherricare.com/ CherriCare offers mastectomy bras, breast prostheses, swim forms, post-operation camisoles and compression garments.
SOCIETIES & SUPPORT GROUPS AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY OWENSBORO 1302 Frederica St. Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 683-0778 BOWLING GREEN 952 Fairview Ave., Suite 4 Bowling Green, KY 42101 (270) 782-3654 LOUISVILLE 1640 Lyndon Farm Court, Suite 104 Louisville, KY 40223 (502) 584-6782 EVANSVILLE 318 Main St., Suite 219 Evansville, IN 47708 (812) 475-9244
4424 Vogel Road, Suite 205 Evansville, IN 47714 (812) 962-2202 komenevansville.org
1201 Story Ave., Suite 205 Louisville, KY 40206 (502) 495-7824
NEARBY SUPPORT GROUPS RIBBON CHICKS young survivor support group in Evansville (812) 473-5772 or (812) 431-3981 WOMAN TO WOMAN Support group in Evansville (812) 853-8010 MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH Meets every second Tuesday of the month 605 Canal St., Evansville
komenkentucky.org
OWENSBORO HEALTH CANCER SUPPORT GROUP All men and women affected by cancer are welcome to this support group.
DREAM WITH FAITH Women’s breast cancer support group at Zion Baptist Church in Henderson (270) 860-2704
EVENTS
2020 KOMEN KENTUCKY VIRTUAL RACE LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER FOR THE CURE Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020 This program includes American Cancer Virtual Kick-off: 8:30 a.m. Society-sponsored workshops led by Race Where You Are: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. volunteer cosmetologists discussing using skin In light of the coronavirus pandemic, care techniques, makeup, wigs and clothing to Susan G. Komen has moved its annual Race enhance women’s confidence and appearance For the Cure to a virtual format. Participants while undergoing cancer treatments. are encouraged to register at louisville.infokomen.org/ and then “race, walk, swim, golf, REACH TO RECOVERY skip or even dance” on Oct. 3 at the time of This group provides support and their choosing. Registered participants will encouragement through conversations with receive a 25th anniversary Race for the Cure specially trained American Cancer Society T-shirt. volunteers who have themselves survived More information is available at louisville. breast cancer. info-komen.org/ .
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Area Cancer Care Providers OWENSBORO HEALTH MITCHELL MEMORIAL CANCER CENTER 1020 Breckenridge St., Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 688-3600 (800) 947-7102 owensborohealth.org/services/cancer/treatments/breastcancer/ Owensboro Health’s cancer care facility includes a 16-bed outpatient oncology unit, advanced technology, physician offices, a medical library and a cancer registry. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, patient education and consultation services are offered at the Cancer Center. Inpatient services are rendered at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital at 1201 Pleasant Valley Road in Owensboro. Owensboro Health also offers Hologic 3D Mammography, an advancement in diagnostic imaging that helps detect breast cancer in its earliest stages. This service is also available at Owensboro Health healthplexes in Henderson, Madisonville and Powderly.
THE BREAST CENTER AT THE WOMEN’S HOSPITAL (a Deaconess facility) 4199 Gateway Blvd., Suite 3200 Newburgh, IN 47630 (812) 842-4995 deaconess.com/The-Womens-Hospital/Services/Breast-Services deaconess.com/The-Womens-Hospital/Services/WomensCancer-Services Cancer services include surgical oncology, chemotherapy, infusion, radiation therapy, genetic counseling, nutrition and social counseling, and acupuncture for cancer patients. Deaconess Hospital Cancer Services has collaborated with The Women’s Hospital to provide a multidisciplinary breast cancer program that connects multiple physicians to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. The Women’s Hospital’s affiliation with MD Anderson Cancer Network enables local providers to collaborate with other physicians within the MD Anderson network to provide patients with an extensive network of care.
In Memory
Catherine “Kitty” Boswell 20 years ago October 6th, 2000
(formerly Elizabeth H Ottman PSC)
Elizabeth H. Ottman MD
Left to right: Aubrie Boswell Mitchell, Cora Mitchell, Kitty Johnson, and Julie Boswell Johnson.
Although she never met her grandchildren, her memory lives on through them. We will honor, love, and miss her always. Please join us as we advocate for breast cancer awareness and research. Visit and be inspired by “The Face of Breast Cancer”
(Displayed behind the glass case on the main floor at Owensboro Health) David W. Boswell Agent Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance
Lisa Wimsatt APRN, CNM
Misty Powers APRN
Susan Johnson APRN, CNM
2851 New Hartford Rd Ste B • Owensboro, KY 42303 270-688-6035 Office Hours - Mon-Fri 8-4 • Closed Tuesdays
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On the Horizon
What to expect after cancer treatment ends
O
nce the initial shock of a breast cancer diagnosis wears off, many patients are ready to get down to business and begin treatment. Based on data collected by the SEER database, which is maintained by the National Cancer Institute, five-year survival rates for breast cancer in the United States are excellent. If the cancer is localized or regional (spread to nearby structures or lymph nodes), the survival rate is 99 percent and 86 percent, respectively. If the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, the five-year survival rate is 27 percent. These survival rates underscore the importance of early detection and treatment. Treatment may induce feelings of anxiety among patients. Equally scary can be what to expect after treatment ends. Here’s a closer look at what comes next.
AFTER SURGERY
If treatment involves surgery for a lumpectomy or mastectomy, patients will move to into the recovery room after surgery to wake up from anesthesia. If you are feeling any pain, now is the time to speak up, as staff in the recovery room assess your pain and vital signs. Many surgeries are completed on an outpatient basis. However, more invasive surgeries that involve lymph node dissection require a hospital stay.
Jones Insurance agency 724 Time Dr. • Owensboro, KY
270-691-9100 www.joneswoolfolkins.com
AUTO-HOME-FARM-BUSINESS-LIFE-HEALTH
Doctors will set up a schedule of follow-up care to check surgical sites and monitor healing. Radiation or chemotherapy may be used in conjunction with surgery and may continue even after surgery.
AFTER CHEMOTHERAPY
Chemotherapy causes an “enormous assault” on the body, according to Marisa Weiss, MD, founder of Breastcancer.org. Many of the hurdles that people feel post-treatment are lasting fatigue. Even a mental change characterized by an inability to focus and memory deficits can occur. In addition, after chemo ends, it may take up to six months for hair to start to grow back, and hair that grows back may be a different color and have a different texture.
AFTER RADIATION
FOLLOW-UP
Doctors will prescribe a regimen The American Cancer Society says for follow-up care. Every few months, side effects from radiation may vary patients may expect a visit at first. The depending on the patient. Extreme longer you have been cancer-free, the fatigue is often noted, and such feelings fewer follow-up visits will be required. may come and go. Mammograms on any remaining breast Some people experience skin tissue will be scheduled between six changes in the radiation treatment and 12 months after surgery, and area. The skin may appear red, annually thereafter. irritated, swollen, or blistered. Over Bone density tests and blood time, the skin may become dry, itchy and imaging tests also may be or flaky. Depending on certain types recommended if you are taking certain of radiation treatment, radioprotective medications or have physical indicators drugs may be offered to help protect certain normal tissues. that the cancer might have come back.
God has chosen you
Heather Howard to be a Blessing to so many!
YOUR SEWING AND VACUUM STORE! Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you. --1 Peter 5:7
Murphy Sewing Machine Co. 420 Triplett St. • Owensboro, KY 42303 270-684-5566 Hours: M-F 9:00 - 5:00 & Sat: 9:00 - 12:00 “Sales & Service for Quality Sewing Machines & Vacuums”
We love you!
270-316-5476
Realtor®
RISNER & ASSOCIATES REALTY, INC. 1010 Frederica St., Owensboro, KY.
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Strength in Numbers
The vital role of a cancer support network T he moment a person is diagnosed with cancer can elicit a variety of emotions: fear, anger, loneliness, hopelessness. But no cancer patient should feel that they are facing diagnosis and treatment alone. Support groups and services exist for exactly this situation; in fact, a strong support network can be vital to patients’ recoveries. According to Weill Cornell Medicine, recent changes in the healthcare industry have shifted the burden of
care from the hospital to the home. That underscores the importance of a strong support network. Many of the challenges cancer patients face in the months after diagnosis will be new, and patients can expect a range of emotions. According to Breast Cancer Now, a charitable organization that funds one-third of breast cancer research in the United Kingdom, women may experience emotions such as shock, anger, disbelief, anxiety, and sadness after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Having loved ones there to help them make sense of those
emotions and stay positive as they navigate their way through the treatment process is essential. In addition to providing emotional support, loved ones of breast cancer patients may need to take on additional roles as they help their friends or family members face the challenges that lay ahead. Because of the industry changes noted by Weill Cornell Medicine, cancer caregivers and support networks may need to prepare themselves to take on the following roles, each of which is vital to cancer patients’ survival.
SUPPORT NETWORKS CAN HELP MONITOR THE DISEASE
If a patient feels overwhelmed by their diagnosis and related issues, those within their support networks may need to keep track of how their loved ones’ disease is progressing and if there are any complications from treatment.
ADMINISTER MEDICATION
Breast cancer patients may be too overwhelmed to handle their own medications, so support networks can take over this important responsibility for them, helping them distinguish between medications
and understanding the dosage and frequency in which they’re needed. experiencing shortness of breath may be incapable of performing certain high-exertion chores around their home like vacuuming. In such instances, members of a support network can tackle those chores MANAGE SYMPTOMS Treatment often causes severe side effects in many women, such as until their loved one bounces back. nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, pain, arm swelling, shortness of breath, and skin irritation. Thankfully, most of these side effects can ASSIST WITH PERSONAL CARE be treated. While most side effects lessen after treatment is completed, Some patients may experience fatigue after treatment. In such support networks and caretakers may need to help patients manage instances, support networks can bolster patients’ spirits and energy and those symptoms while they’re in full swing, performing a host of help them maintain their personal routines relating to eating, resting tasks to make their loved ones’ lives easier. An example: Patients and hygiene.
JohnHoward, Howard Jr., M.D. John Jr., M.D. Brian M. Payne, ARNP Diplomat of the American Academy of Internal Medicine
2200 E. Parrish Ave., Acute/Urgent Bld. B, Ste. 202 Problems Seen Owensboro, KY 42303 Same Day Open daily Monday through Thursday Call 926-1650 for an appointment
Specializing in adult and adolescent medicine providing a wide range of services for patient healthcare needs, including urgent and chronic care with office lab and diagnostics.
Accepting new patients Most insurance accepted
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Why Get a Screening Mammogram?
Because You’re Worth it! You are important to so many in your life. Having an annual screening mammogram is one way to take good care of yourself, helping you live a healthy life
with the ones you love.
Free face mask with mammogram in October
Call to Schedule
1-844-50-MAMMO Healthplex Locations Henderson, Madisonville & Powderly Walk in anytime weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Owensboro Locations Breckenridge Medical Building, Ford Medical Building & Springs Health Centre and Saturday hours. wee Call to schedule weekday
or Schedule Online
OwensboroHealth.org/Mammogram You must have a referral from your primary care provider.