October: Breast Cancer Awareness month

When you see someone wearing the pink badge of breast cancer awareness this month, know that you are looking at a woman who has a better than fighting chance at beating breast cancer. The pink ribbon means awareness and awareness is the key to survival.

This month we celebrate breast cancer awareness by wearing the pink ribbon, marching and remembering those who lost their own personal battles with it.

And this 25th year of taking the month of October to focus on this woman killing disease, the American Cancer Society had good news to share. They released numbers that show we are gaining ground.

"The instances of breast cancer have decreased 2.2 percent every year," says Jean Harberts, community representative for the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. "The survival rate has improved from 63 percent in the 1960's to 89 percent today. We are making great headway and a lot of it is due to awareness and making sure that women do their physical checks themselves."

Better diagnostic tools like digital mammograms, and new drug treatments are also credited with the improvement. But the statistics on early detection point to the root of the changes. The survival rate for women whose cancer is caught early is 98 percent compared to 24 percent for those whose cancers that are caught in later stages.

According to Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, strategic director for cancer surveillance at the American Cancer Society, the death rate from breast cancer peaked in 1989. "The most recent data from 2006 shows breast cancer death rates have dropped nearly 30 percent." Jemel also noted that this decline could accelerate as we learn more in the lab, have better access to mammography and more treatment for the poor and uninsured - only 30 percent of whom had a mammogram in the last two years as opposed to 70 percent of insured women.

While public health officials see the trend continuing as awareness continues to increase, and treatments become more targeted, it's important to remember that this war is far from over. Breast cancer remains the most deadly of cancers for women second only to lung cancer.

Research roundup

Amid the flurry of research, some studies are showing that lifestyle and diet can lower the risk of getting breast cancer and in some cases prevent it.

For instance, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in sweets and processed meats may reduce breast cancer risk in African American women. A healthy diet was also linked to lower risk among premenopausal women.

The American Cancer Society's prevention/risk lowering tips include eating healthy and controlling weight across the board. Research shows that being overweight or obese could raise the risk of breast cancer. Also recommended is regular physical activity - 30 minutes a day 5 or more days a week. They also suggest limiting alcohol intake to no more than one drink a day as alcohol has clearly been lined to the risk of getting breast cancer.

Some studies have suggested that new drugs like tamoxifen and raloxifene might help women who have certain risk factors but there is some concern on the part of women of the potential side effects of these drugs.

Along side the development of new drug therapies there are gene studies aimed at finding out which women are likely to have their cancer come back and the molecular structure of gene patterns are being examined based on the belief that they can better predict treatment responses.

Men are not immune

In June, 2009, the American Medical Association issued a new policy statement that recognized breast cancer as a condition that affects men and women. They are now on record supporting efforts to educate men and raise awareness about risks, signs and symptoms.

1,910 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in men this year. And although the chances of a man getting breast cancer are significantly less than women, it does happen. The American Cancer Society predicts that about 440 men will die of it in 2009.

The reason men don't get breast cancer in large number has to do with hormones. In men, they restrict the growth of breast tissue. Although men do have some of the ducts that carry milk from milk producing glands to the nipple, they are much less developed than in women. However, they can still undergo cancerous changes. No one knows why.

Not much is known about risk factors for men either. We do know that risk goes up with age. Other factors are similar to those of women. They include a family history - men or women - with breast cancer, genetic predisposition, obesity and excessive alcohol use. Radiation exposure to the chest is also cited.

Men do experience symptoms but few of them, or their doctors, recognize them for what they are. "With men it's usually a swelling or an uncomfortableness in their breast area," Harberts tells Hernando Today. "Men tend to shrug it off." As a result, it goes undiagnosed with fatal consequences.

After the diagnosis

Once again, research is improving and refining mastectomies and breast reconstruction. But the majority of the victims of breast cancer are still in need of cosmetic and emotional support.

"To look good and feel better is crucial when you're under treatment," says Harberts. "We just had a fashion show for breast cancer awareness month." But, says Harberts, there's help for breast cancer victims in Hernando County that has been practically a secret for too long. It's a resource center located at PineBrook Medical Center that she and her colleagues want people to use.

"We have prosthesis, mastectomy bras, wigs and turbans all free for them. Insurance will only cover so much and what I like to tell them, especially in Florida, they have mastectomy prosthesis that are acrylic and lightweight. They can withstand the perspiration a lot better than a traditional prosthesis because they tend to break down with chemicals. I encourage them to use their insurance money, if they have it, to get the upgraded form that lasts a lot longer and use one of our forms for everyday use. That way they get the best of both worlds - especially if they're active."

If you'd like to get out and show your support for breast cancer research, to encourage those living with it or remember those who've passed away, there are some events. Locally, there will be a noncompetitive, 5k walk called "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" on Oct. 24 in Dade City.

"Hernando, Pasco and Citrus counties - we all get together and walk," says Harberts. "Registration starts at 8 a.m., the walk begins at 9 a.m. and you're done within an hour or two. It's women who want to come out and walk in honor and memory of someone. They can raise money if they want to. We encourage all survivors to come.

Also, the Susan G. Komen Tampa Bay Breast Cancer 3-Day will be held this year Oct. 30 through Nov. 1.

For more info

For more information on these events and other activities or general information on breast cancer:

American Cancer Society - www.cancer.org

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day - www.the3day.org

PineBrook Medical Center Resource Center, 14540 Cortez Blvd., Suite 203, Brooksville, Fl 34613 352-597-8287