JHN_Breast Cancer Awareness Month_101122

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Hawk Volkswagen Teams Up With Pink Heals

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month

For six years in a row, Hawk Volkswagen located in Joliet will team up in a partnership with Pink Heals Joliet Chapter for a Think Pink event to be held on the dealership grounds on Saturday October 22nd from 11am to 3pm. This event takes place in honor of breast cancer awareness month. Pink Heals of Joliet will bring out its signature pink fire trucks and sold merchandise, while Hawk VW will raffle off tickets for professional sport events, hand out free pink ribbons in honor of breast cancer awareness and accepted donations to go to the Pink Heals Joliet Chapter non-profit in order to help those who battle with finances.

“We collect donations the entire month of October to support the mission of Pink Heals. It is a mission of hope for people in the

community. Every single fundraised dollar stays right here in the community and we feel good about this”said Damian Gabrus, GM at Hawk VW.

Pink Heals supports women and their families, not causes. Although the main focus is the fight against cancer, they serve those in need, no matter the illness. Setting the example by being a true non-profit, comprised of all volunteers. The pink fire trucks and police cars can be spotted out in the community and are about love and hope. They inspire and bring caring right to the doorsteps of those in need.

If you would like to make a donation to the Pink Heals Joliet Chapter, donations are being accepted at Hawk Volkswagen located at 2861 W. Jefferson St., Joliet through the month of October.

Family history increases risk for breast cancer

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

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

BreastCancer.org indicates that women with close relatives who have had breast cancer, such as sisters, mothers or grandmothers, are at considerably higher risk of developing breast cancer themselves. Also, breast cancer may occur at a younger age in women with family histories of the disease.

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

• Average risk: No first- or seconddegree relatives with breast or ovarian cancer, or one seconddegree female relative with breast cancer (in one breast only) diagnosed after age 50.

• Moderate risk: This is a somewhat higher risk that may not turn into breast cancer. It occurs when there is one or two first-degree or two second-degree female relatives with breast cancer (in one breast only), with both relatives diagnosed after age 50; otherwise, one or two first- or second-degree relatives with high grade prostate cancer.

• Strong: Women with strong risks have much higher chances of developing breast cancer than the general population. Conditions like having one or more first- or seconddegree relatives with breast cancer diagnosed at age 45 or younger, triple negative breast cancer, primary cancer of both breasts, and both breast and ovarian cancer in the same relative are warning signs of increased risk.

It’s important for women with increased risk for breast cancer due to family history to discuss options with their doctors. More frequent mammograms and other screening tests may be recommended, and screening at younger ages than the standard age also may be considered. Women who are at high risk may be urged to undergo genetic counseling and testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer markers.

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

How long has it been since your last mammogram?

There’s no question mammography helps reduce breast cancer deaths by detecting cancer early when it’s most treatable and long before it can be felt.

For women at average risk of breast cancer, the American College of Radiology recommends an annual mammogram beginning at age 40. Mammography really does save lives.

O ering three-dimensional mammography (digital breast tomosynthesis)

in Channahon, Diamond Coal City, and Morris! Call 815-942 4105 to schedule your appointment. Self-referral without a physician’s order is accepted.

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Kathy Gossen believes she received some divine intervention in detecting a lifethreatening illness some 11 years ago.

Breast cancer survivor

Kathy Gossen of New Lenox was so glad to be able to go to Silver Cross Hospital for treatments and be so close to home.

Faith, Positivity and Nearby Cancer Treatment at Silver Cross

“My Mom was ill and had fallen. I was helping her to get up and I hurt my shoulder,” said Gossen of New Lenox, a nurse at Silver Cross Hospital for 37 years.

“My Mom passed away in November 2010 and my shoulder kept hurting, so I had some imaging done. I started going to PT (physical therapy) and while doing my exercises, I found a lump.”

The lump turned out to be a very large tumor on her breast, Gossen said, “and I always thought it was my Mom looking out for me from above that they found it.”

A biopsy of the lump showed Gossen was suffering from Stage 3B breast cancer. She would need a total mastectomy of the left breast, followed by months of chemotherapy and then radiation treatments.

“I was scared,” Gossen said. “Being a nurse, I had seen many negative outcomes and I had a friend whose sister was dying of breast cancer at that time also.”

Cancer Treatment Close to Home

But she was comforted after learning Silver Cross offered chemotherapy and radiation treatments at The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, now celebrating 10 years at Silver Cross’ Carolyn J. Czerkies Pavilion.

“I had to go for chemo every two weeks for six months, and then radiation every day for six weeks. I was so glad not to have to drive into Chicago that often for treatments and could do it so close to home.”

Not only was the staff wonderful, Gossen said the close proximity allowed her to continue working during treatments, albeit at a reduced workload.

“What else was I going to do? Did I miss a few days? Yes, but I gave it all I had. My faith, my family and my friends were my strength,” she said.

Still, Gossen admits to those days being a roller coaster ride – losing her hair, having her other breast removed after a scan showed a suspicious spot.

Even the relief of being released from treatment recently was tempered with “what ifs.”

Staying Positive During the Fight

“I was off the medicine I had been taking for 11 years. What if the tumor grew back? But my husband, Dan, a maintenance engineer for all the Silver Cross medical clinics, has been so positive through all of this. A former coach, he stressed that the only way to get through this was to stay positive, remain optimistic and fight this thing together,” she added.

Still, Gossen took the news hard when singer/ actress Olivia Newton-John died recently after battling cancer for more than 30 years.

“That was so sad. I have her records on my turntable and play them now and then,” said Kathy.

Mostly, life is positive these days, though. Gossen is back to her regular workload, sometimes overtime. But in the off hours, she says there’s nothing better than spending time with her family, especially her two grandsons.

“And I feel I have never been healthier. I watch what I eat. I exercise and walk every day. My hair grew back, and I did let it go gray. That’s a little different, I guess.”

“I no longer have any cancer. I am so blessed. Finding a high-grade cancer and having it treated successfully so close to home was a miracle,” she said.

Sharing Her Cancer Experience

“And I share my experience with others who are going through a cancer diagnosis. So many have reached out when they learn I’m a cancer survivor. As a nurse and a person of faith, that’s what I’m supposed to do.

“I tell them to educate themselves, to make sure they have the right treatment for them. And it’s important to surround themselves with positivity. That helps so much.”

Silver Cross has been recognized as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology and has received an A Hospital Safety Grade by The Leapfrog Group from 2015-2021. For more information about breast cancer care at Silver Cross, please visit silvercross.org or call 815-300-6350.

UChicago Medicine Breast Clinic at Silver Cross

Most women with breast cancer have some type of surgery as part of their treatment. Depending on the situation, there are different types of breast surgery, and they may be done for different reasons. For example, surgery may be done to:

Remove as much of the cancer as possible (breast-conserving surgery or total mastectomy)

Evaluate whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm (sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection)

Restore the breast’s shape after the cancer is removed (breast reconstruction)

• Relieve symptoms of advanced cancer

As part of the cancer services partnership between UChicago Medicine and Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, Dr. Jennifer Gambla specializes in surgery for patients with breast cancer, benign breast diseases, and abnormal breast imaging.

She performs a full range of procedures, including mastectomy, partial mastectomy or lumpectomy, excisional biopsies and coordinates breast reconstruction surgery with plastic surgeons at

the time of breast cancer surgery. Dr. Gambla also offers a surveillance program for patients at heightened risk for breast cancer, including those with a family history.

HIDDEN SCAR TECHNIQUE

What’s more, Dr. Gambla is certified in the Hidden Scar TechniqueTM, an advanced approach to removing breast cancer in which the surgeon places the incision in a location that’s hard to see (such as in the fold under the breast or around the areola) so that the scar is not as visible when the incision heals.

As a result, patients have little or no visible reminder of the surgery or their breast cancer. And while many women see their breast surgery scars as an empowering symbol of beating cancer, many do not.

In fact, studies show that breast surgery scars can significantly impact a woman’s psychological and emotional recovery and quality of life after surgery because scars can have a large impact on a woman’s self-confidence, intimacy and body image.

The Hidden Scar approach can be performed for a nipple-sparing mastectomy or lumpectomy.

UCHICAGO MEDICINE BREAST CLINIC AT SILVER CROSS

Dr. Gambla, who sees patients at the UChicago Medicine Breast Clinic at Silver Cross, is certified by the American Board of Surgery. She earned her medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed her general residency at The Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center. She attended the University of Michigan for a breast surgery fellowship. Dr. Gambla also holds memberships in the American College of Surgeons and is an active participant in the American Society of Breast Surgeons. She’s been in practice since 2005 but recently came to practice in New Lenox.

Jennifer Gambla, MD Breast Surgeon

Dr. Gambla’s office is located at the UChicago Medicine Breast Clinic at Silver Cross Hospital, Pavilion A, Suite 455. For more information, call 815-300-5887.

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Potential warning signs for breast cancer

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

Various factors have helped to improve breast cancer survival rates, and education about the disease is certainly among them. Women are their own greatest allies against breast cancer, and learning to spot its signs and symptoms is a great first step in the fight against this potentially deadly, yet treatable disease.

KNOWING YOUR BODY

The American Cancer Society urges women to take note of how their breasts normally look and feel. That knowledge is vital because it helps women recognize when something does not look or feel good to the touch with their breasts. Screening alone may not be sufficient, as the ACS notes that mammograms do not find every breast cancer.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

When women are well acquainted with how their breasts look and feel, they’re in better position to recognize any abnormalities, which may or may not be indicative of breast cancer. The ACS reports that the following are some potential warning signs of breast cancer.

• A new lump or mass: The ACS indicates that this is the most common symptom of breast cancer. A lump or mass that is cancerous is often painless, but hard and has irregular edges. However, lumps caused by breast cancer also can be soft, round and tender. Some even cause pain.

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

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

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

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

• Retraction: Some women with breast cancer experience retraction, which occurs when the nipple turns inward.

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

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

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

7 ways to reduce breast cancer risk

Many women are concerned about the potential for developing breast cancer in their lifetimes. Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer among women in the United States and Canada. Despite that prevalence, there are ways for women to reduce their risk for breast cancer.

While it is impossible to change family history or genetic markers like gene mutations that increase breast cancer risk, the following are seven ways women can lower their risk.

1. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Physical activity and monitoring calories can keep weight in check. The Mayo Clinic recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity. Strength training at least twice a week also is recommended. Being overweight or obese increases a woman’s risk for breast cancer.

2. Consume a healthy diet. The link between diet and breast cancer risk is still being studied. However, research suggests that a diet high in vegetables and fruit, and calcium-rich dairy products, but low in red and processed meats may lower breast cancer risk.

3. Avoid or limit alcohol consumptions. Alcohol increases risk of breast cancer, even in small amounts. For those who drink, no more than one alcoholic drink a day should be the limit. The more a woman drinks, the greater her risk of developing breast cancer, states the Mayo Clinic.

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

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

6. Breastfeed children, if possible. Breastfeeding has been linked to reducing a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.

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

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