17 minute read
Breast Cancer Awareness
Am I At Risk For Developing Breast Cancer?
A risk factor is anything that impacts an individual’s chance of getting a disease, in this case of getting breast cancer. Some factors that put you at risk are in your control and you can change, such as your diet, and some things put you at greater risk that are not in your control, such as genetics.
It is crucial to speak to your doctor about any concerns you may have regarding breast cancer. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and/or other approaches to help lower your risk of developing breast cancer.
Changeable Risk Factors
• Binge drinking or drinking more than a small amount of alcohol • Being overweight or obese, especially after menopause. • Living a sedentary lifestyle • Unhealthy diet
Unchangeable Risk Factors
• Gender: Women are at greater risk of developing breast cancer. The risk of a man developing breast cancer is significantly lower. • Age: Your risk of developing breast cancer increases as you get older. About 2 out of 3 invasive breast cancers occur in women 55 years of age or older. • Genetics: About 5% to 10% of breast cancers are hereditary. This means the cancer is caused by a gene mutation, which was passed down from a parent. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most common causes of hereditary breast cancer. Breast cancers caused by these genes are more often found in younger women and can affect both breasts. In the United States, BRCA mutations are more common in Jewish women of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) origin; however, they can occur in anyone. Genetic testing can be done to find such mutations. If you are
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238 West Chestnut Street Hazleton
Owned/Operated by Teresa Jacketti, R.N.,
By Kimberly Gerhard, CMF-Owner, Perfect Balance Boutique
Five years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, which changed my life. In the beginning, I thought it was the worst thing that happened to me and I did not know how to live the rest of my life.
I knew I wanted to educate women on their options and take away the worry they would have at receiving the items they need to help them feel whole again. I opened Perfect Balance Boutique in 2019 and it has changed my life in more ways than I could have even imagined. Our goal at Perfect Balance Boutique is to “help women feel beautiful” because it is not until a woman gets the correct mastectomy items that she feels beautiful and whole.
The main purpose of the boutique are mastectomy fittings by certified fitters. We offer off the shelf breast prosthesis, custom breast prosthesis, bras, post op surgical garments, mastectomy pillows, and shower shirts. We also carry other products such as natural skin care, chemo shirts and breast cancer awareness gifts.
Any woman that has not had a mastectomy can also wear the bras. The boutique has fit many women with no prior breast cancer diagnosis. We take great pride in our large wig headwear selection. The wigs are synthetic but are high quality. We fit many women with and without cancer. Some insurances cover cranial prosthesis for women suffering with cancer. We also offer compression garments for lymph edema and other conditions. Some garments need special ordering so, we will measure for the garment and place the orders as needed.
The services offered at Perfect Balance Boutique come from the heart and that is one of the things that makes us stand out from everyone else. The boutique is very inviting, homey and we take as much time with a client that is needed. We accept all major insurance plans.
During the month of October, we are selling pink candles with the help of “Share This Little Light Foundation.” With each purchase during October, you will receive a 20% discount on your next purchase. Share This Little Light is a nonprofit foundation to help spread mental health awareness and to connect people on a personal level beyond social media.
Perfect Balance Boutique is located at 170 S. 3rd Street, Leighton, PA. If you have any questions, would like more information, or simply want to schedule an appointment, please contact us at 610-379-4577. You may also visit us on Facebook or our website at www. perfectbalanceboutique.com .
Here are three steps that can help detect breast cancer early.
Use a mirror to check for changes or abnormalities
Use your hands to check for lumps
Lie down on your back and repeat step 2
If you feel something unusual - don't panic, make an appointment with your doctor.
If you don't feel anything - great, continue to do self-exams monthly.
Kimberly Gerhard,
Owner
Mastectomy Products • Sugery Recovery Items Compression Garments • Wigs •Headwear Lingerie • Skin Care & More
170 S 3rd St, Lehighton • (610) 379-4577 Mon & Tues 9am-5pm • Wed & Thur 10am-3pm • Fri 9am-12pm Other Hours By Appointment perfectbalanceboutique.com
October Is BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
Join Us Oct 5th for the 16th Annual “Pink Light Walk”
Proceeds Benefit the PA Breast Cancer Coalition Rain or Shine • 4:30-8pm • Lehighton Please Check Our Website, FB, or Contact Us for “Full Event Details”
During the month of October Purchase A Pink Candle for $20 and receive 20% OFF
your next purchase
SINCE 1981
STYLISTS:
We Support Breast Cancer Awareness
Cindy Vetter, Jo Ann Mamourian
COLORS & PERMS MANICURES • WAXING
Distributor of MATRIX PRODUCTS considering genetic testing, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional prior to see if it is the right option for you. • Family History: The risk of breast cancer increases in women who have a relative on either their mother’s or father’s side of the family who has or had breast cancer. However, less than 15% of women who have breast cancer have a family history of the disease. Therefore, the majority of women who get breast cancer have no family history at all. • Personal History: A woman with breast cancer in one breast has an increased risk of getting new cancer in another part of the same breast or the other breast. This is not the same as the return of the first breast cancer. Race and Ethnicity: Caucasian women are more likely to develop breast cancer, but African American women are more likely to die from it. The risk of developing breast cancer in younger women is higher for African American women as well. The risk of developing and dying from breast cancer is lower in Asian, Hispanic, and Native American women. • Breast Density: Women with dense breast tissue have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Age, menopause, pregnancy, genetics, and some drugs may affect the density of breast tissue. • Benign Breast Conditions: Some women with a benign breast condition have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. • Exposure to Diethylstilbestrol (DES): DES was an estrogen-like drug given to some women in the 1940s through the 1970s. If you or your mother (while she was pregnant with you) took DES, it may have increased your chance of developing breast cancer. • Menstruation: If you had your menstrual cycle start before the age of 12, you may have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Menopause: If you started menopause after 55 years of age, you may have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. • Previous Chest Radiation: If you were treated with radiation therapy to the chest area as a child, you may have an increased chance of developing breast cancer. • Recurrent Breast Cancer: Breast cancer that comes back after initial treatment.
INTERNAL MEDICINE ASSOCIATES OF HAZLETON, INC
1090 N. Church Street, Hazleton PA 18202 570-459-1485 • Independently Owned & Operated Welcoming New Patients
PROVIDING QUALITY SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY WITH TRADITIONAL CARE
EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES!
Leocadia Prawdzik, M.D.
Internal Medicine (Polish/English)
Lennie Romero, CRNP
Internal Medicine (Spanish/English)
Demetri Carellas, MSPA, PA-C
Internal Medicine (Spanish/English)
Alva Smith, M.D. FACC
Board Certi ed Cardiologist
(French/English)
• DISORDERS OF THE HEART & ARRHYTHMIA • ECHOCARDIOGRAMS • HOLTER MONITORS • CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION • ULTRASOUND OF THE CAROTID ARTERIES
Welcome DEMETRI CARELLAS, PA-C To Our Practice. Call To Schedule Your Appointment Today
WE ENCOURAGE COVID VACCINATIONS Most Insurance Plans Accepted • Bilingual Services Available by Appointment Conveniently Located at 2 Additional Locations
FOR ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED OR PASSED AWAY FROM COVID-19, YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS… AND TO THOSE INVOLVED IN THEIR CARE, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE.
What You Need To Know And What Is Required To Address This Issue.
By Dr. Thomas Bednarek, MD Radiologist – Hazleton Imaging
FACTS:
1. Mammography is the gold standard for evaluating women for early treatable breast cancer. The widespread use of mammography has contributed to a 25-35% reduction in breast cancer mortality. It is widely available, reasonably priced, proven, scientifically accepted and is covered by insurance but it has its flaws—It doesn’t find all breast cancer and on average has a sensitivity between 80 and 85% in identifying breast cancer in all comers. 2. We are familiar with the risk factors for developing breast cancer such as genetic abnormalities, family history, years of estrogen exposure, obesity and a history of breast disease requiring biopsy even if there was a benign result of the surgery. An independent important risk factor previously lurking in the background but not fully appreciated and addressed is the effect of “breast density”. 3. The breast is composed of glandular tissue that can produce milk, ducts that transport milk to the nipple and fibrous connective tissue all of which are “white” (dense) on the mammogram and fatty tissue which is dark on the mammogram. 4. The distribution and amount of these various tissues is quite unique to an individual patient making the appearance of a normal mammogram widely variable contributing to the challenge of interpreting mammograms and finding breast cancer. 5. On a mammogram, fibroglandular and ductal tissues are white as are cysts, benign tumor and cancers. Therefore, in a breast with a lot of dense tissue (white on the mammogram) the chance of identifying a breast cancer as a discrete change is diminished resulting in widely varying success rates (40-95%) in finding cancer from patient to patient based solely on their breast density. 6. In addition, the difference in incidence of breast cancer developing in a dense breast (white) versus a fatty breast (dark background on mammogram) can increase fourfold. 7. Thus the dense breast develops an increased number of breast cancers and they are harder to detect on mammograms which is a deadly combination. The dense tissues can also adversely affect the success of the physical examination of the breast masking a tumor or presenting as diffuse “lumpy” findings on palpation.
DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Breast density notification laws have been adopted in almost 40 states now with pending legislation in the remaining states. Pennsylvania’s Breast Density Notification Law went into effect in January 2014 mandating: • That the mammogram report indicates the patient’s breast density and its implications with suggestions for possible additional testing chiefly with ultrasound or in the high risk patient, MRI. Unfortunately, there is no mandate for coverage of the ancillary testing, if indicated, resulting in significant out of pocket costs to these women discouraging optimal care. A handful of states including New Jersey do require payment of ancillary screening, but not Pennsylvania or a majority of the other states with these laws. 2. That the letter sent to a patient following her mammogram not only contain information about her result but specific information about her breast density to further a discussion with her caregiver about the need for ancillary testing over and above the mammogram. 3. Since February 2019, there is a federal mandate that all providers in all states must provide Breast Density information in their reports to ordering caregivers and in patient letters. The FDA is developing standardized language and when available will represent the minimum baseline for all states and provides. If states wish to go beyond this base standard that is permissible. The base language must include as a minimum: • The effect of breast density in masking the presence of breast cancer on a mammogram. Or computer assisted ( CAD) • The subjective qualitantative assessment of the patients breast density • A reminder to patients that individuals with dense breast tissue should talk with their caregivers if they have any questions or concerns about their summary. • The American College of Radiology has implemented categories of breast density to be used in reports as follows: i. BI-RADS (breast imaging reporting and data system density category). • Category A--The breasts are almost completely composed of fat with less than 25% fibroglandular components. (10% of patients) • Category B --The breast shows scattered areas of fibroglandular density (25-50% fibroglandular densities). (40% of patients) • Category C --The breasts are heterogeneously dense (50-75% fibroglandular) which may obscure small masses. (40% of patients) • Category D --The breasts are extremely dense (greater than 75% fibroglandular density) which lowers the sensitivity of mammography. (10% of patients)
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CONCLUSION:
• Breast density is a very important variable in the incidence of breast cancer and its detectability on mammography potentially affecting up to 50% of women. • In breast density category 3 (very high risk patients), ancillary testing with ultrasound and occasionally MRI should be considered on a case by case basis but should be mandatory in category 4. • Know your breast density and have a discussion with your caregiver about what is the best course of action for you. • Lobby state representatives and senators to enact companion legislation that strengthens the breast density law to include coverage for ancillary screening, such as ultrasound and MRI, where appropriate to ensure adequate care of women with dense breasts. • New technology such as Digital Tomosynthesis of the breast which includes multiple thin section images at the time of mammography improves cancer detection versus conventional mammography. However, it still misses 50% of the occult cancers found at ultrasound but it is a step in the right direction. This technology has been installed and is available at Hazleton Imaging. • For Further information on Breast Density go online to Densebreast-info.org
By Cancer Treatment Center At Hazleton
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is recognized across the country during October. It is an annual health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. The national campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer and their loved ones.
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that develops from cells in the breast. More commonly breast cancer either begins in the cells of the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands, or the ducts, the passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple. Less commonly, breast cancer can begin in the stromal tissues, which include the fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast. Over time, cancer cells can invade nearby healthy breast tissue and make their way into surrounding lymph nodes, small organs that filter out foreign substances in the body. If cancer cells get into the lymph nodes, they then have a pathway into other parts of the body.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common cancer in American women, with the average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer sometime in her life being about 13% (or a 1 in 8 chance).
There are several ways to treat breast cancer, depending on its type and stage. Some treatments are called local therapies, meaning they treat the tumor without affecting the rest of the body. Types of local therapy used for breast cancer include surgery and radiation therapy. These treatments are more likely to be useful for earlier stage (less advanced) cancers, although they might also be used in some other situations.
At the Cancer Treatment Center at Hazleton, we use radiation therapy to treat breast cancer. External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is the most common type of radiation therapy for women with breast cancer. EBRT is administered with a linear accelerator (LINAC) that generates and delivers high-energy X-ray beams to the breast cancer. It destroys cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Treatments are safe, require no hospitalization, and only take about 10 to 15 minutes. Side effects are usually minimal, and most patients return to routine activities after treatment.
If you, or a loved one, have been diagnosed with breast cancer and would like to speak to a patient coordinator about your treatment options, please contact the Cancer Treatment Center at Hazleton at (570) 459-3460 or visit www. HazletonCancerCenter.com today.
Secrets Wig Boutique located in Jon-David & Helen's Hair Salon has been helping women of all ages experiencing thinning hair & medical hair loss for over 20 years! . Owners, Jon-David Novotnak & Helen Lonczynski take pride in the exceptional services they offer including cuts, colors and highlights for men, women and children of all ages. The atmosphere of the salon is always, both friendly and professional.
Your outstanding shopping & buying experience is our top priority! When purchasing a wig there are many concerns you have to consider such as style, color, & fit. All of our wig fittings are done by expert hair stylists! Secrets offer dozens of beautiful, affordable, ready-to-wear wigs which you can purchase the same day! Whether your look is short & casual, trendy, classic, curly, or long & wavy, you will find exactly what you are looking for! Choosing a wig can be somewhat intimidating, however, our commitment to making you look & feel confident & beautiful is our main goal! During your consultation, we will also explain how to maintain the quality of your wig which includes proper washing, conditioning, drying, & styling. The wig studio carries all of the products needed to maintain the quality of your wig from accessories & products you will need such as shampoo, conditioner, styling spray, brushes, and combs.
Secrets offers specialized attention to women undergoing chemotherapy, & those dealing with thinning hair & medical hair loss issues. We also carry a large selection
OCTOBER 2021
of stylish head coverings that are both fashionable and affordable to help you cope with hair loss. Colorful sleep caps, beanies, lightweight turbans, scarves, specialty hats and many more items are available in our studio as an alternative to wearing wigs. Our experts will show you how to wear these "alternative" head coverings in fun, fashionable ways! Women from all over the area visit Secrets Wig Boutique each week & always leave with a positive experience! Women of all ages will find something from the impressive selection of ready-towear wigs, alternative head coverings and accessories “Secrets” has to offer. Please feel free to call or visit our Salon/Wig Studio & we will be happy to help you! Appointments are required to allow the individual attention you deserve! Please call and schedule one today. Jon-David & Helen’s Hair Salon & Secrets Wig Boutique is located at 38 East Broad Street, West Hazleton 570-454-1932. We are open Tuesday through Saturday. Please visit us at www.jondavidhelens.com and Facebook.
VISIT OUR EXCLUSIVE WIG BOUTIQUE WHERE EXPERT STYLISTS WILL ASSIST YOU IN FINDING YOUR PERFECT LOOK!
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IN HONOR OF BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
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