Better Health - March 2024

Better Health

Cancer risk on the rise... so are the Cures

Dena Hall, 50, a banker in Easthampton, has something to celebrate this spring. She has been cancer-free for a year.

By Staasi H eropoulos

Special To The Republican

“They don’t use the word remission, but it’s truly in my rearview mirror. It’s far enough behind me that I’m comfortable having this conversation,” she said. “I had a lumpectomy and my cancer was fully removed.”

Hall, a married mother of two who lives in Westfield, gets a mammography every August. The annual check-up is usually uneventful - but the news was not so good in August of 2022.

“You go in for a routine mammogram and it’s anything but routine,” said Hall, who is executive vice president, chief retail banking and marketing officer at bankESB.

“You go through that long process of finding something, having a biopsy, you wait and then you get the call that says, ‘You have breast cancer. That’s really scary,’” she said. Hall credits Baystate Breast

and Wellness Center for detecting the deadly growth.

A team with Baystate Surgical Oncology removed the lump, and while it was small and contained, Hall’s doctor recommended chemotherapy and radiation at the D’Amour Center for Cancer Care to make sure the cancer didn’t return.

Hall had 16 chemotherapy infusions over a 20-week period and 21 sessions of radiation.

“The nurses, technicians and clinicians were wonderful,” said Hall. “I came out of this experience with new friends, which sounds crazy. You spend so much time with them and they just become an extension of your family.”

Increasing risks and rewards

There is an increasing number of success stories like Hall’s, said Dr. Rawad Elias, chief of Hematology Oncology and medical director of cancer services at Baystate Health. “The bad news is cancer incidence is increasing. The good news is we’re much better at treating it,” he said.

Alcohol and tobacco continue to be major causes of cancer, sparked by smoking and excessive drinking, said Elias. While pollution also causes cancer, said the doctor, there are also many forms of the disease related to genetics.

Regular and recurring screenings are key in finding

and attacking cancer. They’re what saved Hall’s life. “A lot of cancers can be cured. We can achieve better outcomes if cancer is detected earlier. It’s important that we pursue those screenings. We are finding better ways to enhance those tests,” said Elias.

Immunotherapy is just one

of the modalities that are increasingly leading to the successful treatment of some forms of cancer. “Melanoma can be super deadly, but many people are now being cured, even if they have a stage four melanoma, for example, because of the effectiveness of these treatments. We also

A team with Baystate Surgical Oncology removed the lump, and while it was small and contained, Hall’s doctor recommended chemotherapy and radiation at the D’Amour Center for Cancer Care to make sure the cancer didn’t return.

have better drugs to support patients now,” said the doctor.

Doctors are also discovering they can target a broader expanse of genes to improve cancer treatment.

“One of the best feelings you can have as a physician is when there is something new that comes out and you can tell your patients, ‘Guess what? Now we have a new option for you.’ We’re saying that a lot more frequently,” said Elias.

Getting screened

Cancer diagnosis and care may begin with screenings and treatment, but Hall said diet and exercise helped fortify her body for the grueling rounds of chemotherapy and infusions of radiation she would have to endure.

A healthy lifestyle, positive outlook and support from her “village” of coworkers, friends and family all helped on her heroic journey.

“My body responded really well. My company was amazing. I worked remotely for the most part because I did not want to be exposed to COVID or any infections that could prevent me from having my chemotherapy every week,” said Hall, who has two children, a 16-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter.

“I didn’t miss a baseball game or a dance competition,” she said. “I kept my daily routine. The more active you are, the less the chemo

will sap your energy and drag you down,” she said.

Doctors and surgeons at Baystate Health are not only breaking new ground in the treatment of cancer. There is also a philosophical shift in the way they approach and tailor care for the person, not the patient.

“We’re transitioning from treating the disease to treating the person and focusing on how the treatment is going to affect them in their everyday life. We don’t want them to be miserable. We still use established and traditional regimens, but we modify these approaches, trying to make them easier on the patients,” said Elias.

“It’s not going to be a walk in the park, but as long as you’re a physician, you’re reminding your patients, this should not be a torturous experience,” he continued.

Hall said she lived the best life possible during her treatments, and there was nothing more important than staying positive.

“I went into this with the attitude, ‘I’m young and I want to be here for a very long time,’” she said. “It would have been a very different experience if I went into it with a negative attitude thinking, ‘this is not going to work.’”

“Nothing about it is ever great,” continued Hall. “But for me, it was the best outcome there could have been.”

Powerhouse

Anutritious diet is a key component of a healthy lifestyle.

That’s an important thing to remember for people looking to turn over a healthier leaf and accomplish their long-term wellness goals.

Avoiding certain ingredients, like saturated fats and added sugars, and choosing foods known for their nutritional benefits is one way individuals can utilize diet to live healthier. Although such foods cannot entirely eliminate risk for certain diseases or make a person invincible, eating more of them certainly can benefit individuals’ overall health.

Kale

Kale long has had a place on healthy eating lists. Kale is a good source of vitamins A, C and K, and also contains alpha-linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid. According to Britannica, studies show kale can help combat heart disease and cancer, and also boost eye health by reducing risk for cataracts and macular degeneration. Kale is not the only dark, leafy green vegetable that has earned superstar status. Swiss chard, spinach, collard greens, and turnip greens are equally beneficial.

Berries

There is strong antioxidant capacity associated with berries that helps reduce the risk

of heart disease and other inflammatory conditions, says Healthline. That’s why blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and cranberries are so revered by nutritionists. They’re also great sources of fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Honey

This natural sweetener is a powerful ally to animals and insects. Honey is one of the most appreciated and valued natural products, according to the study Honey and Health: A Review of Recent Clinical Research, published in 2017. Since ancient times, honey has been used therapeutically due to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects.

Walnuts

Studies have found that those with higher nut consumption have improved cardiovascular risk factors and lower rates of cardiovascular disease. Nuts are an important part of the Mediterranean diet, which has been found to be heart healthy as well, according to Harvard Health. Walnuts are a particularly good choice for lowering LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and apoprotein B (a protein linked to cardiovascular disease).

Legumes

Legumes, also known as pulses, include beans, lentils, peas, peanuts, and alfalfa.

Legumes are full of nutrients, like minerals, protein, fiber, and B vitamins. Healthline notes legumes also improve feelings of fullness, which may help people eat less at each meal.

Teff

Not too many people have heard of teff, which is a very small grain that is a dietary staple in parts of eastern Africa. Teff is high in the nutrients iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium, and vitamin C. Teff also contains ample protein and fiber. Teff also is gluten-free, so it can be ground and used in place of other flours in cooking, says Britannica.

Kefir

Fermented foods and beverages have garnered increased attention recently because of their effect on helping maintain gut health. Kefir is loaded with vitamins, minerals and nutrients, says the Cleveland Clinic. It is a fermented milk that boasts higher concentrations of probiotics than some other fermented foods, like yogurt. Kefir has approximately 12 active probiotic strains.

These nutrient-rich foods can make great additions to health-conscious individuals diets.

A body needs an array of vitamins and minerals to thrive.

While many people, women included, believe that offsetting perceived deficiencies with supplements is the best idea for their health, this isn’t always the case. Harvard Medical School indicates it was once believed that popping a multivitamin every day compensated for dietary deficiencies. However, multivitamins contain some micronutrients in amounts greater than those recommended in dietary guidelines. Furthermore, the benefits of supplements remain uncertain. Therefore, careful consideration should be given before supplementing on one’s own.

In addition, dietary changes should be discussed with a doctor or nutritionist to ensure the best outcomes.

In most cases, women can get all the vitamins and minerals they need through a balanced diet. Certain populations may need supplementation at key times in their lives. Also, those with particular deficiencies may need to supplement. Here’s how to figure out when supplementation may be advisable.

The Office on Women’s Health says there are three groups of women who might need a vitamin and mineral supplement.

Pregnant women or those who could become pregnant:

A supplement ensures that this demographic gets the folic acid they need each day to lower the risk of birth defects like spina bifida. At least 400 micrograms of folic acid are recommended and often are found in prenatal vitamins.

Postmenopausal women:

Women who are postmenopausal lose bone density faster because of hormonal

changes. Supplementing with vitamin D and calcium and engaging in weight-bearing exercises can help prevent the bone loss condition known as osteoporosis. Some postmenopausal women also may need to get extra vitamin B12, as people age 50 or older may struggle to effectively absorb B12 from food.

Vegetarians:

Those who eat plant-based diets may need to supplement with minerals and vitamins that are typically found in higher amounts in animal products, like vitamins B12, B2 and D.

People who fall into these categories also can consider supplementation with their doctors.

Individuals taking acid blockers: Those who take a daily acid blocker for heartburn or peptic ulcer disease should consider vitamin B12 supplementation, says Harvard Health.

Individuals who lack sunshine exposure:

Individuals who live in northern climates or places where getting enough sunlight to make their own vitamin D through adequate exposure should take a daily 1,000 IU vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D also may be needed by those with diseases that limit fat absorption, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Individuals with inflammatory conditions:

Individuals who have joint tenderness or rheumatoid arthritis may want to consider taking fish oil supplements that contain Omega-3 fatty acids. The T.H. Chan School of Public Health also reports that omega-3s are essential for heart health and lower heart disease risk, which is a major concern for women. Supplements may be needed in certain cases. Women considering taking vitamins and minerals should discuss their options with their doctors.