Leader-Herald PDF
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Leader-Herald PDF
OCTOBER 2014 A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO Seeing the Signs Knowing and recognizing the signs of breast cancer may save your life Understanding Hormone Therapy Menopause treatment and breast cancer risk The Power of Vitamin D The link between vitamin D and breast cancer 2 October, 2014 • The Leader-Herald “4 Wheel Drive and Rust Prevention Specialists” 221 West Fulton St. Gloversville, NY 12078 Phone: 518-725-1203 www.4xheaven.com www.facebook.com/4XHeavenNY 1. G et it beca u se m y w ork is n ot don e...I n eed to con tin u e to be a positive role m odel for you n g w om en a n d to a ssist a n d en cou ra ge them to have con fiden ce in them selves so they ca n a chieve their drea m s. – B eth W hitm an -Pu tn am 2. G et on e to show you get the “pictu re” ... to a ll ou r sisters a n d da u ghters! – N eil M cG overn 3. It’s m y life a n d I in ten d to live it w ell! – Su san Kiern an 4 . G et it beca u se you have so m an y m em ories to share ... an d so m an y m ore to m ake. – A m y Radik 5 . G et it so you can vote in every election ! – M ayor D ayton King 6. I w a n t to m eet a ll m y fu tu re gra n dba bies. – B on n ie Valachovic 7. I do it beca u se I have a fa m ily w ho n eeds m e, it w ou ld ju st be w ron g n ot to! – Lisa M cCoy 8. G et it beca u se: Fin a lly! A photo that w on ’t be posted on Fa cebook! – Jacqu elyn W hite 9. I get it so I ca n experien ce m y gra n dchildren grow in g u p a n d spen d lots of tim e w ith them a s they g row . – Kelly Lan drio 10. G et it beca u se there a re so m a n y m ou n ta in s to hike. – Cheryl M cG rattan 11. For the People I love a n d love m e! – M ary Flin t Van den abeele 12. To catch a tu m or in the ea rly sta ges so you have a better cha n ce of su rviva l. – M issi Paciolla 13. A s sca ry a s it seem s, kn ow in g is better tha n n ot kn ow in g. K n ow ledge is pow er! – Su e Cridlan d 14 . M y rea son . M y da u ghter ha d her m a m m ogra m at 4 1 a n d it revea led that she ha d brea st ca n cer. H a d she n ot ha d it don e, she very w ell cou ld be a victim in stea d of a su rvivor. M ay n ot be a plea sa n t experien ce bu t I a m tha n kfu l to have m any m ore years of m y daughter’s com pany. Luv you K an dy. – Ruthe Sw eet 15 . I am gettin g a m am m ogram so Ican see m ore sun sets” – N LH Staff Person 16.M am m ogram s are on e pictu re you don ’t have to have you r hair don e for! – Lisa Pfeiffer 17. I started the baselin e at age 29, so I m ay see m y gran dchildren , u n like m y m om w ho passed aw ay w hen I w as 16 years old from breast can cer. – Shannon M cN eeley Robare 18.I get m am m ogram s so that I can be here for m y gran dchildren w hose m other (m y dau ghter) died from breast can cer.– Ruth Vlock 19. G et a m am m ogram so you r dau ghter an d gran d dau ghters can som e day...they w on ’t be here u n less you a re! – Erica H im e D uesler 20. For you rself. If n ot, then do it for the on es w ho love you . – Tina Lauria Am brosino 21. Early detection is so m u ch easier than the altern ative. – D onner Bosw ell 22. Becau se a peace of m in d is a piece of m e. – Kathie Theurer Rohrs 23. Becau se it can save you r life, an d sets a good exam ple for you r dau ghters an d gran ddau ghters. – Terri Intilli Klausner 24 . Becau se son s w an t their m others to be happy an d healthy in addition to w ise. – M ichael Philip Bucci 25 . Sim ply pu t - Becau se m am m ogram s are savin g the lives of gran dm others, m others, dau ghters, sisters,au n ts,cou sin s an d frien ds - Patricia Beck October, 2014 • The Leader-Herald Tests to find and diagnose breast cancer S elf-examination is often the first step toward discovering the presence of breast cancer. The importance of self-examinations is immeasurable, and many women are taught from a very young age to conduct such inspections to protect themselves from breast cancer. Breast cancer that is detected early is very treatable, but the longer a person with breast cancer goes undiagnosed the less effective and the more difficult that treatment becomes. But even women who don’t find anything during self-examinations may want to ask their physicians to conduct the following tests designed to find and diagnose breast cancer. Biopsy: A biopsy, which is the removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer, may be conducted to determine if breast cancer is present. When a lump in the breast is found, doctors may remove a small piece of the lump to perform a biopsy. There are four types of biopsies. An excisional biopsy is the removal of an entire lump of tissue, while an incisional biopsy removes just part of a lump or a sample of tissue. A core biopsy removes tissue using a wide needle, whereas a fine-needle aspiration, or FNA, biopsy uses a thin needle to remove the tissue. Blood chemistry studies: A blood chemistry study checks a blood sample to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood by organs and tissues in the body. An unusual amount of a substance, whether that amount is higher or lower than normal, may be indicative of disease in the organ or tissue that makes it. Clinical breast exam: A clinical breast exam, or CBE, is an examination of the breast that is conducted by a doctor or another health professional. The person conducting the examination will carefully feel the breasts and under the arms for lumps or anything else that seems unusual. Magnetic resonance imaging test: Commonly referred to as an MRI or a nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, or NMRI, this procedure employs a magnet, radio waves and a computer to produce a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. Mammogram: A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that can be used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. Mammograms also may be used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of the disease has been found. According to the National Cancer Institute, a mammogram performed on a pregnant woman may appear negative even if cancer is present. The NCI also notes that mammograms miss roughly 20 percent of breast cancers that are present at the time of screening. Physical exam: Women should get a routine physical examination of their bodies once a year. Physicians conducting such exams will check for general signs of health while also checking for signs of disease, including breast cancer. Breast cancer symptoms may include swelling and lumps on the breast or under the arms. During a routine physical, a doctor also will request the patient provide a history of her health habits and past illnesses, and women with a family history of breast cancer should make note of that history when discussing their own medical histories. Ultrasound exam: During an ultrasound exam, high-energy sound waves are bounced off internal tissues or organs to make echoes, which form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram. Beau Monde Progressive Hair Studio | Day Spa Expert Stylists & Color Specialists Zumba Z umbba Dance um DDan ancce Party an Par ty Par in Pink Pin Pin inkk at at GHS! Fri. October 17 s 6–8 PPM M $10 Pre-sale TTickets ickets s $15 at the Door Pink Hair Extensions all month! Shop our Pink hair products. Proceeds donated to Breast Cancer Research. Research. 725-1500 s BeauMondeHairandSpa.com 235 North Main Street s Gloversville 3 1. Patricia Beck, “Simply put Because mammograms are saving the lives of grandmothers, mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, cousins and friends. 5. Jean Werle Rust “There are no good reasons NOT to get one!” 76. Congressman Paul D. Tonko, “Get it because your greatest accomplishments lie ahead of you!” First Choice Financial Federal Credit Union ! W O W Big Savings...Great Rates As Low As... % 1.99 #APR† ON NEW/USED AUTOS OR AUTO LOAN *RE-FINANCING. #Rates are determined by each memberʼs overall credit history and are subject to change. †Annual Percentage Rate *Auto loan must be financed with another financial institution to qualify. Apply on-line @ www.fcfinancialcu.org, OR visit our Gloversville Locations at 355 Hales Mills Road 725-3191 329 S. Kingsboro Ave. inside Wal-Mart Supercenter 725-4413 LENDER October, 2014 • The Leader-Herald 4 Knowing and recognizing the signs of breast cancer may save your life A s with many types of cancer, breast cancer is most successfully treated when it is detected early. Over the previous quarter century, death rates for breast cancer have been on the decline, a positive development that Breastcancer.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing reliable, complete and up-to-date information about breast cancer, suggests is a byproduct of the heightened awareness of breast cancer over the last 25 years and the increasing emphasis placed on breast cancer screening. Understanding the symptoms of breast cancer also can help women battle and defeat this potentially deadly disease. While the presence of any of the following symptoms does not necessarily mean breast cancer is present, the appearance of the following should be enough to inspire women and even men to visit their physicians for thorough examinations and screenings. Changes in the feeling of the breast or nipple: A change in how the breast or nipple feels could be indicative of a larger problem. If the nipple is especially tender and this persists for an extended period of time, exercise caution and discuss this change with your physician. Similarly, if a lump or thickening develops on or near the breast or underarms, speak with your physician. Changes in appearance of the breast: A lump or thickening in the breast may affect the appearance of the breast. Another visible symptom of breast cancer is a change in the skin texture or an enlargement of pores in the skin of the breast, which may appear similar to dimpling, not unlike an orange peel. Swelling or shrinking of the breast, especially when such symptoms appear on just one breast, may also indicate breast cancer. In addition, some women with breast cancer notice a sudden asymmetry with their breasts de- Even women who are a picture of health can develop breast cancer, highlighting the importance women must place on recognizing and detecting the symptoms of this often curable disease. spite their breasts previously being symmetrical, and such a development should immediately be brought to the attention of a physician. Changes in the appearance of the nipple: A nipple that appears different also may be a sign of breast cancer. Some women with breast cancer have noticed a nipple turned slightly inward or inverted prior to their breast cancer diagnosis. Skin of the nipple, as well as that of the breast and areola, which is the dark circle of skin around the nipple, may also become red, scaly or swollen when breast cancer is present. Clear or bloody discharge from the nipple: Women who are breastfeeding often notice a milky discharge from their nipple after breastfeeding. Such discharges are normal. However, when a woman who is not breastfeeding notices the presence of a clear or bloody discharge from her nipple, such a development should be brought to the attention of a physician. Any of the aforementioned signs and symptoms may be a sign of infection or the presence of a cyst, both of which are less severe than the presence of breast cancer. But the success rates of treating cancers that are detected early is such that any potential symptom of breast cancer warrants an immediate discussion with a physician. Lesser known types THE COMPLETE INSURANCE SERVICES SHULTS AGENCY Are you receiving all of the discounts you deserve? Contact either office today! (800) 836-2885 FORT PLAIN JOHNSTOWN 3 Canal St. • 518-993-2387 Briggs St. Plaza • 518-762-8200 Fax: (518) 762-1400 Fax: (518) 993-2302 [email protected] • www.shultsagency.com of breast cancer M any people have been touched by breast cancer. Whether you have dealt with your own diagnosis or that of a friend or family member, the prevalence of breast cancer has left few people without a story to tell about a personal experience with this potentially deadly disease. According to Breastcancer.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to proving reliable, complete and up-to-date information about breast cancer, roughly one in eight women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her life, while the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation notes the figures are slightly more optimistic in Canada, where one in nine women is expected to develop the disease during her lifetime. Many of the women who develop breast cancer will be diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, or IDC, which the National Breast Cancer Foundation notes is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for between 70 and 80 percent of all diagnoses. While women and even men who develop breast cancer are most likely to be diagnosed with IDC, there are less common forms of breast cancer, and learning about these rare cancers may help save your life or that of a loved one. October, 2014 • The Leader-Herald MEDULLARY CARCINOMA Though medullary carcinoma diagnoses are rare, this is an invasive type of breast cancer that begins in the milk duct and spreads beyond it. The tumor that forms when a person has medullary carcinoma is a soft and fleshy mass. Medullary carcinoma cells typically appear like aggressive, abnormal cancer cells, but these cells do not grow quickly and often do not spread outside the breast to the lymph nodes, which makes medullary carcinoma a relatively easy cancer to treat. Medullary carcinoma can occur at any age, though it typically affects women in their late 40s and early 50s. TUBULAR CARCINOMA Tubular carcinoma is a type of IDC that starts as small, tube-shaped structures known as tubules that appear similar to normal, healthy cells. Tubular carcinoma cells grow slowly and are unlikely to spread outside of the breast, and, for that reason, tubular carcinoma typically responds well to treatment. Though tubular carcinoma once accounted for a very small percentage of breast cancer diagnoses, they are now being diagnosed more often, thanks in large part to the prevalence of screening mammography that has been catching cases of breast cancer before doctors feel a lump. Tubular carcinoma may feel less like a lump and more like a cushiony area of breast tissue. MUCINOUS CARCINOMA Mucinous carcinoma is also a rare type of IDC in which tumors are made up of abnormal cells in mucin, which is a part of mucus. Many types of cancer cells, including the majority of breast cancer cells, produce some mucus, which lines most of the inner surface of the normal human body. But when a person is diagnosed with mucinous carcinoma, the mucin has become part of the tumor, so when examined under a microscope, the cancer cells appear to be scattered in pools of mucus. Mucinous cancer can affect people at any age, though it is especially rare in men and most often diagnosed in women after they have gone through menopause. Mucinous carcinoma is a less aggressive type of breast cancer than others and is less likely than other types to spread to the lymph nodes. As a result, it typically responds well to treatment. Tom’s Family Pharmacy, Inc. 23. Patrice McMahon, “Hear more music, feel more joy.” 29. George Kline, “Get it because there are road trips to enjoy.” 32. Moshgan Jones, “My reason is because I love life and want to live long to see and enjoy my future grandchildren.” 33. Laurence E. Kelly, Littauer’s President and CEO: “Because life is good...too good to be cut short by cancer.” PAGET’S DISEASE OF THE NIPPLE Paget’s disease of the nipple is characterized by breast cancer cells that collect in or around the nipple. The cancer typically affects the ducts of the nipple first before spreading to the nipple surface and areola, which is the dark circle of skin around the nipple. Both the nipple and areola can and likely will become irritated, itchy, red, and scaly when a person has Paget’s disease, and these signs may be the first indicators that breast cancer is present. While Paget’s disease of the nipple is rare, the National Cancer Institute notes the importance of recognizing its symptoms, as 97 percent of people with Paget’s disease also have cancer elsewhere in the breast. Though the NCI notes that Paget’s disease can develop in both men and women, it is more common in women, among whom the average age for diagnosis is 62. FREE PRESCRIPTIO N PICK-UP AND DELIVERY 45-47 South Main St., Gloversville (Former Location of Del Negro Pharmacy) Featuring everything from greeting cards, vitamins, minerals and supplements to prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications with the caring, personalized service you wonʼt find at the drugstore chains. • Medical Equipment & Supplies • Bathroom Safety Equipment • Golden Technology Lift Chairs Easy prescription transfer from another pharmacy. Simply call us or bring in your prescription bottles and we will take care of the rest. A neighborhood drugstore... Familiar. Friendly. Like family. FOR FREE PRESCRIPTION PICK-UP AND DELIVERY JOHNSTOWN, GLOVERSVILLE, BROADALBIN AND SURROUNDING AREAS CALL (518) 725-0615 5 5044 State Hwy 30, Amsterdam, NY • 842-5750 Open Monday-Thursday 9-5; Friday 9-6; Saturday 9-3 www.segelsjewelers.com October, 2014 • The Leader-Herald 6 Breast cancer stages help determine course of treatment W hen doctors diagnose breast cancer, they typically tell their patients which stage the cancer is in. Men and women with no previous experience with cancer may not know what these stages signify or may not understand the differences between the stages. The following is a rundown of breast cancer stages to help men and women diagnosed with breast cancer better understand their disease. WHY ARE STAGES IMPORTANT? Staging helps doctors determine how far the breast cancer has progressed, but staging also helps doctors determine the best course of treatment to contain or eliminate the cancer. For example, a person diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer will likely undergo a different course of treatment than someone diagnosed with stage 4. HOW ARE STAGES DETERMINED? A number of factors determine staging. These factors include: • the size of the tumor within the breast, • the number of lymph nodes affected, and • signs indicating if the breast cancer has invaded other organs within the body. Signs that the cancer has spread may be found in the bones, liver, lungs, or brain. STAGE 0 & 1 When breast cancer is detected early, it is often characterized as stage 0 or 1, which means the cancer cells have not spread beyond a very limited area. Stage 0 breast cancer is a noninvasive cancer where abnormal cells have been found in the lining of the breast milk duct but have not spread outside the duct into surrounding breast tissue. Stage 0 breast cancer is very treatable, but if treatment is not sought, it can spread into surrounding breast tissue. Stage 1 breast cancer is diagnosed when the tumor is very small and has not spread to the lymph nodes. In certain instances when a person is diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer, no tumor is found in the breast. When a tumor is found, it is typically two centimeters or smaller. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer that is discovered and treated at stage 1 has a five-year survival rate of roughly 98 percent. STAGE 2 A stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis means the cancer has begun to grow or spread, but it is still in the early stages and typically very treatable. Stage 2 breast cancer is divided into two groups, stage 2A and stage 2B, a distinction that is made because of the size of the tumor and if the breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. There may or may not be a tumor present when a person is diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer. If a tumor is present, it is either less than two centimeters and cancer cells are present in less than four axillary lymph nodes or the tumor is between two and five centimeters but has not spread to the lymph nodes. A tumor is present when a person is diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer, and that tumor is either between two and five centimeters and spread to less than four axillary lymph nodes or it is larger than five centimeters but has not spread to any lymph nodes. Stage 2 breast cancers typically respond well to treatment, but those treatments may be more aggressive than treatments for stage 0 or 1 breast cancers. More information about breast cancer is available at www.nationalbreastcancer.org. Johnstown Mall • 736-2066 October Special Pink Hair Extension Open: Monday - Friday 9 am - 8 pm; Saturday 9 am - 5 pm; Sunday 10 am - 4 pm • No Appointment Necessary for only $700 With purchase of a haircut • Exp. Oct. 31, 2014 Women’s Cut Men’s Cut $15.95 $10.95 With Our Haircutting Card With Our Haircutting Card Kid’s Cut $ 9.95 With Our Haircutting Card STAGE 3 Stage 3 breast cancer is an advanced cancer that has invaded tissues surrounding the breast but has not spread to distant organs. Advancements to treat stage 3 breast cancer have made treatment more effective, even if a doctor describes the cancer as “inoperable,” which may mean that surgery will not be enough to rid the breast of the cancer in its entirety. Stage 3 breast cancer is divided into a three subgroups, which are determined by the size of the tumor and if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or surrounding tissue. When a person is diagnosed with stage 3A, 3B or 3C breast cancer, his or her physician will likely discuss treatment plans that include a combination of treatment options. STAGE 4 A stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis means the cancer has spread to other areas of the body, which may include the brains, bones, lungs, or liver. Stage 4 breast cancer is considered incurable, though the NBCF notes that a growing number of women are living longer because their disease is being treated as a chronic condition. Treatment of stage 4 breast cancer may be determined by a patient’s access to specialists and sub-specialists, and some patients may be given the opportunity to participate in therapies that are still in the experimental phase. Unlike in years past, many stage 4 breast cancer patients can extend their lives for several years thanks in large part to advancements in research and medical technology. EŽƚ:ƵƐƚŶLJ,ŽŵĞĂƌĞŐĞŶĐLJ͙ zŽƵƌŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ,ŽŵĞĂƌĞŐĞŶĐLJ͊ ,͛ƐEƵƌƐŝŶŐ͕dŚĞƌĂƉLJ͕ĂŶĚŝĚĞ^ƚĂīĂƌĞĐĂƌĞŐŝǀĞƌƐ ǁŝƚŚŐƌĞĂƚĂƫƚƵĚĞƐ͕ĂŶĚĂƐŬŝůůůĞǀĞůƚŚĂƚŐŽĞƐĂďŽǀĞ ĂŶĚďĞLJŽŶĚĂŶLJŚŽŵĞĐĂƌĞĂŐĞŶĐLJŝŶƚŚĞƌĞŐŝŽŶ͘ ĂůůƵƐƚŽĚĂLJ͊ϱϭϴ-ϳϲϮ-ϴϮϭϱ October, 2014 • The Leader-Herald Does breast size affect cancer risk? V arious factors may increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. But the size of a woman’s breasts may not help doctors determine the gravity of that risk. Researchers have uncovered connections between some genes that determine a woman’s breast size and those involved with breast cancer, but those discoveries are not enough to determine a definitive link. Scientists at commercial DNA testing service 23andMe in California have found a correlation between the genes that determine whether a woman will wear a B cup or a D cup bra and the genes associated with breast cancer risk. Data from more than 16,000 female customers who had their genetic makeup examined was analyzed, particularly single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs. SNPs are variations in DNA that may or may not have impact on predisposition to certain traits or illnesses. The researchers identified seven SNPs as “significantly associated” with breast size, three of which had previously been linked to breast cancer risk. Doctors say that it is unlikely breast size alone will dictate propensity for breast cancer. Others have argued the DNA study was preliminary and possibly flawed because it failed to account for complete information, such as breast density, participants’ weight or alcohol consumption — all factors that can contribute to breast cancer risk. Excess body weight, which can contribute to larger breast size, may be a more likely culprit in the correlation between cup size and cancer. The American Cancer Society says that as many as 20 percent of all cancer-related deaths were impacted by excess body weight. Being overweight or obese is clearly linked with an increased risk of breast cancer, especially in women past menopause, but not necessarily in women of childbearing age. The reasons for this are unclear. There is not a large enough body of evidence to link large breast size to an increased risk of breast cancer. It’s true that larger breasts have more breast cells susceptible to mutation, but many surmise that genetics and lifestyle factors are more likely than breast size to elevate a woman’s breast cancer risk. Women concerned with breast cancer risk should complete a family history and speak with their doctors to address their concerns. Frequent self-examinations as well as routine physicals can make women more familiar with their breasts and more likely to recognize if anything is amiss. 35. Christian Rohrs, “Get it so that you won’t miss all of the beautiful fall colors that the Adirondacks have to offer!” 36. Barbara Shutts, “No better way to show your family how much you love them than by taking care of yourself which includes your mammogram!!!” 37. Charmaine Miskinis, “Get a mammogram so you can enjoy your life with your family and friends!” Breast size alone is not a major risk factor for breast cancer. WELLER HOME CARE PRODUCTS 410 RIDGE RD., BROADALBIN, NY (518) 883-3118 www.wellerhomecare.com Full Line of Bras & Prothesis Many In-Stock WHAT ABOUT IMPLANTS? According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, although breast implants may decrease accuracy of mammograms, they do not raise a person’s risk of developing breast cancer. Women who have larger breasts due to implants do not necessarily have a greater risk of developing breast cancer. Likewise, women who have had implants used in breast reconstruction procedures do not need to worry about their cancer coming back due to the implants. In fact, newly developed implants may deter the growth of cancerous cells in breast reconstruction patients. Researchers at Brown University developed a new kind of implant that has a microscopically bumpy surface, which can impede the growth of blood vessels that typically feed cancerous tumors. Only a few days turn around if we need to order! Barbara Weller,O /M Certified Breast Fitter “Don’t Be Sick, Get Weller” MEDICAID • MEDICARE MOST INSURANCE COMPANIES and HMO’s Serving Fulton, Montgomery, Hamilton, Saratoga, Albany, Herkimer, Schenectady Counties 7 October, 2014 • The Leader-Herald 8 Menopause treatment and breast cancer risk U pon reaching a certain age, women go through the natural process of menopause. This change typically occurs when a woman reaches her late 40s or early 50s. The transition to menopause happens over several years and results in fluctuations of hormone levels in a woman’s body. During this transition, many women experience a variety of symptoms, from mood changes to hot flashes to vaginal dryness. These symptoms can be so severe they impact daily activities and can impede quality of life. Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, may be prescribed to alleviate the side effects of perimenopause and menopause. However, HRT is not without risks, including an increased chance of developing breast cancer. According to The Mayo Clinic, HRT, which includes medications containing female hormones to replace the ones the body no longer makes naturally after menopause, used to be a standard treatment for women with severe symptoms. In the largest clinical trial to date, a combination estrogen-progestin pill was found to increase the risk of certain serious conditions, including blood clots, heart disease, stroke, and breast cancer. This type of therapy also may make a woman’s breasts appear more dense on mammograms, making breast cancer more difficult to detect. When undergone for more than a few years, HRT has been confirmed by multiple studies to increase the risk for breast cancer. Women concerned about HRT and cancer risk, especially those with a significant family history of breast cancer, generally want to avoid the use of hormone therapies. But what is a person who is experiencing many side effects of menopause that can be so easily remedied by hormone therapy to do? Research into HRT alternatives has discovered a host of natural treatments that can provide relief. Soy: Soy offers some promising results, especially with regard to relieving hot flashes. Soy is very high in phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens. Red clover State Farm® Providing Insurance and Financial Services Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710 Nancy Persse Langdon, Agent 2628 State Highway 30A, PO Box 1098 Fonda, NY 12068-1098 Bus 518-853-3623 Bus 518-762-4929 [email protected] Good Neighbor Agent since 1992 Hormone replacement therapy can elevate breast cancer risk and may not be an appropriate menopause treatment for all women. and flaxseed are other sources of plant estrogens. Phytoestrogens are less potent than pharmaceutical estrogen, and scientists believe they do not contribute to breast cancer in the way natural or pharmaceutical estrogen may. Black cohosh: Black cohosh is a member of the buttercup family and is a perennial plant native to North America. Preparations of black cohosh are made from the roots and underground stems. Black cohosh has long been used by natives of North America to treat malaise, gynecological disorders, rheumatism and other conditions. Black cohosh is now sold as an herbal remedy to alleviate hot flashes and excessive sweating in menopausal women. The National Institutes of Health awarded more than $7 million to the University of Illinois to study the efficacy of black cohosh and other herbs in treating certain symptoms of menopause. Dong quai: This herb is in the celery family and native to Asia. In Chinese medicine, dong quai has been considered a “female ginseng” because of its way of balancing the female hormonal system. As such, dong quai has long been used to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, researchers are unsure if dong quai acts like estrogen or blocks estrogen in the body, as studies have produced mixed results. Lifestyle changes: Women may need to dress more lightly, use a water atomizer to spray their bodies to cool down and keep their bedrooms cold to alleviate hot flashes. Vaginal estrogen: If vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse are the primary symptoms, vaginal estrogen rings or suppositories may be necessary. These provide estrogen directly to the affected area while only allowing very low levels to enter the bloodstream. In turn, vaginal estrogen may not increase breast cancer risk in the same way as other hormone therapies. Hormone replacement therapy can alleviate menopausal symptoms, but also it can elevate breast cancer risk. Other options are available, and women can speak with their doctors about alternatives to HRT. Every two minutes, a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. In fact, breast cancer is the leading cancer among Caucasian and African American women. Mammography screenings are a woman’s best chance for detecting breast cancer early, so get yours today. The Franco Family at... Bowman’s Market 50 E. Pine St., Gloversville 725-7517 October, 2014 • The Leader-Herald Vitamin D and breast cancer link T ry as they may, the thousands upon thousands of medical researchers, scientists and doctors around the world have not yet figured out a way to eradicate cancer. Ongoing studies examining the disease as well as its risk factors may not have yielded a cure, but they certainly have helped shape a number of different methods of reducing risk and improving treatments. Breast cancer is a prolific disease affecting a quarter of a million women in the United States each year, annually claiming the lives of roughly 40,000 women. The Canadian Cancer Society says breast cancer accounted for 13.9 percent of the 36,100 female cancer deaths in 2013. Breast cancer remains the second most common cause of cancer deaths in women, and females are continually on the lookout for ways to reduce their risk of developing this potentially deadly disease. Vitamin D may help reduce breast cancer risk, and it may even help women already diagnosed in their fight against the disease. According to a meta-analysis of five studies published in the March 2014 issue of Anticancer Research, patients diagnosed with breast cancer who had high vitamin D levels were twice as likely to survive when compared with those who had low levels of vitamin D. This analysis studied more than 4,500 breast cancer patients over a nine-year period. The study’s authors also found that a vitamin D level of 50 ng/ml is associated with a 50 percent lower risk for breast cancer. In addition, a study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine in 2007 found that a higher level of vitamin D is associated with a 50 percent lower risk of colorectal cancer. Vitamin D is most often credited with helping the body maintain its balance of calcium and phosphorous by controlling how much of these nutrients are absorbed from foods and added to bones. Although not fully understood, vitamin D also plays a role in other areas of the body, including the nervous system, muscles and immune system. Vitamin D also affects inflammation as well as cell growth and death, which may help prevent cancer growth. Women who are born with the BRCA1 gene mutation are at an increased risk for developing breast and ovarian cancers. BRCA1 genes are tumor suppressor genes that, when formed properly, work to prevent cells from growing into cancerous cells. When people have mutated or altered versions of these genes, cancer cells can grow unchecked. Vitamin D may play a role in turning off the pathway by which cancerous tumors grow. Vitamin D receptors are found on the surface of cells where they receive chemical signals. By attaching themselves to a receptor, says the Vitamin D Council, these chemical signals direct a cell to divide or die. Vitamin D receptors in breast tissue can cause cells to die or stop growing and may prevent cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body. In turn, vitamin D may be protecting the breast against cancer. However, this is a complex area of study that is not fully understood. Right now it cannot be said with certainty that vitamin D can fully prevent cancer growth. Observational research has indicated that women with low levels of vitamin D have a greater risk for breast cancer, particularly women who are post-menopausal. Vitamin D3 is naturally produced in the body through exposure to ultraviolet sunlight and, like vitamin D2, can be absorbed from food. Vitamin D can be found in fish oils, liver, cheese, egg yolks and supplemented dairy products. Palmer Pharmacy “for old fashioned service and courtesy” Pharmacists - Tom Friello • Carole Deyoe • Bob Sullivan • Liza Saltsman • Jennifer Christman • Patient/Prescription Consultation • Senior Discount • Medicare, Medicaid, EPIC & Most Third Party Insurance Plans Honored • Diabetic Supplies • Blood Pressure Kits • Stethoscopes • Commodes • Walkers • Canes • Crutches • Wrist, Knee & Back Supports • Surgical & Support Stockings • Post Mastectomy Supplies Nature’s Bounty Vitamins FREE DELIVERY TO GLOVERSVILLE AND JOHNSTOWN 2 E. MAIN, JOHNSTOWN • 762-8319 Mon.-Fri. 8:30 am to 7 pm; Sat. 8:30 am to 2 pm, Sun. 9 am - 1 pm 9 40. Wally Hart, “Get it so you don’t have to worry!” 47. Assemblyman Marc Butler, “Get a mammogram because you have a bright future waiting just for you.” 17. Lesa Gray Grosse, “For yourself and for everyone in your life who loves you!” 2. Stacy Minkler White, “Early detection saves lives!” The vitamin D in milk and certain foods and that produced from exposure to sunlight can play a role in reducing breast cancer risk. DON’T FORGET YOUR MAMMOGRAM! Don’t forget to eat right for your blood type to help prevent breast cancer. First 5 people to mention this ad will receive a free copy of Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo’s book “Eat Right 4 Your Type” Broadalbin • 518-883-3415 www.JankowskiInsurance.com 10 October, 2014 • The Leader-Herald What is metastatic breast cancer? A cancer diagnosis is never welcome news. Once such a diagnosis has been made, doctors will work to determine the stage of the cancer, which helps them develop a treatment plan and prognosis. Cancer is most treatable when caught in its earliest stages, when tumors may be small and contained. When a person is diagnosed with metastatic cancer, commonly known as stage 4 cancer, treatments are typically much more intensive. Metastatic cancer refers to cancer that has spread elsewhere from the point of origin. In terms of metastatic breast cancer, cancer cells may be detected beyond the breasts, most notably in the bones, lymph nodes, brain, and/or liver. Although much more invasive, metastatic cancer is not a hopeless situation. It simply requires a different course of treatment to fight the disease. HOW DOES CANCER SPREAD? Almost all cancers can form metastatic tumors, or tumors that form in an area other than where the cancer started. The National Cancer Institute says cancer cells may initially invade nearby healthy tissue, replicating more unhealthy, abnormal cells. Intravasation, or the moving of cancer cells into the walls of nearby lymph vessels or blood vessels, is also common. Once cancer cells are in this free-moving circulatory highway, they can reach other parts of the body. New cancer cells multiply and grow into small tumors in different locations. This proliferation of cancer tumors is called micrometastases. The ability for metastasis to occur depends on a variety of properties, including the body’s immune system defenses. Just because cancer cells reach another area of the body that does not mean they will successfully grow and form a tumor. Metastatic cancer cells can lie dormant and not grow for years, if they grow at all. WHY IS IT STILL CALLED BREAST CANCER? If breast cancer spreads to the bones or lungs, it is not then referred to as bone or lung cancer. Metastatic cancer always takes the name of the first site where the cancer was discovered. When viewed microscopically, cancer cells that have spread generally look the same as the original cancer cells and have some of the same features in common. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF METASTATIC BREAST CANCER? Symptoms will vary depending on where the cancer has spread. If a tumor is small or growing slowly, there may be no symptoms at all. Metastases in the bones can cause pain or fractures. Cancer in the brain Hairific 3 1 2 Ja ns en Ave.,Johns town •7 6 2 -5 0 8 3 (Belvedere T ra velPla za ) can cause headaches, vomiting, pressure, and behavioral changes. Cancer that has moved to the liver can cause jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin or eyes, and abnormally high enzymes in the liver. Any and all new symptoms should be discussed with a doctor. WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS? Metastatic cancer patients have many effective treatments at their disposal. According to BreastCancer.org, these treatments include systemic, or whole-body, treatment; localized treatment; and pain relief. Whole-body treatments are usually advised when a cancer has a few metastases. Surgery or a targeted therapy may not be able to attack all of the cancer cells, including those that are not visible. Additional medications and therapies may be recommended to address specific symptoms. Radiation can target cancer cells in one location, while steroids or surgeries to stabilize bones or other areas may be necessary. Pain-relief medications are often prescribed to keep patients comfortable until the other treatments begin to take effect. Sleeping pills or medications to treat nausea may be prescribed if symptoms are bothersome. Despite all the advancements in metastatic breast cancer treatments, it is still possible for the cancer to spread. Experimental trials and new drugs still being studied may be recommended in particularly stubborn cases. A metastatic cancer diagnosis can be troubling, but men and women should not be hopeless. Educating oneself about metastatic cancer and learning about the various treatments can help people on their roads to recovery. DID YOU KNOW? When a person is diagnosed with breast cancer, tests are then conducted to study the cancer cells. According to the National Cancer Institute, such tests are used to determine how quickly the cancer may grow and the likelihood that the cancer will spread throughout the body. These tests also may help doctors determine a course of treatment and if a patient is likely to experience a recurrence of the cancer down the road. One such test is the estrogen and progesterone receptor test, which measures the amount of estrogen and progesterone receptors in cancer tissue. The cancer may grow more quickly in patients who have more of these receptors than normal. In addition to measuring the amount of these hormones in the cancer tissue, an estrogen and progesterone test can determine if a treatment aimed at blocking estrogen and progesterone may prevent the cancer from growing. October, 2014 • The Leader-Herald 11 Mammography 55. Kelly C. Hartz, “Get it for your friends because they will be devastated if you’re gone.” 49. Lisa McCoy, “I do it because I have a family who needs me, it would just be wrong not to!” 69. Cheryl Paulison Sofa, “Just Because!” guidelines continue to evolve M ammograms are used to screen for breast cancer and overall breast health. In a relatively recent departure from conventional wisdom that once advised women to get annual mammograms beginning at age 40, new recommendations say mammograms are not necessary before age 50, and that earlier screening benefits are limited and may even do more harm than good. The new guidelines come courtesy of the United States Preventive Services Task Force, which is a group of independent health experts convened by the Department of Health and Human Services. The USPSTF reviewed and commissioned research to develop computer-simulated models comparing the expected outcomes under different screening scenarios. The USPSTF is the most influential group to provide preventive care guidelines for doctors, and this is the first time the group has spoken up about breast cancer screening since 2002. The reasons for the change were based on the strong emotional stress breast cancer screenings can create and the rates of false positives that may require follow-up testing. Younger women’s breasts are naturally more dense, and dense tissue can make it more difficult to read mammograms and identify problems. For this reason, perceived abnormalities on the mammogram may require follow-up mammograms or biopsies to rule out cancer. According to Harvard Medical School, almost half of women under age 50 who have mammograms are called back for repeat films or biopsies because their test results look suspicious. This can subject women to undue stress, further exposure to radiation and more invasive biopsies, not to mention the added expenses of further testing. The USPSTF revised recommendations state that: • Routine screening of average-risk women should begin at age 50, instead of age 40. • Routine screening should end at age 74. • Women should get screening mammograms every two years instead of every year. • Breast self-exams have little value, based on findings from several large studies. But some health organizations disagree with the task force’s revised guidelines. For example, the Mayo Clinic supports screenings beginning at age 40 because doctors there believe mammograms can detect breast abnormalities early in women in their 40s. Others scoff at the notion that breast self-exams have little value, as many times it is a woman who first alerts her doctor to a lump or problem. Doctors are unable to distinguish dangerous breast cancers from those that are not life threatening, which is why many still recommend annual mammograms, despite the fact that mammogram screening has not decreased the number of deaths associated with advanced breast cancers. Ultimately, it is up to a woman and her doctor to chart the best course of preventative breast cancer treatment. Despite the recommendations from the task force, many insurance companies still cover annual mammograms beginning at age 40. Women who are at high risk for breast cancer are special cases, and such women should discuss earlier screening schedules with their doctors. HELP STOP BREAST CANCER TOGETHER! Herba Nissan will donate $100 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in your behalf for every purchase of a new or used vehicle during the month of October*. With 0%** Financing on most new vehicles and a fantastic selection of quality pre-owned vehicles, thereʼs not a better time to buy or a better reason than right now. Letʼs do our part to help fight this disease. *Must present ad at time of purchase. **See dealer for details. HERBA 320 N. Comrie Ave., Johnstown, NY • 736-1300 www.herbanissaninc.com 12 October, 2014 • The Leader-Herald