Cancer survivors 2014

Supplement to the Tulsa World, Thursday, September 11, 2014

CANCER

SURVIVORS tulsaworld.com/cancersurvivors

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Screening Helps Doctors Find, Treat Some Cancers Early

creening increases the chances of detecting certain cancers early, when they are most likely to be curable. The American Cancer Society recommends these screening guidelines for most adults.

One test done by the doctor in the office is not adequate for testing. A colonoscopy should be done if the test is positive.

Some people should be screened using a different schedule because of their personal or family history.

Breast Cancer

Cervical Cancer

• Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.

• Clinical breast exams every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over.

• Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care provider. Breast selfexam is an option for women starting in their 20s.

• Some women — due to family history, a genetic tendency, or certain other factors — should be screened with MRI in addition to mammograms.

(The number of women who fall into this category is small: less than 2 percent of all the women in the U.S.)

Colorectal Cancer and Polyps Beginning at age 50, both men and women should follow one of the following testing schedules.

Tests that find polyps and cancer: • Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years*, or • Colonoscopy every 10 years, or • Double-contrast barium enema every five years*, or • CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every five years* Tests that primarily find cancer: • Yearly fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)*,**, or • Yearly fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year*,**. * If the test is positive, a colonoscopy should be done. ** The multiple stool take-home test should be used.

• Cervical cancer screening should begin at age 21.

Women under age 21 should not be tested.

• Women between ages 21 and 29 should have a Pap test every three years. Now there is also a test called the HPV test. HPV testing should not be used in this age group unless it is needed after an abnormal Pap test result.

• Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should have a Pap test plus an HPV test every five years.

This is the preferred approach, but it is also OK to have a Pap test alone every three years.

• Women over age 65 who have had regular cervical cancer testing with normal results should not be tested for cervical cancer. Once testing is stopped, it should not be started again. Women with a history of a serious cervical pre-cancer should continue to be tested for at least 20 years after that diagnosis, even if testing continues past age 65.

• A woman who has had her uterus removed (and also her cervix) for reasons not related to cervical cancer and who has no history of cervical cancer or serious pre-cancer should not be tested.

• A woman who has been vaccinated against HPV should still follow the screening recommendations for her age group.

Some women — because of their health history — may need to have a different screening schedule for cervical cancer.

Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer At the time of menopause, all women should be told about the risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer. Women should report any unexpected bleeding or spotting to their doctors.

Some women — because of their history — may need to consider having a yearly endometrial biopsy.

Lung Cancer The American Cancer Society does not recommend tests to screen for lung cancer in people who are at average risk of this disease. However, the ACS does have screening guidelines for individuals who are at high risk of lung cancer due to cigarette smoking. If you meet all of the following criteria, then you might be a candidate for screening: • 55 to 74 years of age; • In fairly good health; • Have at least a 30-pack-a-year smoking history and are either still smoking or have quit smoking within the last 15 years.

Prostate Cancer Men should make an informed decision with their doctor about whether to be tested for prostate cancer. Research has not yet proven that the potential benefits of testing outweigh the harms of testing and treatment. The American Cancer Society believes that men should not be tested without learning about what we know and don’t know about the risks and possible benefits of testing and treatment.

Starting at age 50, men should talk to a doctor about the pros and cons of testing so they can decide if testing is the right choice for them. If they are African American or have a father or brother who had prostate cancer before age 65, men should have this talk with a doctor starting at age 45. If men decide to be tested, they should have the PSA blood test with or without a rectal exam. How often they are tested will depend on their PSA level.

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CANCER SURVIVORS

Faith, Encouragement, Support Network Important Parts of Sand Springs Woman’s Walk With Breast Cancer ‘Cancer is the white elephant in the middle of the room. ‘

By Stefanie Forney Special Sections Editor

“Cancer is the white elephant in the middle of the room that you’re not sure how to tackle,” says Michelle Bullard.

When it arrived at Bullard’s address, she was as stunned as anyone diagnosed with some form of cancer for the first time.

“I am the biggest proponent of mammograms,” says Bullard. “I had no symptoms, no lump and no family history. I had gone to my gynecologist, Dr. Daran Parham, for some other stuff that we had been talking about, and he said that he noticed I missed last year’s mammogram. So I scheduled one finally. They saw calcification and had me come back for a further look. That’s not the first time that’s happened; I think that happens with a lot of women. I don’t get worried until I know what I need to worry about. That’s something that I tell people: Don’t get caught up with ‘What if?’ It’s a waste of good imagination.”

When she went back for biopsies, they found that one breast had cancer, and the other was normal.

“It was just this little tiny piece,” Bullard says. “We knew it was so small and would probably just be a lumpectomy and we’d be done with it.”

But to Bullard’s surprise, her breast surgeon, Dr. Laurie Flynn at Utica Park Clinic, said that this would require a mastectomy even though there was no lump. That was a shock to Bullard and her husband so they decided to get a second opinion. The second breast surgeon concurred, saying it was due to where the cancer was in the breast, and she recommended removal of the left breast as well.

“That was a double shock,” Bullard says. “I went back to my surgeon because I had good rapport with her, which I think is crucial. I told Dr. Flynn about the other surgeon’s recommendation, so we went over statistics and the details of my case, and she said, ‘I can’t justify that for you.’”

The plan was to do the reconstruction at the same time as the surgery to remove the breast, but during surgery Dr. Flynn found the cancer had already gone to one lymph node. Fortunately, all the other lymph nodes were clean, but that was a game-changer. They still started the reconstruction but knew that once that was completed Bullard would be started on chemo. The kind she was given is called HER2+. Her treatment plan included six rounds of chemo and then a year of Herceptin from the time she started chemo to one year later.

After being diagnosed with cancer, everyone goes through a range of negative emotions: shock, disbelief, fear, anxiety, guilt, sadness, grief, depression and anger. That’s normal, and Bullock says it’s important to allow yourself the time to process it all. But she wants people to know that the time comes for you to gird yourself and get ready for the battle.

“You are in the mud puddle, but you can’t get stuck there,” Bullard says. “You’ve got to move forward. There is a test in the testimony, a mess in the message and treasure in the trial. You’ve got to keep moving forward.

“When Robin Roberts, on ‘Good Morning America,’ was diagnosed with breast cancer she said that she asked her mom, ‘Why me?’ Her mom said, ‘Oh, child. You’ve got to know that everybody’s got something.’ If you look around you, there are people who are far worse off than you are,” Bullard adds. “Everybody’s got something they are dealing with. Pick yourself up and keep going.”

Bullard emphasizes the importance of finding support.

“Jesus was surrounded by hundreds of people, and he had 12 close friends, but he had three confidants. You need people — your spouse, your caretaker, your best friend — who you can cry with and who will encourage you to keep moving forward.”

Bullard also recommends getting informed. All cancers are not the same; treatments are different, and your fight is different from anyone else’s.

“The place you are going for treatment offers a chemo class that will tell you what you can expect, dos and don’ts, signs to look for and nutrition advice,” Bullard says. “Take advantage of these because it will help you know what’s ahead. There’s something about having knowledge that helps eliminate some of the fear. “

Taking Care of Caregivers Cancer impacts caregivers, too. Some caregivers feel like they have to do it all alone. They may believe that, as the partner, sibling, son or daughter, they are responsible for the sick loved one. It’s painful for them to admit that they can’t do it all.

Set realistic limits on what you can do. There are ways you can safely help a person sit up or walk, but you have to learn how to do it without hurting yourself. This is where expert help is needed — home-care nurses or physical therapists can show you how to do it safely.

They can also help you get special equipment if it’s needed.

Your own health and safety must come first if you want to keep helping your loved one. Reach out to others, including professionals. Talk with your loved one’s doctor or nurse about what you are doing and where you need help. Involve them in your loved one’s care.

About This Section Cancer Survivors is produced by Tulsa World Media Company’s Advertising Department.

For more information, call 918-581-8519.

Courtesy photo

Michelle Bullard (second from left) cut her hair short prior to starting chemo treatments since she knew she would be losing her hair. Shown with family members (from left): daughter, Devon Marie; Bullard’s dog, Pete; stepmother, Elsie Lytle; and daughter, Elizabeth Joy. “They weren’t part of the wig party we had so I brought The American Cancer Society has a program called Look Good Feel Better that teaches beauty techniques to cancer a bunch of crazy hats to the treatment,” Bullard says. “We all patients to help them manage the appearance-related side put them on and got some of the other patients involved. effects of cancer treatment. It’s open to all women with can- There we all were wearing these crazy hats, and we took pictures until one of the nurses had to come over and ask cer who are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or other my aunt and cousin to leave because she said people were forms of treatment. In the United States alone, more than complaining that we were having too much fun. We still 900,000 women have participated in the program, which laugh about that. “ now offers 15,400 group workshops nationwide in more Bullard encourages people to look around to see who than 2,500 locations. they can encourage, even when they are going through “I took my daughters there before I even started treatdifficult circumstances themselves. A smile, a kind word or a ment,” Bullock says. “One daughter was out of college, the card will mean a lot. other one was in college, and they were scared, too. We “You can get a card at the dollar knew I was going to lose my hair. store and write, ‘Hey, I’m thinking We’d go to the workshop and have about you. You are in my prayers.’ a ball. We laughed so much and had It’s short and sweet, and it will so much fun. There were women • Allow yourself the time you need to mean so much to that person,” there who had no hair and some process your emotions.

Bullard says. “You can take a meal that were far worse. It was the best to them, give them a little gift or experience because my daughters • Don’t get stuck; keep moving forward. go with them to a treatment. These realized that we can get through things mean so much. You can be this. We were going to take this bull • Find support — a few key people to lean the sunshine to that person.” by the horns and get through this.”

Bullard also encourages people on emotionally.

Bullard made a decision to be to reach out to the caregiver with sunshine in the midst of the darkest storm she had encountered yet.

• Get informed about your type of cancer emotional support and offers of assistance. “They also need someone She decided to cut her hair short and your specific treatment plan. to talk with. Be sure to send them before she lost it all during chemo a card and ask them how they are. and then had family and friends • Look around to see who you can They need to be able to let down over for a wig party. Everyone at the encourage rather than dwelling on your with someone because the patient party put on outrageous wigs, drank problems. relies on them.” pink champagne, laughed and took At one point in Bullard’s treatpictures. ment, she was touched by one woman who was emotionBullard and her family were hit by another storm while she was battling cancer. Her father was very ill with esopha- ally torn up as she was leaving a chemo treatment and making her next appointment. “At that moment I heard a voice geal cancer and passed away before her second chemo speak to me and say, ‘You can choose how you walk through treatment. this. Sometimes you don’t get to pick the door you have to “It’s just crazy the stuff that swirls around you,” Bullard walk through, but you can choose how you walk through it.’ says.

That’s when I determined that I wouldn’t have a pity party.

While family was in town for her father’s funeral, Bullard Your attitude determines your altitude. It also determines was accompanied by her aunt and her daughter, Bullard’s how everybody around you walks through it with you.” cousin, when she went to her second chemo treatment.

Tips For Your Journey

Understanding Basic Cancer-Related Terms Learning you have cancer can be a confusing time. You will learn many things about your disease and likely will hear terminology that is new. Here are some of the terms you may hear: Acute: Refers to symptoms that start and worsen quickly but do not last over a long period of time.

Benign: Refers to a tumor that is not cancerous. The tumor does not usually invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body.

Biopsy: The removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. Other tests can suggest that cancer is present, but only a biopsy can make a definite diagnosis. Learn more about what to expect during a biopsy.

Bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue found in the center of large bones where blood cells are formed.

Cancer: A group of more than 100 different diseases that can begin almost anywhere in the body; characterized by abnormal cell growth and the ability to invade nearby tissues.

Learn more about the basics of cancer.

Carcinoma: Cancer that starts in skin or tissues that line the inside or cover the outside of internal organs.

Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Learn more about chemotherapy.

Chronic: Refers to a disease or condition that persists, often slowly, over a long period of time.

Imaging test: A procedure that creates pictures of internal body parts, tissues or organs to make a diagnosis, plan treatment, check whether treatment is working or observe a disease over time.

In situ: In place. Refers to cancer that has not spread to nearby tissue (also called non-invasive cancer).

Invasive cancer: Cancer that has spread outside the layer of tissue in which it started and has the potential to grow into other tissues or parts of the body (also called infiltrating cancer).

Leukemia: A cancer of the blood. Leukemia begins when normal white blood cells change and grow uncontrollably.

Localized cancer: Cancer that is confined to the area where it started and has not spread to other parts of the body.

Lymph nodes: Tiny, bean-shaped organs that help fight

infection, which is a part of the lymphatic system.

Lymphatic system: A network of small vessels, ducts and organs that carry fluid to and from the bloodstream and body tissues. Through the lymphatic system, cancer can spread to other parts of the body.

Lymphoma: A cancer of the lymphatic system. Lymphoma begins when cells in the lymph system change and grow uncontrollably and may form a tumor.

Malignant: Refers to a tumor that is cancerous. It may invade nearby healthy tissue or spread to other parts of the body.

Metastasis: The spread of cancer from the place where the cancer began to another part of the body; cancer cells can break away from the primary tumor and travel through the blood or the lymphatic system to the lymph nodes, brain, lungs, bones, liver or other organs.

Oncologist: A doctor who specializes in treating people with cancer. The five main types of oncologists are medical, surgical, radiation, gynecologic and pediatric oncologists.

Learn more about the types of oncologists.

Oncology: The study of cancer.

Pathologist: A doctor who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues and organs to diagnose disease.

Polyp: A growth of normal tissue that usually sticks out from the lining of an organ, such as the colon.

Precancerous: Refers to cells that have the potential to become cancerous. Also called pre-malignant.

Prognosis: Chance of recovery; a prediction of the outcome of a disease. Learn more about survival statistics used to estimate a patient’s prognosis.

Sarcoma: A cancer that develops in the tissues that support and connect the body, such as fat and muscle. Learn more about sarcoma.

Screening: The process of checking whether a person has a disease or has an increased chance of developing a disease when the person has no symptoms.

Stage: A way of describing cancer, such as where it is located, whether or where it has spread, and whether it is affecting the functions of other organs in the body. Learn more about staging.

CANCER SURVIVORS

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CANCER SURVIVORS

Tulsa Man Counts Blessings After Brain Cancer Diagnosis

By Stefanie Forney Special Sections Editor

In the summer of 2012, Andy Bartlett noticed he didn’t feel quite right. He’d been having problems with headaches, difficulty sleeping and mental fogginess for about a month. So he made an appointment with his primary care physician, Dr. Janelle Whitt at OU Medical Center. She found that his blood pressure was up and decided it was probably due to the work and financial stress he was experiencing. She recommended he increase the dosage of one blood pressure medication he was already taking and add another.

His symptoms multiplied, including forgetting how to do things he was used to doing and getting lost driving in town, even becoming disoriented when attempting to drive home through his own neighborhood.

A licensed professional counselor for six years, a mental health paraprofessional for about 30 years and skilled in crisis intervention, Bartlett found himself unable to figure out how to deal with a highly agitated client one day in his office. Bartlett asked a co-worker to intervene and talk with his client, but his inability to figure out the situation shook Bartlett up. Soon afterwards he was involved in two motor vehicle accidents in one week and narrowly avoided a third. He hadn’t been involved in a car accident for 25 years.

“I was becoming increasingly frightened and depressed. I was falling apart,” says Bartlett. “So I went back to Dr. Whitt, reported these recent events and the further progression of my symptoms.

Finding Out She arranged for me to have a CAT scan that afternoon. A family member drove me to the hospital for the scan, and 15 minutes after it was completed, I was returning home when I received a call from the hospital asking me to come back so they could perform an MRI, a more advanced imaging technique which yields greater detail. The MRI was performed immediately, and I was informed that they had found a mass in my brain. I was told to immediately check into St. John’s Medical Center. I checked into the hospital on a Friday night and spent a terrifying weekend alternating between sobbing uncontrollably, praying and attempting to distract myself through immersion in a Tom Clancy novel.”

On Monday, a surgical team was assembled, and on Tuesday, his neurosurgeon, Dr. Thomas Rapacki, performed a “stealth stereotaxic debulking procedure” on the tumor, which was located on both the right parietal and

gray hair and beards, and others were younger with dark beards and hair. I believe these men may have been the Old Testament prophets. A golden light also shown from above. I could not see the source, but I knew it was the Lord God. I sat at one of the benches, where others were seated or reclining, and rested. A man put his arm around my shoulder. I did not see his face, but I believe this individual may have been Jesus. During my time in this room no words were spoken, but I experienced a deep and profound sense of love and peace which I can only interpret to be ‘the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.’”

This dream was immediately followed by another with more abstract imagery. In it, Bartlett was being carried in a vessel, which he knew to be God’s hands, down a river of prayer. Bartlett knew that many people were praying for him, but he had no idea of how powerful such prayer could be.

“Between the two dreams, I knew that live or die, I would be all right. Whatever happened, I would be OK,” Bartlett says. “Those dreams continue to comfort and assure me.”

Getting Treatment After a week or so, he was well enough to leave the hospital. As part of his treatment, Bartlett was Courtesy photo placed on steroids to reduce the One of Andy Bartlett’s many joys in life is spending time with his dog, Bandit, who loves him uncondiswelling in his brain. He also had tionally. radiation therapy and met with the radiologist periodically and rewere important to me that I loved own mortality,” Bartlett says. “We ceived updates that the treatments occipital lobes of the brain. Dr. them. I had time to go outside and appeared to be working.

Rapacki was unable to remove the all know we’re going to die someenjoy mornings and sunsets. I had “A couple of weeks into the radientire tumor as it had penetrated time, but I was provided with the time to spend with my dog. knowledge that my life was going ation therapy, and I was approved into the surrounding tissue and “I was also blessed by being to receive chemotherapy,” Bartlett started bleeding excessively when to be limited, that I would not get able to have my surgery persays. “My oncologist, Dr. Coty Ho, the surgeon attempted to remove to do all the things I had planned prescribed Temodar, which I have more of it. Fortunately, Dr. Rapacki on doing and I would not be able to formed at St. John’s Medical Center, despite not having insurance,” come to understand, is the chewas able to debulk enough of the achieve some of the dreams I had motherapy treatment of choice tumor to eliminate the 7 mm mid- hoped to accomplish in the second Bartlett says. In fact, the management of St. John’s enrolled him in for newly diagnosed neuroplastic half of my life.” line shift of Bartlett’s brain and their Medical Assistance Program astrocytomas or glioblastoma Thus began a painful process relieve the excessive intracranial so that he could have the lifeof grieving – for life as Bartlett had multiforme brain tumors.” pressure. prolonging and The support and encourage“I was alive, but I felt pretty bro- known it and for possibly life-saving ment Bartlett received from his the loss of a future ken,” Bartlett says. surgery performed friends, family, previous employer filled with many Bartlett lost the left visual field

by Dr. Rapacki and at CREOKS Behavorial Health was dreams yet unfulin both eyes and was left with a his surgical team. just as important as the medical number of problems with his think- filled.

In His Dreams And immeditreatment he received. ing, memory and verbal skills as “I’m told that ately facing him He also saw a counselor, Lori well as physical problems such as several hours was the fact that Franklin, who helped Bartlett work fatigue, poor balance and running after the surgery he didn’t have any through his emotions. into things on his left side. He also was completed, I medical insurance.

Bartlett is now able to walk developed emotional lability, a awoke in the St. “Previously, I without a cane. He can no longer brain injury that changes parts of John’s neurology had held jobs that drive due to the impairment of the brain that regulate or control included an insurance package. Re- intensive care unit,” Bartlett says. his left visual field, but he can see emotional behavior and feelings. cently, though, I had been a private After receiving pain medication for adequately for most purposes, “I would cry at the drop of a hat a severe headache, he was able to contractor and had been rolling including reading. and had little tolerance or pafall asleep.

“I still have some healing to do tience,” Bartlett says. “I learned that the dice without health insurance, “During this time I had two and believe that I will be made my tumor was at least a grade 3 and gambling that I would not need it. dreams or perhaps near-death whole,” Bartlett says. “I am blessed perhaps grade 4 — the most severe And now, when I most needed it, I experiences,” Bartlett says. “In didn’t have it,” Bartlett says. to be here, and no matter what and fast growing of the cancers.

“Yet, remarkably, a part of me felt the first, I realized I was in a room happens, now and in the future, I It most likely was a glioblastoma somewhere in heaven. There were am fundamentally all right. I know multiforme. Most patients with this blessed. I gained a greater clarity men wearing burgundy-colored my ultimate destination. I’ve been type of brain tumor had an estimat- and now more clearly understood what was important in life,” he says. robes. Many had long hair and offered a glance at it, and I know it ed life span of 9-15 months.

“I had come face to face with my “I had some time to tell people who heavy beards. Some were old with is a good place.”

Advances in Cancer Care In the last five years, oncology has seen dramatic changes in treatment options in cancers where we previously didn’t have good treatment options. “Treatment options were lacking for lung, prostate, melanoma, pancreatic and breast cancer to name a few,” says Dr. Muhammad Janjua, Warren Clinic medical oncologist. “Newer, more targeted drugs have completely changed the treatment protocols and are taking the place of conventional chemotherapy, which is progressively becoming a thing of the past.”

This advancement has made a difference in patients’ lives. ”The side-effect profile has significantly improved with the availability of targeted therapy, Dr. Janjua says. “Supportive care medications which help with side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea have also come a long way. We’re able to control nausea up to 95 percent of the time. Our third-generation chemotherapy is getting so targeted that side effects like hair loss are significantly less and in some instances non-existent.”

With improvement in supportive care medications, patients are able to lead as close to a normal life as possible and they’re able to continue doing activities they enjoy. “For example, my 65-yearold grandfather has lung cancer and is currently on chemotherapy, but he is still able to take his 16-year-old grandson on a fly fishing trip,” he says.

Dr. Janjua adds that the future is extremely exciting. “We are seeing breakthroughs in cancers which were thought to be a ‘death sentence’ a few years ago. One example is lung cancer. My professor at the University of Louisville, Goetz Kloecker, used to say, ‘Lung cancer holds the key to the future of targeted therapy.’

In the last few years we have found so many new targets, which have led us to drugs that are able to target these molecular mutations.”

Clinical trials have shown dramatic improvement of survival even in stage 4 disease with recent FDA approvals.

“The future pipeline in multiple tumor cell line is amazing,” Dr. Janjua says. “You have to understand one thing about oncologists; we’re a very optimistic bunch.”

Dr. Janjua notes that Saint Francis is one of the first places in town to offer lung cancer screenings. “If you have the typical risk factors such as history of smoking, family history, etc., then ask your health-care provider to evaluate you to see if you fit the criteria for this type of screening. “ The prevalence of cancer has dramatically increased in the younger population over the last few years.

“My advice to the younger population is to be aware of your family history, and if you notice some abnormality, no matter how insignificant, please see your doctor,” Dr. Janjua says. “I always tell my patients, if they find something abnormal, don’t ignore it.”

“

Remarkably, a part of me felt blessed. I gained a greater clarity and now more clearly understood what was important in life.

”

Healthy Habits Lower Your Cancer Risk (Metro) — Certain types of cancer are more likely to strike certain types of people than others. For example, while men can be diagnosed with breast cancer, women are far more likely to develop the disease.

But just because a person’s risk of developing cancer is low, that does not make that person immune from the disease. As a result, it’s important that men and women take steps to lower their cancer risk.

One of the more effective ways is to ensure your lifestyle choices are as healthy as possible. Choosing habits that benefit your short- and long-term health can reduce your risk for cancer and a host of additional ailments.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

According to the American Cancer Society, men and women who are overweight or obese are at a greater risk of several types of cancer, including cancer of the esophagus, pancreas, colon and rectum, breast, kidney and thyroid. The National Cancer Institute defines obesity as someone with a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or above, while someone with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.

Maintaining a healthy weight or shedding excess weight if you are already at an elevated risk for cancer can lower your risk for cancer and other potentially debilitating diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke.

• Quit smoking. Smokers might be surprised to learn that tobacco use, according to the ACS, is responsible for nearly 20 percent of all deaths in the United States. That might have something to do with tobacco’s role in causing more than a dozen types of cancer and its link to heart disease, emphysema and stroke.

But smoking can even harm consistently indicated that adults nonsmokers who spend time in the who increase their physical activvicinity of smokers. Such nonsmok- ity, whether in intensity, duration ers take in nicotine and thousands or frequency, can reduce their risk of additional chemicals, including of developing colon cancer by 30 carbon monoxide and cadmium, to 40 percent relative to adults a chemical element used in who are sedentary. The ACS batteries, when people suggests adults include at smoke near them. In addileast 150 minutes of modtion, a study published in erate-intensity exercise or the New England Journal 75 minutes of vigorous of Medicine found that activity in their weekly nonsmokers exposed to routines, though many secondhand smoke were 25 studies have found that percent more likely to have 30 to 60 minutes of coronary heart disease commoderate to vigorous pared to nonsmokers not exphysical activity per posed to smoke. Secondday is the most hand smoke is especially effective way to harmful to children, as reduce cancer kids whose parents risk significantly. smoke around them • Reduce get bronchitis and alcohol conpneumonia more sumption. The often than kids whose National Toxicoloparents abstain from gy Program of the smoking in their presU.S. Department of ence.

Health and Human • Exercise reguServices as recently larly. The NCI notes as 2011 listed the that there is strong consumption of evidence that physialcoholic bevercal activity is associages as a known ated with reduced risk human carcinogen. of certain cancers, includAlcohol consumping cancers of the breast tion is a major and colon. More than 60 risk factor for studies published in North Photospin various types of America, Europe, Asia and cancers, including Australia have indicated that Regular physical head and neck activity is associated physically active women cancers as well have a lower risk of devel- with a reduced risk of as esophageal, certain cancers. oping breast cancer than liver and breast inactive women, with some cancers. Adults active women reducing their risk who consume alcohol should do by as much as 80 percent. Studies so in moderation, which the ACS conducted around the world have defines as no more than two drinks produced similar findings with reper day for men and no more than gard to colon cancer. Research has one drink per day for women.

CANCER SURVIVORS

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CANCER SURVIVORS

Jenks Woman Flying High After Melanoma

By Stefanie Forney Special Sections Editor

Jumping from a plane at 13,000 feet was as new to 29-year-old Monica Davis as battling melanoma. Married and studying dietetics at Oklahoma State University, the Jenks resident was diagnosed in March 2013 with stage 2 melanoma.

“I’ve had a mole on my scalp since I was born,” says Davis. ”Everybody in my family knew about it. It was nothing but had always been there. My husband noticed it had gotten bumpy when he was rubbing my head so he brought it to my attention. I told my mom, who is an RN, and she suggested I get it checked out. My dermatologist did a biopsy on it. At the time, I didn’t think much about it.

I just thought the report would come back normal. No big deal.”

Davis got a call from her dermatologist two weeks later on March 19, which also happened to be the couple’s twoyear wedding anniversary. The pathology report had come back, and it was malignant.

“At that time, my dermatologist wasn’t able to tell me the stage or how things were going to go or what I needed to do,” Davis says. “It was scary. I thought I was dying. You hear ‘cancer,’ and you immediately go to the worst place possible. My family was really scared, too, but my husband said ‘We’re going to get this figured out.’”

The doctor that Davis’ dermatologist was going to refer her to couldn’t see her for three weeks. Wanting to get her into see an oncologist sooner, her dermatologist made several phone calls. “He had a friend who was dating a girl who was a doctor at Cancer Treatment Centers (of America) so we got in there the next day,” Davis says.

Davis was able to see surgical oncologist Dr. Pierre Greeff. “Everyone I talked to there said that if they had to have surgery, he is the one they would want cutting on them,” Davis says. “That was awesome. I was able to have surgery one week from the time I got into Cancer Treatment Centers (of America). They get on the ball once you get in there. You have your appointments set out and your schedule for everything you are going to do and everyone you are going to see. It’s so nice because I didn’t have to think about what I had to do.”

Davis’ husband and parents, who live in Tulsa, were there for her as she went through the surgery.

“I didn’t have chemo or radiation,” Davis says. “I just had the big surgery, and they removed 6 centimeters by 3 centimeters out of my scalp. It left a really nasty wound that took a long time to heal.”

Davis’s quality of life is excellent now. In May, Davis took

Antioxidants Photospin

Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables can be a viable defense against cancer.

Courtesy photo

Monica Davis took the challenge to skydive after battling melanoma. Her high-altitude adventure was filmed for “Ride the Battle,” a web documentary on cancer survivors. a skydiving challenge with Evan Bartlett and Tim Jacks, producer and director of the web documentary “Ride the Battle” when the team stopped in Tulsa. The team, which includes a videographer, has been cycling across America filming cancer survivors as they take on a variety of exciting adventures.

Davis is no longer allowed in the sun and takes a regimen of vitamins that are known to defend against cancer.

She also checks in with her dermatologist periodically. At the beginning, it was every three months for a full body check; now she goes every six months. She first saw her oncologist every six months as well; now it’s once a year for blood work and to make sure her liver is working well.

“Something that I learned from this is that skin cancer isn’t just from excessive sun exposure,” Davis says. “So

many people think that melanoma only happens to sun worshippers. I was never an excessive tanner, and I wasn’t out in the sun getting burned all the time. I just had a mole on my head. People need to be aware that if they have moles, they should keep looking at them to see if they change. I also learned to take the help offered from my friends and family, and I’ve learned how to lean on my husband through the hard times.”

Her advice to people just now learning they have cancer? “Keep a good attitude,” Davis says. “It’s a horrible experience, and your attitude is the only thing you can control. It’s the only thing that is going to make you feel better as you go through this. I’ve seen too many people going into this experience with the attitude of already being defeated. You can’t think that way.”

Help in Cancer Prevention (Metro) — Each year, about 1.4 million people in the United States will be diagnosed with some form of cancer.

Although the causes of each particular case of cancer may be unknown, doctors do know that a combination of heredity and environmental influences can contribute to cancer risk. It’s also known that the foods a person eats can help increase his or her chances of preventing cancer.

Free radicals and antioxidants Antioxidants often come up in conversations about cancer prevention. Many people understand that antioxidants can be beneficial in a diet but may not be entirely sure what role they play in cancer prevention.

Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals that have the ability to harm cells. Formed naturally in the body, free radicals play important roles in cellular processes. But at high concentrations, free radicals can be hazardous to DNA and other cell components. In addition, free radicals form from the damaging effects of processed foods, radiation, tobacco and pollution.

Antioxidants are naturally occurring substances found abundantly in fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants include vitamins A, C and E. Alpha lipoic acid, lycopene, coenzyme Q10 and selenium are antioxidants or substances that work with antioxidants to maximize the diseasefighting potential of the immune system. The body also makes some of the antioxidants it uses to neutralize free radicals, which are called endogenous antioxidants.

Antioxidants go after free radicals and essentially consume them, neutralizing their damaging effects to the body.

In laboratory and animal studies, the pres-

ence of increased levels of antioxidants has been shown to prevent the types of free radical damage that can be associated with cancer. Some research points to taking antioxidant supplements to help prevent cancer, but such studies have yielded mixed results.

Increasing antioxidant intake The best way to get antioxidants into your body is through healthy, low-fat foods. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. High-fiber foods also are beneficial. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s food guidelines recommend men and women consume 20 to 30 grams of fiber per day.

Black and green tea also are healthy sources of antioxidants, and some research has suggested tea can help prevent cancer.

A combination of healthy, antioxidant-rich foods and beverages can make for a great defense against cancer. Loading up on nutrient-rich foods will keep the body in top form, which goes a long way toward reducing cancer risk.

Variety Key to Healthy Diet Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables will boost your nutrition while helping you avoid slipping into a boring routine. However, some choices have higher antioxidant levels than others.

Cranberries, bilberries, black currants, wild strawberries and goji berries are among the fruits with the highest antioxidants, according to the antioxidant database published in the January 2010 issue of the Nutrition Journal.

Vegetables with the highest antioxidant content include artichokes, red and green chili peppers, red cabbage, curly kale and red beets, according to the antioxidant database.

Walnuts are the tree nuts with the highest antioxidant content, followed by pecans and chestnuts.

Dark chocolate is a treat with a health benefit. The antioxidant content increases with the proportion of cocoa in the chocolate. In contrast, milk chocolate has a higher percentage of sugar and less cocoa.

Learn to Recognize Potential Cancer Symptoms (Metro) — A cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event.

Those diagnosed with cancer typically wonder how the disease will impact their futures, including their ability to work and how the disease may impact their family’s security.

Men and women diagnosed with cancer also often wonder if they missed any warning signs that might have alerted them to their disease prior to their diagnosis.

Unfortunately, many forms of cancer have no symptoms in their earliest stages. When they do, conditions may be so mild that they are easily mistaken for something more innocuous.

But that does not mean men and women should not familiarize themselves with the warning signs of cancer.

Early detection of cancer factors heavily into the efficacy of treatments, and the Cancer Cure Foundation notes the following signs and symptoms could be warnings signs of certain cancers: • lumps or thickening in tissues of the body; • sores that do not heal or noticeable changes in warts, moles or beauty marks;

• unusual bleeding or discharge; • weakness, persistent aches or constant fatigue; • unexplained weight loss; • persistent cough or blood in sputum; and • constant indigestion or trouble swallowing.

Additionally, the American Cancer Society uses the word CAUTION to help people recognize the most common early signs of cancer: C hange in bowel or bladder habits.

A sore that does not heal.

U nusual bleeding or discharge.

T hickening or lump in the breast, testicles or elsewhere.

I ndigestion or difficulty swallowing.

O bvious change in the size, color, shape, or thickness of a wart, mole or mouth sore.

N agging cough or hoarseness.

Keep in mind that cancers in particular areas of the body may have their own unique symptoms that do not include any of the ones already mentioned. For example,

bloating could be a sign of ovarian cancer, but some may look at it as a symptom of indigestion. Dizziness or drowsiness may be indicative of brain cancer.

The presence of cancer symptoms does not mean a person has the disease. However, symptoms that persist beyond two weeks should be investigated by a doctor.

Cancer screening is specific to age and risk factors. A doctor is best qualified to determine which screening options are in your best interest. Blood tests and minimally invasive tests, such as biopsies or CT scans, can help to determine if cancer is present.

The good news is that recognizing cancer early can make treatment more effective. The ACS notes that early diagnosis generally translates to a higher rate of survival.

Routine screenings for cancer in those who have a family history or other risk factors can be helpful. However, understanding your body and being mindful of even the slightest changes can prove even more effective in recognizing symptoms that may be the early stages of cancer.

CANCER SURVIVORS

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