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.
PLANTING A DIFFERENCE Pink Ribbon Narcissus, Tulips, and Hyacinths
Join the fight against breast cancer • Plant now for a beautiful spring display and remembrance Tulips 10/bag • Hyacinths and Daffodils 6/bag $9.99/bag now through October 31 in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month Visit us at www.plantscapenursery.com
NURSERY & LANDSCAPE SERVICE One mile west of Rt. 148 in Herrin on the Herrin-Colp Hwy.
Mon.-Sat. 8-6 p.m. Sun. 12-5 p.m.
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A World of Caring October 15 & 16 2010 Reception & Silent Auction Friday, October 15, 5:30pm @ Walker’s Bluff Open to the public, everyone welcome!
5k Run/Walk
Don’t let fear stop you:
Get the facts Here from the American Cancer Society’s regional office in Marion are some things you need to know about breast cancer:
Breast cancer in Illinois An estimated 8,770 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 About 1,790 women will die of breast cancer in 2010
Breast Cancer in the United States
An estimated 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the United States during 2010. About 1,970 men in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. Breast cancer is the
most frequently diagnosed non-skin cancer in women. An estimated 40,230 breast cancer deaths (39,840 women and 390 men) are expected in 2010. Breast cancer ranks second among cancer deaths in women (after lung cancer). The five-year survival
We’ve got a lot more information for you! Go to www.thesouthern.com/ lifestyles/mindbody and look for Breast Cancer Awareness in the story list.
Making A Difference in Lives Come in and purchase this collectible Hallmark ornament and a portion of the sale will be donated to Breast Cancer Research
Saturday, October 16, 8:00am @ World of Fitness Proceeds from 5k and Silent Auction 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 1207 Weaver Rd • Herrin 618-988-8878
Page 2 Wednesday, October 6, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
Ganz bear or frame make excellent remembrance gifts
Park Ave. Herrin HERRIN DRUG 116 N.618-9 942-55315 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9am-6:30pm • Sat. 9am-4pm CLOSED Sunday
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH rate for breast cancer is 98 percent among individuals whose cancer has not spread beyond the breast at the time of diagnosis.
Risk factors Being female and increasing age are the most important risk factors for breast cancer. Other important factors that increase include certain inherited genetic mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2), a personal or family history of breast cancer, high breasttissue density as seen on mammograms, biopsyconfirmed hyperplasia, and a history of high-dose radiation therapy to the chest. Other risk factors include a long menstrual history, being overweight or becoming obese after menopause, recent use of oral contraceptives, use of postmenopausal hormone therapy, never having children or having one’s first child after 30, consumption of one or more alcoholic beverages per day, and being physically inactive.
Look Good, Feel Better Murphysboro salon owner brings national program to Southern Illinois BY ADAM TESTA THE SOUTHERN
Separating empathy and sympathy plays a vital role in working with cancer patients. That’s a philosophy Marian Wright-Cavitt of Carbondale won’t relent on. Owner of Beautiful Hair Salon on Walnut Street in Murphysboro, she has also helped bring the American Cancer Society’s Look Good, Feel Better program to women in Southern Illinois. “You’ve got to be able to have empathy, not sympathy,” she said. “Having empathy, you’re helping. Having sympathy, you’re so busy crying that you’re making everyone cry, so who are you really helping?”
A national program, Look Good, Feel Better teaches women about cosmetology and finding beauty while undergoing chemotherapy and battling cancer. Volunteers lead participants through handson experiences and teach them about make-up, skin and nail care and ways to deal with hair loss. A number of national organizations have signed on to the program as partners in recent years and donate supplies, such as top-of-theline wigs. “We don’t try to make them feel different,” WrightCavitt said. “We want them to know they’re the same person as before.” Wright-Cavitt said she first learned about the
program while living in the Quad Cities area, where she attended cosmetology school. Shortly after, she moved back to Southern Illinois and opened her shop in Murphysboro, where she’d been raised as a child. One day, in about 2002, the American Cancer Society contacted her about trying to launch the program in the region. Initial reaction wasn’t overwhelming, but as word has spread, the program has grown locally and now offers programming in Carbondale, Murphysboro, Harrisburg, Mount Vernon, Chester and elsewhere. “People are really getting into it,” Wright-Cavitt said. adam.testa@thesouthern.com 618-351-5031
ADAM TESTA / THE SOUTHERN
Marian Wright-Cavitt of Carbondale works as a volunteer with the American Cancer Society's Look Good, Feel Better program. She owns Beautiful Hair Salon in Murphysboro and was instrumental in getting the program started in Southern Illinois.
Staying well Mammography can identify breast cancer at an early stage, usually before physical symptoms develop when the disease is most treatable. Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health. Breast cancer cannot be prevented, which is why regular mammograms are so important. There are things women can do to choose to put their health first and lower their risk of developing breast cancer. Women’s best overall preventive health strategies are to: Maintain a healthy body weight Engage in regular physical activity Reduce alcohol consumption
American Cancer Society encourages women to put their health first AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY FOR THE SOUTHERN
As the nation marks the annual National Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the American Cancer Society is encouraging women to choose to put their personal breast health first to stay well and reduce their risk of breast cancer. The society is reminding women 40 and older about the importance of getting a mammogram and clinical breast exam every year to find breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage. In addition, the society recommends that women ages 20 to 39 receive a clinical breast exam once every
three years. The American Cancer Society also recommends magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for certain women at high risk. Women at moderate risk should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram. While mammography is not perfect, getting a high-quality mammogram is currently the most effective way to detect cancer early because it can identify breast cancer before physical symptoms develop, when the disease is most treatable. Early-stage breast cancer typically produces no symptoms when the tumor is small and most treatable, so it is
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: To learn more, contact the local American Cancer Society office in Marion by calling 618-998-9898, option 3. important that women follow recommended guidelines for finding breast cancer before symptoms develop. On average, mammography will detect about 80 to 90 percent of breast cancers in women without symptoms. Breast cancer survival rates are significantly higher when the cancer has not spread. “As the official sponsor of birthdays, the American Cancer Society wants women to see the real tangible benefits of choosing to put their health first,” said Peggy Altmix, a
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer volunteer. Women can reduce their risk of breast cancer by taking additional steps to stay well by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a well-balanced diet and engaging in physical activity 45 to 60 minutes on five or more days of the week. Also, limiting alcohol consumption can reduce breast cancer risk — one or more alcoholic beverages a day may increase risk. Another way the American SEE WOMEN / PAGE 4
The Southern Illinoisan Wednesday, October 6, 2010 Page 3
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH WOMEN: Put their health first Been diagnosed? FROM PAGE 3 Cancer Society is helping create more birthdays is to help women manage their breast cancer experience when and if they are diagnosed. The society offers newly diagnosed women and those living with breast cancer programs and services to help them get well. In addition, the American Cancer Society has a long history of commitment to finding cures for breast cancer. The society has invested more than $418.7 million in breast cancer research grants since 1971, and has been an important part of nearly every major breast cancer research breakthrough of the past century.
The American Cancer Society and its affiliate advocacy organization, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action NetworkSM continue to fight back against breast cancer by engaging in activities to increase funding for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which provides low-income, uninsured and underinsured women access to mammograms, Pap tests, follow-up care and treatment. Current funding only enables the program to serve less er than one in five eligible women ages 50 to 64 nationwide. To get involved or to learn more about funding needs, visit www.acscan. org/ breastcancer.
Lots of help is available locally BY TOM BARKER THE SOUTHERN
Life after diagnosis is never the same for breast cancer patients and their families, but Southern Illinois healthcare professionals are working every day to turn more patients into survivors. Billie Jo Corn, licensed practical nurse at Heartland Oncology and Hematology Care in Marion, sees two to four new breast cancer patients every month and goes out of her way to make sure patients get the care they need. “We are always readily available for our
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Page 4 Wednesday, October 6, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
patients, because they come first,” Corn said. “I love my patients, and I treat them like they’re my family.” The nurses are on call 24 hours a day to assist patients with their medications or treatments. During regular office hours, nurses like Corn provide chemotherapy and related medicines to cancer patients, follow up with patients’ radiology reports and inform patients about support programs offered through the American Cancer Society. Chemotherapy, she said, can be a frightening experience for a first-time chemo TOM BARKER / THE SOUTHERN patient, particularly for Billie Jo Corn, a licensed practical nurse at Heartland women who are Oncology and Hematology Care in Marion, checks vitals for emotionally distressed chemotherapy patient Vinnie Murphy of Marion. over losing their hair. A lot of the fear, she said, can be based on common said. “It is hard “We’ve had a couple misconceptions. sometimes, because, for (patients) that wouldn’t “They hear horror some patients with be in a more advanced stories from other advanced cancer, the end stage had they had patients or family result can be death, but mammograms sooner,” members of patients who just getting to meet them she said. “It’s very got chemo years and and be a part of their important that if they years ago, so everybody lives and their family’s feel there’s a problem, thinks they’re going to be lives as well…it’s just a that they be consistent in deathly sick, and that is a rewarding job.” total misconception,” she getting things checked If Corn has advice for out.” said. “We try to control breast cancer patients, it Age is hardly a factor their pain and make anymore in breast cancer is to keep a positive everything as easy as we attitude, as recovery is diagnosis, she said, as can.” just as much about patients seem to be Treatment for breast mental preparedness as getting younger all the cancer can vary from oral it is about effective time. Women in their agents to intravenous treatments. late 20s and early 30s medications, depending “Keep a positive have recently been on the stage of the attitude and fight and diagnosed. cancer’s development. you can survive it,” she Working with cancer Corn said it’s important said. “We have lots of patients is not always the for women to check survivors; don’t ever give easiest job, Corn said, themselves for breast up and don’t give in.” but she loves it all the lumps monthly in order same. to find cancer in its thomas.barker@thesouthern.com “I just really honestly earliest possible stage. 618-351-5805 love my patients,” she
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Taking the first step: Event emphasizes education, support BY SCOTT FITZGERALD THE SOUTHERN
When Franklin County resident Brenda Steinmetz began her frightening ordeal for breast cancer treatment four years earlier, her physician at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis told her something that struck a responsive chord in a hurry. “He said, ‘The reason you are afraid like other women is you don’t know what’s going on,’” Steinmetz said. Steinmetz knows what’s going on in a big way today. She has read, listened and learned all
she can about her particular cancers. She has volunteered for all trial clinical Steinmetz studies at the hospital, and now she’s ready to embark upon a new and exciting support system. Steinmetz is helping coordinate and will participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk in Carbondale later this month. “This is my very first walk. I’ve wanted to get on relays for a long time.
This is the first time this walk has been conducted in Southern Illinois,” Steinmetz said about the event that raises funds for the American Cancer Society which is eventually channeled into cancer research. In addition to chairing her team, The B Team, which numbers 20 participants currently, Steinmetz will be in charge of the Breast Cancer Survivors Caregiver Tent, where participants register and receive lapel pins and Hawaiian Leis.
THE WALK What: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 23
Where: Evergreen Park off Pleasant Hill Road, take U.S. 51 south to Pleasant Hill Road, turn right; the park is on the left
“Breast Cancer Awareness”
“More than just a jewelry store.”
Route 13 Carterville 985-8 8331 Hours: Mon-F Fri 9-66 • Sat 9-44
14K Pink Gold Diamond Earrings
$295
SEE STEP / PAGE 7
The Southern Illinoisan Wednesday, October 6, 2010 Page 5
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
You can rebuild your life and your body with post-surgical options BY BECKY MALKOVICH THE SOUTHERN
Education is key for breast cancer survivors looking at their postsurgical options. Many women who undergo mastectomies or partial mastectomies choose reconstructive surgery, which uses implants or body tissue to reconstruct the breast, or prosthetic devices to help rebuild their lives. “It really is a personal choice. Women need to learn about the different procedures and discuss which options are best for
them,” Dr. Aisha White said. “Most of the women who come to see me about reconstruction are pretty savvy but they still have questions.” White, a plastic surgeon who performs surgeries at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale and St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro, does both immediate and delayed breast reconstructive surgeries. For immediate reconstructions, White, a Southern Illinois Healthcare Cancer Institute-affiliated physician, works
alongside a breast surgeon so that patients have breast removal and reconstruction during the same procedure. Other women opt to wait for reconstruction, she said. “That’s one of the biggest myths, I think. People think if they don’t have reconstruction immediately, it is no longer an option, but that is not true. Any option that is available at the time of an initial mastectomy or lumpectomy is still available down the line,” White said.
Page 6 Wednesday, October 6, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
PROVIDED BY SOUTHERN ILLINOIS HEALTHCARE
CHUCK NOVARA / THE SOUTHERN
PROVIDED BY SOUTHERN ILLINOIS HEALTHCARE
Donna Crow (right) with patient and colleague Marcia Matthias.
Lisa Lynch talks about the new advances in prosthetics that are available for women who don't want to undergo more surgery.
Dr. Aisha White, plastic and reconstructive surgeon does immediate and delayed reconstructive surgeries.
Some women may not want to make the decision immediately.
“It’s really about how the person feels. Breast reconstruction is not life-
saving. It’s mostly for psychological reasons, but those are very important
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH reasons. It may make someone feel better or more whole. They may not want to have that constant reminder,” she said. Breast or partial breast removal can affect more than a woman’s health, White said. “For so many, the breast is tied to personal identity, sexual identity, femininity,” she said. “Getting them back to a place where they feel whole and good again, where their confidence is restored, is rewarding. This is one of the things I do that I am passionate about. It is really cool when you can do something you know makes a significant impact on someone’s life.” Donna Crow is a breast health patient navigator with the SIH Cancer Institute. “It really comes down to what you want. There are a lot of factors to consider so you really have to talk to the plastic surgeon about what is best for you,” she said. Reconstructive surgery can help in many ways, she said, such as with a woman’s balance and posture, but the biggest benefit is to self-esteem. “With reconstructive surgery, there are still going to be scars. You’re still not going to have the same breast as before but it does help with your body image,” Crow said. “No one has to have a breast replaced. It’s all about how it makes you feel personally. It’s that woman’s decision, not her
husband’s, not her mother’s, hers.” Getting the facts about reconstructive surgery is important, she said. “It’s not a cookie cutter procedure where one size fits all,” she said. “Talking with the plastic surgeon about the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of procedures is important.” Not all women choose reconstructive surgery; many opt for prosthetic devices, Lesa L. Lynch of Southern Illinois Surgical Appliance Co. Home Medical Equipment said. Lynch is an American Board Certified Fitter of Mastectomy. “For newly post-surgical survivors, my goal is to become an extension of their treatment plan by working closely with their physicians and nurse care coordinators to offer them products to ease their way through the healing process,” she said. SISA offers the latest and most innovative products — from breast forms, post-surgical camisoles and garments to swimwear — that are functional and fashionable, she said. Prosthetics can help restore balance and symmetry, she said, as well as give confidence. “I am dedicated to helping breast cancer survivors reclaim a positive body image,” Lynch said. beckymalk@gmail.com 618-927-5633
STEP: Event emphasizes education, support FROM PAGE 5 Her B Team members are attempting to reach a $2,000 goal in donations by soliciting relatives, friends and businesses. Despite reoccurrences of cancer, numerous treatments that have included drugs, a chemo and radiation therapy, Steinmetz is positive and chipper about herself and other breast cancer survivors. “I’m all in favor of research,” she said. “They are going to find a cure for cancer. I know it.”
When Steinmetz looks back at her cancer ordeal, what she remembers most is the support and generosity of others. She thinks of the treatment at Barnes, saying, “They saved my life.” She thinks of the hospital providing her discount lodging and the positive rapport with all the doctors and nurses. She thinks of the American Cancer Society providing her gas money to travel to and from St. Louis. She thinks of her place of employment, Dillard’s in Illinois Centre Mall, and the support,
time off and other amenities the retail business has given to her. So Steinmetz is going to do something to show her gratitude for everyone and everything that has been done to help her survive this disease. She’s going to walk, and each step will shorten the distance to eventually finding a cure. “I feel that participating in Making Strides is something I can do to give back,” Steinmetz said. scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com 618-351-5076
The Southern Illinoisan Wednesday, October 6, 2010 Page 7
Ladies Only Night Friday, Oct. 22 from 6-9p.m.
“Giggle Til Ya Jiggle� Female comedians, wine tasting, appetizers, desserts, manicures, chair massages and more.
Saturday, Oct. 23 from 11-5p.m.
Live Music and FREE Food FREE Mammograms
Page 8 Wednesday, October 6, 2010 The Southern Illinoisan
from Ferrell Hospital 11a.m. - 4p.m.