NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH special.thesouthern.com The Southern Illinoisan (USPS 258-980) is published daily for $178 per year at 710 N. Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL 62901. The Southern Illinoisan is owned by Lee Enterprises, Inc. of Davenport, Iowa.
• Bob Williams , publisher bob.williams@thesouthern.com
• To subscribe: Call 618-351-5000 from Carbondale, Murphysboro and DeSoto; 618997-3356, option 2 from Williamson County; or 800-228-0429, option 2, between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. • To place a display ad: Call 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 618-529-5454, option 6; from Williamson County, 618-997-3356; or toll free: 800-228-0429, option 6.
PLANT FOR THE CURE Pink Flowering Narcissus, Tulips, and Hyacinths Plant in October in honor of breast cancer awareness month
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Inspirational & Uplifting Gifts
American Cancer Society Standing out in the fight against breast cancer AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY FOR THE SOUTHERN
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than 3 million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by showing them steps they can take to reduce their risk for cancer or detect it early, helping people get well by guiding them through every step of a cancer experience, by finding cures through investing in and conducting groundbreaking research, and by fighting back by working with legislators to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. Together with our millions of supporters, we are creating a world with less cancer
and more birthdays. There are some organizations that support only breast cancer research. Unlike these organizations, the American Cancer Society supports research to find cures for all types of cancer, because we know that discoveries in one area could help find answers in another. Virtually all of the basic cancer research projects the Society funds (about 70 percent) have potential benefits for breast cancer. As the nation’s largest nongovernmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.4 billion since 1946, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do about it. As the nation’s largest voluntary public health organization with the single most universally recognized cancer-fighting brand identity overall, the American Cancer Society is the longstanding leader in the fight against breast cancer. And together with our supporters, we are saving lives in many ways.
ual 3rd Ann
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5k Run/Walk
• Soothing Candles
Saturday, October 8th, 8:00am @ World of Fitness
• Inspiring Cards • New Line of Glassware & Jewelry
Proceeds from 5k to benefit: American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Run begins 8am, walk begins 8:01am
Registration available at World of Fitness or online at www.worldoffitnessherrin.com
Scan to visit us online or facebook to receive a special offer
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1207 Weaver Rd • Herrin 618-988-8878
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Think Pink, Ladies Night Out St. Mary’s Good Samaritan in Mount Vernon is hosting an inaugural women’s breast cancer awareness event, Think Pink, Ladies Night Out. The event will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13 at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts Performance Hall in Mount Vernon. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about breast cancer awareness, prevention and success. There will also be food, drinks entertainment. Featured speakers include Linda Harre, St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Nurse Navigator and also a breast cancer survivor; Dr. Debra Carson, an obstetrician and
gynecologist; Dr. Ryan Willis, radiologist; and Dr. Yagnesh Oza, oncologist. Think Pink, Ladies Night Out will also feature several booths including: St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Cancer Care Services Good Samaritan Regional Health Center Foundation and St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation St. Mary’s Good Samaritan OB/GYN Services Heartland Women’s Health Care Vinci Surgical System Little Egypt Breast and Cervical Cancer Program American Cancer Society St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Women’s Imaging Center St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Nutrition Services Green Door Spa Carl’s
Jackson Jewelers Space is limited for this event. Participants should register by Friday, Oct. 7 by calling 888257-6098.
Celebration of Breast Cancer Survivors Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion is offering the opportunity for you and a guest to live it up with some much deserved pampering courtesy of The Green Door Spa and Dillard’s. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, refreshments and fantastic giveaways throughout the evening. Plus, hear words of hope and inspiration from breast cancer survivor Beth Blaise. The event is open to anyone who is battling breast cancer or anyone who is a breast
cancer survivor. The Celebration of Breast Cancer Survivors is from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13 in Heartland Regional Medical Center’s Courtyard Café. For more information, contact Heather Houseright at heather.houseright@cancer.org or 618-998-9898 option 3.
You can be Pretty All Over In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Alpha Home Health Care is partnering with local health providers to host Pretty All Over events. These events are designed to help breast cancer survivors become more familiar with recent innovations and options in mastectomy and lumpectomy products
and garments. Participants can stop by to view new innovative body cooling breast forms and post-lumpectomy shapers and balancers. New styles and colors of undergarments including sports bras, camibras and post surgical garments will also be displayed. Most items are covered by insurances including Medicare and Medicaid with a physician’s order. Events will be from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 at The Breast Center in University Mall in Carbondale and from noon to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21 at St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Family Health Center at 501 N. Du Quoin St. in Benton. For more information, call Alpha Home Health Care at 877-905-0111.
See how two sisters are getting fit and fighting breast cancer together. Tuesday at www.thesouthern.com/lifestyles/mindbody.
Mt. Vernon, Illinois
The Southern Illinoisan Wednesday, October 5, 2011 Page 3
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Working to find cures The American Cancer Society invests more in breast cancer research — to better understand, prevent and cure the disease — than in any other solid tumor site. We take pride in funding promising researchers early in their careers, and our track record is something we share with pride. Of the researchers chosen for Society funding throughout the years, 44 have gone on to win the Nobel Prize. Your support has allowed the American Cancer Society to be involved in nearly every major breast cancer research breakthrough of the last century, including: Funding research into breast-conserving surgery, using lumpectomy plus radiation for treatment Establishing mammography as the gold standard to find breast cancer early Discovering lifesaving treatments such as Herceptin and Tamoxifen Discovering genes for inherited breast and colon cancer Confirming the knowledge that genetics, diet, lack of exercise, and alcohol abuse can increase a person’s cancer risk Discovering cancercausing oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes Currently, breast cancer research projects are under way at institutions across the country, thanks in large part to the funds raised by Making Strides Against Breast Cancer participants. With your continued help, we can fund more critical research projects, one of which could result in a breakthrough that would lead to fewer diagnoses and lower the number of deaths from breast cancer each year. — American Cancer Society
She’s ‘Making Strides’ Cancer survivor Beth Blaise gives back to the American Cancer Society BY LINDA RUSH THE SOUTHERN
“I was not a pink kind of girl before, but now I wear it proudly,” Beth Blaise said, smiling. Pink is the color designated to draw attention to breast cancer. And while wearing pink, she’s a visible example of a cancer survivor. “You see someone wearing pink, and you realize you’re not alone,” she said quietly. Blaise is the honorary survivor chair for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 22, at Evergreen Park in Carbondale. She’s not your typical breast cancer patient; she’d had lumps in both breasts since she was 22, but the cancer — fortunately a slow-growing, nonaggressive type — wasn’t diagnosed until she was 27. “I was always changing doctors because my husband and I moved around with his job,” she said. Over five years, she had mammograms, sonograms. “All were negative,” she said. Because she was so young, the doctors believed those lumps were just benign cysts. “But when I had blood coming from a nipple, they sent me to a breast surgeon,” she said. The growths were in the breast ducts, and they were malignant. The surgeon offered several options. Blaise opted to have both breasts removed and a complete reconstruction. She had five surgeries in all, over a year’s time. She also had four chemotherapy treatments, three weeks apart. She was in school at the
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PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERN
Beth Blaise of Carbondale is a breast cancer survivor and is the 2011 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Honorary Survivor Chair.
University of West Georgia when she was diagnosed and treated. “We lived in an area where doctors were nearby, and I didn’t have to travel for treatment,” she said. “I just remained upbeat and did what the doctors thought was best.” Blaise was from Bridgeport, and came to Southern Illinois University to study forestry. She met her husband, Brian Blaise, when they both worked at Italian Village in Carbondale. They moved to the South, where he worked in restaurants,
and she changed her major to geology. A few years ago, they decided to return to Southern Illinois to be closer to parents. Beth now works as a chemical water analyst in the Carbondale water treatment plant. She still sees an oncologist three times a year, and a breast specialist twice a year, in addition to having normal physicals. Mammograms don’t work with the type of reconstruction she chose, so she is diligent about doing selfchecks. “If it comes back, I plan
on catching it early,” she said. Blaise feels blessed to have been diagnosed. Hers was “a rare cancer that is difficult to diagnose,” she said. Because of her experience, she encourages women to push their doctors for additional testing if they feel something is wrong. “There is no such thing as being too proactive with our health,” she said firmly. “I had really good doctors and a really good support system,” she said. “And you learn not to worry about the silly stuff — to
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH just appreciate and enjoy life now.” She’s spending more time outdoors and exercising more, hoping to regain the upper body strength she lost as a result of the surgeries. “I stay on my mom and sister about getting mammograms,” she said. Even before she was diagnosed with cancer, Blaise had participated in fundraisers for the Susan B. Komen Foundation. As a survivor, she called the American Cancer Society and volunteered to help. As the Making Strides event draws closer, she’s planning survivor activities, finding items for gift bags for participants, whatever is needed. She’s happy to be involved, she said. “I’ll get to meet more survivors in the area. They’re people I have something deeply in common with.” Like the ACS Relay for Life events, Making Strides seeks to raise funds while raising consciousness about cancer. While
DETAILS What: Making Strides is a noncompetitive walk, either a 5K or 3 mile walk, that celebrates breast cancer survivors while raising funds to support research and services. When: Saturday, Oct. 22; registration at 8 a.m. and event at 9 a.m. Where: Evergreen Park in Carbondale. Signup: To register or for more information call 618-998-9898 option 3 or 800-2272345, visit www.makingstridessouthern illinois.com or text “Strides” to 70000. Special incentives are offered for those raising the most funds.
Relay targets all forms of cancer, Making Strides focuses specifically on breast cancer, which can affect both men and women and strikes one in eight women.
While Blaise was undergoing chemotherapy, the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good, Feel Better” sessions helped her and other patients with makeup and styling tips. “They gave us makeup, taught us how to tie scarves, and they even teach you how to draw your eyebrows on. “Looking normal really does make you feel better,” she said, grinning. With some 2,000 women attended the sessions last year in Illinois. And 1,990 patients received free wigs, hats, scarves and temporary prostheses from the ACS. Additionally, 40,000 patients were provided rides to and from treatment. Survivor groups help those battling cancer as well, Blaise said. “There’s a lingering fear: Will it come back? When will it come back?” she said. “That’s one reason I’m doing this.” linda.rush@thesouthern.com 618-351-5079
Help fight this disease by Making Strides Against Breast Cancer The American Cancer Society encourages Southern Illinois residents who have a concern about breast cancer to participate in the society’s second annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk of Southern Illinois. The event is Saturday, Oct. 22 at Evergreen Park, south of SIU Carbondale on Pleasant Hill Road. The Making Strides walk celebrates cancer survivors while honoring those in the community who lost their battle with breast cancer. This non-competitive, 5K walk is expected to draw survivors and supporters in an effort to educate the public on the disease and raise funds during Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. Every stride puts the American Cancer
Society a step closer to finding a cure for this disease. As part of a national effort, which last year raised more than $50 million from over 120 events, the money raised at the local Making Strides walk will be used for research, education, advocacy and patient and family services. Since 1993, nearly 4 million walkers across the country have raised more than $280 million to help fight breast cancer. The walk is free and noncompetitive, but participants are encouraged to collect donations and pledges. Registered participants who raise at least $100 will receive a commemorative long-sleeved t-shirt. Walk check-in will begin at 8 a.m.
with the event beginning at 9 a.m. For more information on how to volunteer or to register a team, contact the American Cancer Society at 618-998-9898 option 3 or visit www.makingstrides southernillinois.com to register your team. — American Cancer Society
If you know of a Breast Cancer Awareness Month event email cara.recine@thesouthern.com.
Fighting back with legislation Right now, cancer can’t be defeated in hospitals and doctors’ offices alone. We work with legislators to pass laws to defeat breast cancer and rally communities to join the fight. The American Cancer Society, in collaboration with our nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, works hard to keep breast cancer funding a top priority for lawmakers. Thanks in large part to donations from
the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, our efforts are affecting many of the laws governing options to battle cancer. We have successfully lobbied Congress for millions of dollars for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which helps low-income, uninsured and underinsured women get screenings and follow-up treatment, and we are working to increase funding.
With the help of Making Strides participants, we are telling Congress to “Put the Power of the Purse Behind Research.” Because Congress holds the purse strings for cancer research funding, we are encouraging participants to tell Congress to protect funding that will develop better early detection tools and treatments and improve patient-centered care for breast cancer. — American Cancer Society
Early detection and staying well The key to celebrating more birthdays — and employment anniversaries — is to stay well. Getting a yearly mammogram is the most important action women can take to find breast cancer early — before physical symptoms develop — when the disease is most treatable. By following the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer screening guidelines, women can take steps to stay well: Yearly mammograms should begin at age 40 and continue for as long as a woman is in good health. A breast exam should be part of a periodic health exam, about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women age 40 and older. Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast change to a health care professional right away. Breast self-exam is an option for women starting in their 20s. The American Cancer Society also recommends that some women at high risk of breast cancer — because of family history , a genetic tendency, or certain other factors — be screened with MRI in addition to mammograms. They may also need to begin screening at a younger age. Women should talk with their doctor about their history and whether they should have an MRI along with their mammogram, and at what age they should start screening. In addition to finding breast cancer early with mammograms, women can help reduce their risk by making healthy lifestyle choices such as staying at a healthy weight, exercising and limiting their alcohol intake. — American Cancer Society
The Southern Illinoisan Wednesday, October 5, 2011 Page 5
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Do you know the truth about breast cancer? Myths and truths about breast cancer and mammograms MYTH: No one in my family has ever had breast cancer, so I don’t really need to be concerned. TRUTH: Your risk is greater if a close relative has had breast cancer, but more than 85 percent of breast cancers are diagnosed in women who do not have a family history of the disease. MYTH: If I’m going to get breast cancer, there’s nothing I can do about it. TRUTH: While we still don’t how to prevent breast cancer, we do know that early detection can improve a woman’s chances of beating this disease. A mammogram can find a tumor much earlier than you or your doctor can feel it. When breast cancer is found early, while it is small and before it has spread, the chance of successful treatment is highest. Early detection also means that a woman’s chances for saving her breast are better because doctors may be able to remove the tumor and only a small area
For more information on how you can help create a world with less breast cancer and more birthdays, please call the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org. of nearby tissue. You can also take steps to help reduce your risk of the disease, including staying at a healthy weight, getting plenty of exercise and limiting alcohol intake. MYTH: These tests cost a lot, and I can’t afford a mammogram. TRUTH: Medicare, Medicaid and almost all insurance companies cover mammograms. Some low-cost mammogram programs are also available. Some doctors, hospitals or clinics may also lower their fees for women who cannot afford the usual charge. Also, the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection
Program provides free or lowcost screening and follow-up treatment for low-income, uninsured and underinsured women, with a high priority on reaching racial and ethnic minority women. Contact the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345 to learn more about special low-cost programs in your community. MYTH: Since mammograms are X-rays, the radiation could be dangerous. TRUTH: In the past 20 years, both the equipment and how mammograms are done have greatly improved. Today, the level of radiation is very low and does not significantly raise a woman’s risk of breast cancer. MYTH: I heard mammograms hurt and can be embarrassing. TRUTH: When you get a mammogram, you stand beside the machine and a specially trained technologist helps place your breast on a metal plate. A second plate made of plastic is placed on top, and, for a few
ART SERVICES
Mammograms aren’t painful for most women. Some might experience only a discomfort, but it’s well worth it, if it saves your life.
seconds, the top plate is pushed down and flattens the breast to get a good, clear picture. The technologist usually takes two pictures of each breast. Many women may feel some discomfort, but it is for a very
short time. To reduce discomfort, try to avoid scheduling your mammogram during the week before or during your period, when your breasts are most tender. SEE MYTHS / PAGE 7
Finding the words What do you say to a friend who has been diagnosed with cancer? Even the best-intentioned person can become speechless or tongue-tied when reacting to a loved one’s breast cancer diagnosis. What should you say? And what should you not say? Several experts offered the statements they found most and least helpful to hear during their own breast cancer battles.
Helpful ART SERVICES
Don’t let not knowing what to say stop you from offering comfort. But learn what to say and how to say it.
“I’m here for you, and we’ll see this through together.” “I’ll organize your friends to make dinners, drive car pools, shop, etc. —
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whatever would be helpful.” “I know this is difficult for you, but please know I will do all I can to support you.” “I’m so sorry you have to go through this, but I’m here to help in any way.” “Would you like to tell me more about it?”
Not so helpful “You’ll be fine.” “You poor thing.” “I know how you feel.” “I know someone who died from that.” “Call me if you need anything.”
“Will you be OK financially since you won’t be able to work?” “I think you should ...”
Timing Many friends and family members rush to offer support upon hearing news of a cancer diagnosis — but then the calls subside, even as the cancer treatment stretches on. Stay connected for the long haul, checking in with periodic phone calls or emails to see how she’s doing or just to talk about something normal. — McClatchy-Tribune News
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Help through every step of a cancer experience
MYTHS: Learn the truth FROM PAGE 6 Tell the technologist if you have any pain. MYTH: If I get a mammogram, I’m going to find breast cancer. TRUTH: Only two to four mammograms out of every 1,000 will lead to a cancer diagnosis. If a suspicious area is found, your doctor will order more tests. Only about 10 percent of women need more tests. Another mammogram may be done, focusing more pictures on the area of concern. The doctor may also use a thin needle to remove fluid or a small amount of tissue from the suspicious area. This test is called a biopsy, and it is the only way to know for sure whether the
changes are caused by cancer. A specialist called a pathologist looks at the sample under a microscope. But even if you are told you need a biopsy, remember that about 80 percent of lumps or suspicious areas will not be cancer. MYTH: I’ve lived this long without getting breast cancer. Why should I bother with a mammogram? TRUTH: Your risk of developing breast cancer increases as you get older. More than two out of every three breast cancers diagnosed each year occur in women older than 55. Even if you’ve been through menopause, you still need a mammogram. — American Cancer Society
Whether it’s the middle of the day or the middle of the night, the American Cancer Society is here around the clock to guide your employees or their family members through every step of a breast cancer experience. Below are just a few of the free programs and services that we offer to your employees and their loved ones. Call 800-227-2345. Cancer Information Specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide information, day-to-day help, and emotional support. One-on-one support
from breast cancer survivors who have “been there” Help with beauty techniques to boost selfesteem during treatment Free or low-cost wigs and other supplies for women in treatment Transportation assistance to and from treatment Lodging when having to travel far from home for treatment Assistance to help make informed decisions about things like medical care, finances and insurance Online support community Online education classes — American Cancer Society
ART SERVICES
Among its many programs, the American Cancer Society offers help with beauty techniques that can boost self-esteem.
Local Chiropractic and Wellness Center
Allied Physicians & Rehab Supports Cancer Research
For the month of October you can get a consultation and screening in our office for just a $5 donation to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Drs. Brian & Julie Bird, DC and Dr. Dalton Heath, DC Help patients with... • Headaches • Neck and shoulder tightness/pain • Back pain • Allergies/Asthma/Sinus issues • High Blood Pressure • Weight Loss • Pain Management
Call (618) 529-5172 to schedule your appointment According to the American Cancer Society 1 in 7 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer. We’re not okay with those numbers and you shouldn’t be either.
The Southern Illinoisan Wednesday, October 5, 2011 Page 7
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