THE DAILY NEWS Thursday, September 29, 2022 A5

October is
Breast
Cancer
Awareness
Month!

Warrior women

PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHERINE DIEGELMAN. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRITTANY HEIN PHOTO COURTESY OF PATRICIA ARMSTRONG

Breast Cancer survivor Katherine Diegelman of Bergen found a Brittany Hein, of Batavia, received genetic testing at 24 years Patricia Armstrong of Batavia was diagnosed with a rare form of
lump during a self breast exam. “I think I got through it because old because her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer very breast cancer. “I would tell women when receiving a diagnosis to
of my faith in God...” young. .”I get to wake up every morning and not worry.” do your own research...”

Women share their breast cancer stories, advice for others

By KORI SCIANDRA managed my diagnosis with

‘
ksciandra@batavianews.com
Give yourself grace. my spirituality and praying a

A
s we approach Breast lot. Accept a lot of information
Cancer Awareness
month we’re all re-
minded of women in
our lives who have been im-
Be brave enough to advocate for yourself..
KATHERINE DIEGELMAN
breast cancer survivor
’ at once, and take your time and
research everything.”

Being scared is normal

pacted by breast cancer.
Knowledge of what to look
for during a self-exam, where
to start if you receive a can-
cer diagnosis, and learning to
self-advocate throughout your
treatment can all make a sub-
stantial difference in your care.
Each woman is unique, as is
each diagnosis.
These four “Warrior Wom-
en” – three are survivors of
breast cancer – share what
helped them get through the
diagnosis and treatment and
what they wished someone had
told them before they under-
took their journey.
A positive mindset
Katherine Diegelman of Ber-
gen was diagnosed with breast
cancer Oct. 1, 2019. She found a
lump during a self-breast exam,
underwent chemotherapy, had
surgery and then radiation. The
then-35-year-old mother of
three, who went on to have her
fourth child in 2020, encour-
aged women to ask questions
and advocate for themselves.
“…Meet with at least two
specialists for each field (on-
cology, surgery, and radiology)
and then decide which one for
each specialty is best for you.
Don’t be afraid to advocate for
yourself! I chose not to do my
second type of chemo that was
recommended and requested
that an MRI be done after the
first chemo to see how effective
it was,” said Diegelman. “Ev-
eryone’s treatment path is
different, and you shouldn’t
be afraid to speak up for your-
self and go with what your gut
says.”
Diegelman relied on her
family and friends for support
throughout her treatment.
“…I was a member of a lo-
cal MOPs group of women that
supported and prayed with me
and I also met with the Breast
Cancer Coalition of Rochester.
They are an amazing resource
when you are first diagnosed
and also during and after treat-
ment,” said Diegelman who
received her last cancer treat-
ment in 2020. “I think I got
through it because of my faith
in God, that he has a plan for
me, my family, my children. All
of the support that was shown
to me – from even people I had
never met – was pretty hum-
bling and inspiring. I most defi-
nitely had my low points when
I allowed myself to feel sad and
angry about what I was going
through but for the majority of
it I had a positive mindset that I
was going to get through it.”
Consider genetic testing
Brittany Hein, of Batavia,
was fortunate to avoid a breast
cancer diagnosis as she un-
derwent genetic testing with
Elizabeth Wende Breast Care
Center at 24 years old.
“I began my journey with
them due to my doctors refer-
ring me to be tested 10 years
prior to when my mother was
diagnosed (age 33),” said Hein,
who lost her mother to breast
cancer when she was 10 years
old.
Hein, now 32, suggests wom-
en listen to all their options and
consider genetic testing.
“They had suggested doing
genetic testing as my mother
was so young when she was di-
agnosed. I ended up with a mu-
tation in my ATM gene, which
put me at high risk for breast
cancer. I also found out I carry
another mutation that puts me
at risk for skin cancer.”
Hein had a prophylactic
double mastectomy with re-
construction.
“…If they receive genetic
testing with an outcome like
mine, I would suggest listen-
ing to all the options and make
the best decision for you and
no one else. I had some people
question my decision as it was
a huge one to make with a lot of
pros and cons,” said Hein. “Ge-
netic testing and a double mas-
tectomy are not for everyone
and it was a rough road at first. I
would do it again if I needed to.
I get to wake up every morning
Breast Cancer survivor Angela Allen of Batavia says “I had to be
strong for my kids and grandkids.”
and not worry. The thought of
being present for my daugh-
ters’ sporting events, their first
heartaches, their proms and
wedding makes any pain worth
it.”
Do your own research
Patricia Armstrong, of Bata-
via, was diagnosed with breast
cancer in 2019. She discovered
the breast cancer during a self
exam.
After the second attempt to
remove a lump, she was asked
to do genetic testing, where
learned she was at high risk for
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANGELA ALLEN
breast cancer and moderate
risk for pancreatic cancer.
She was diagnosed with
PALB2, a rare breast cancer.
There were no treatments of-
fered to Armstrong. Through
her own research she found
two women with the same di-
agnosis who underwent a dou-
ble mastectomy and are still liv-
ing. Armstrong chose that same
path for herself, successfully.
“I would tell women when
receiving a diagnosis to do your
own research, too, and find a
doctor who you are comfort-
able with,” said Armstrong. “I
Angela Allen of Batavia was
diagnosed with breast cancer
in 2020 after she had a lumpec-
tomy that she was originally
told was not cancer. She later
had an MRI and found her
whole breast was infected, it
was cancer and needed to be
removed.
Allen, who went through her
cancer treatment during the
COVID-19 pandemic, recom-
mends getting a second opin-
ion and asking questions.
“Mine was so rushed and I
wasn’t given many options be-
cause COVID had just started
and everyone was focused on
that. I had no idea what to do
or expect and no one could be
with me for anything,” said Al-
len.
Allen noted being tired and
scared is normal and encour-
ages those who receive a cancer
diagnosis to try and stay posi-
tive and hopeful.
“I wish I would have been
told I had more options for
surgery choices and many doc-
tors out there can help. I had
no idea what to expect so it was
scary going to the hospital to
have a bilateral mastectomy,”
said Allen.
“What helped me was know-
ing that it could have been
much worse than it was as far as
the level of cancer I had. Also, I
had to be strong for my kids and
grandkids.”

How to support loved ones who have breast cancer

Metro Creative Connection
Efforts to educate women about
breast cancer have helped raise
awareness of the disease and just
how treatable it is when detected
early.
Despite that, a diagnosis can still
be difficult for women and their
families.
When someone close to you is
affected by breast cancer, priori-
ties suddenly change and you may
be wondering what you can do to
provide the support needed to help
this person navigate any ups and
downs that could be on the hori-
zon.
A breast cancer diagnosis does
not produce a uniform response.
While one loved one may embrace
others wanting to help, another
may feel she is a burden and ex-
hibit an unwillingness to accept
help. In the latter instance, being a
supportive bystander may require
walking on eggshells.
There are some universal ways
to lend support when a friend or a
loved one has been diagnosed with
cancer.
n Offer practical support. Can-
cer affects the body in a number of
ways. Energy levels may wane and
certain symptoms may arise. Side
effects from treatments also can
make it difficult to continue with
daily tasks.
An offer to help with tasks as-
sociated with daily living, such as
cooking meals, gardening, washing
clothes, or cleaning up around the
house, can be practical and much
appreciated.
Approach the individual and ask
questions in pointed ways. Rather
than, “What can I do to help?”,
which may result in an answer of,
“Nothing,” figure out a way to pitch
in and then ask if that would be ac-
ceptable. This may be, “Would you
like me to run to the supermarket
for you today?”
n Offer emotional support.
Someone with breast cancer may
just need a person who can be there
and listen. A hug, a nod of under-
standing or even a companion
who can chat and take the person’s
mind off the cancer can be im-
mensely helpful.
Keep in mind that emotions may
change on a dime, and some emo-
tions may be directed at support
systems. While it can feel hurtful,
remember the real reason for any
outburst is the disease. Patience is
needed at all times.
n Learn what you can about
breast cancer. Research the type of
cancer your loved one has, which
may make it easier to understand
what to expect. If the person is ame-
nable, you may consider accompa-
nying her to appointments to hear
firsthand about the next steps in
her treatment and recovery.
n Maintain a positive attitude.
It’s never easy knowing someone
you love is sick. They are going
through their own emotional roller
coaster, and support systems can
lift their spirits by maintaining pos-
itive attitudes. Avoid wearing rose-
colored glasses, but try to remain as
upbeat as possible.
n Find a support group. Profes-
sional support groups are great
resources for coping with a can-
cer journey. Supporting a person
with cancer takes its own unique
toll, particularly when caring for a
spouse, child or mother with breast
cancer. Support groups for support
networks can be helpful.
Individuals diagnosed with
breast cancer may need a little ex-
tra love and support. It’s up to care-
givers and friends to step up and
provide what is needed.
A6 Thursday, September 29, 2022
Warning signs for breast cancer
Metro Creative Connection
Breast cancer is the most
commonly occurring cancer
in women across the globe.
According to the World
Cancer Research Fund
International, there more
than 2.26 million new cases
of breast cancer in women
in 2020. Such figures are
sobering, but it’s important
to recognize that breast
cancer survival rates have
improved dramatically in
recent decades, provid-
ing hope to the millions of
women who may be diag-
nosed with the disease in
the years to come.
Various factors have
helped to improve breast
cancer survival rates, and
education about the disease
is certainly among them.
Women are their own
greatest allies against breast
cancer, and learning to spot
its signs and symptoms is a
great first step in the fight
against this potentially
deadly, yet treatable dis-
ease.
Knowing your body
The American Cancer
Society urges women to take
note of how their breasts
normally look and feel. That
knowledge is vital because
it helps women recognize
when something does not
look or feel good to the
touch with their breasts.
Screening alone may not be
sufficient, as the ACS notes
that mammograms do not
find every breast cancer.
Understanding different
types of breast cancer
Metro Creative Connection
Breast cancer statistics can
give the impression that each
of the millions of women diag-
nosed with the disease is fight-
ing the same battle, but there
are various types of breast can-
cer. Learning about each type
of breast cancer can help wom-
en and families gain a greater
understanding of this disease.
Some types include:
n Ductal carcinoma in situ
is a non-invasive cancer that
is diagnosed when abnormal
cells have been found in the lin-
ing of the breast milk duct. The
National Breast Cancer Foun-
dation notes that DCIS is highly
treatable because it hasn’t
spread beyond the milk duct
into any surrounding breast
tissue. The American Cancer
Society notes 20 percent of new
breast cancer cases are DCIS.
n Invasive ductal carcino-
ma is the most common type
of breast cancer. The NBCF
reports between 70 and 80 per-
cent of all breast cancer diagno-
ses are instances of IDC. An IDC
diagnosis means cancer began
growing in the milk ducts but
has spread into other parts of
breast tissue. This is why IDC
is characterized as “invasive.”
Though IDC can affect people,
including men, of any age, the
ACS notes that the majority of
cases are women 55 and older.
n Inflammatory breast
cancer is described by NBCF
as an “aggressive and fast grow-
ing breast cancer.” Many breast
cancers begin with the forma-
tion of a lump, but Breastcan-
cer.org reports that IBC usu-
ally begins with reddening
and swelling of the breast, and
symptoms can worsen con-
siderably within days or even
hours. That underscores the
importance of seeking prompt
treatment.
n Metastatic breast cancer
may be referred to as stage IV
breast cancer. When a woman
is diagnosed with metastatic
breast cancer, that means the
cancer has spread, or metas-
tasized, into other parts of the
body. Symptoms vary depend-
ing on where the cancer has
Women are urged to report any abnormalities in their breasts to a physician immediately.
Signs and symptoms
When women are well
acquainted with how
their breasts look and feel,
they’re in better position
to recognize any abnor-
malities, which may or may
not be indicative of breast
cancer. The ACS reports
that the following are some
potential warning signs of
breast cancer.
n A new lump or mass:
The ACS indicates that
this is the most common
symptom of breast cancer.
A lump or mass that is can-
cerous is often painless, but
hard and has irregular edg-
es. However, lumps caused
by breast cancer also can
be soft, round and tender.
Some even cause pain.
spread. If the cancer has spread
to the lungs, women may ex-
perience a chronic cough or be
unable to get a full breath.
–––
A more extensive breakdown of
types of breast cancer is at
https://www.breastcancer.org/
symptoms/types.
THE DAILY NEWS
n Swelling: Some women
experience swelling of all or
part of a breast even if they
don’t detect a lump.
n Dimpling: The skin
on the breast may dimple.
When this occurs, the skin
on the breast sometimes
mimics the look of an or-
ange peel.
n Pain: Pain on the breast
or nipple could indicate
breast cancer.
n Retraction: Some wom-
en with breast cancer expe-
rience retraction, which oc-
curs when the nipple turns
inward.
n Skin abnormalities:
Breast cancer may cause the
skin on the breast to redden,
dry out, flake, or thicken.
n Swollen lymph nodes:
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METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Some women with breast
cancer experience swelling
of the lymph nodes under
the arm or near the collar-
bone.
The presence of any of
these symptoms merits a
trip to the doctor. Women
with these symptoms
should not immediately as-
sume they have breast can-
cer, as the ACS notes that
various symptoms of breast
cancer also are indicative of
non-cancerous conditions
that affect the breasts. Only
a physician can diagnose
breast cancer, which un-
derscores the importance
of reporting symptoms to a
doctor immediately.
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diagnosed with breast cancer
each year, but women should
know that survival rates have
improved dramatically in recent
decades. One of the reasons
for the improved survival rates
is the efficacy of various treat-
ments. The National Breast
Cancer Foundation Inc. notes
that doctors have various
options to treat breast cancer,
and they often devise treat-
ment plans that include some
combination of treatments.
The following are three treat-
ment options physicians may
discuss with women as they
begin devising ways to over-
come the disease.
various cancers, including
breast cancer. Chemotherapy
employs various drugs to
destroy cancer cells or slow
their growth. The drugs admin-
istered during chemotherapy
are known as cytotoxic drugs
and may be administered
orally or intravenously. The
NBCF notes that chemotherapy
is offered to most patients,
though doctors will consider
a host of variables before
deciding if chemotherapy is
right for a given patient. Those
variables include the type of
tumor, its grade and its size.
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Radiation therapy
During radiation treatments,
high energy rays are used to
kill cancer cells. Only cells
in the part of the body that
is being treated with radia-
tion are affected, so patients
needn’t worry that other parts
of their body will be hit with
radiation. The NBCF reports
that patients diagnosed with
Stage 0 (DCIS) and most diag-
nosed with Stage 1 invasive
cancer or higher can expect
doctors to prescribe radiation
therapy. Women who have had
a lumpectomy also are likely to
be prescribed radiation.
Targeted therapy
The NBCF reports that targeted
therapy is commonly used
in combination with tradi-
tional chemotherapy. Targeted
therapy attacks specific breast
cancer cells without harming
normal cells, which is why it
tends to produce less severe
side effects than chemothera-
py. Targeted therapy employs
drugs to block the growth of
cancer cells in specific ways.
Though the side effects of
targeted therapies tend to be
less severe, women may still
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 THE DAILY NEWS Thursday, September 29, 2022 A7

October is
Breast
Cancer
Awareness
Month!

Factors that Ladies in Pink provides bright spot for patients

could affect
treatment
Metro Creative
Treatment for breast cancer
is often successful.
Data from the American
Society of Clinical Oncology
indicates that the five-year sur-
vival rate for women diagnosed
with non-metastatic invasive
breast cancer is 90%, while the
average 10-year survival rate is
84%. Those figures reflect ad-
vancements in treatment and
the effectiveness of campaigns
designed to encourage women
to receive routine breast cancer
screenings as part of their pre-
ventive health care regimens.
Once doctors have diagnosed
breast cancer, they will consider
a host of factors to determine a
course of treatment.
n Stage: The National Breast
Cancer Foundation Inc. notes
that treatment options depend
on the stage of the disease at the
time of diagnosis. Stage is ex-
pressed in a numerical value be-
tween 0 and IV, with 0 being the
least severe form of the disease
and IV being the most advanced
(i.e., metastatic).
n Tumor size and location:
The Cleveland Clinic notes that
the size and location of the tu-
mor also affects how doctors
BOOBIE PARTY: Oct. 8 event raises funds shared with those facing challenges from cancer diagnosis
By MARGRET LEE
mlee@livingstonnews.com
Sully & the Ladies in Pink
annual Boobie Party returns
for another year.
The Boobie Party is a fun-
draiser that has been around
since 2012 and has raised
more than $400,000 for people
from Allegany, Livingston,
Ontario, Steuben, and Wyo-
ming counties.
The fundraiser is scheduled
from noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 8 at
the Genesee River Restaurant
and Reception Center, 134
North Main St., Mount Mor-
ris. Tickets are not needed for
admission to the event.
The event will include a bra
contest, various raffles, food,
and music for all to enjoy. The
raffles will end at 4 p.m.
Sully & the Ladies in Pink
is a local grassroots organiza-
tion that helps area cancer pa-
tients. Money raised from its
fundraisers is used to provide
financial assistance to indi-
viduals facing challenges due
to a cancer diagnosis. PROVIDED PHOTO
“I sometimes wish I had
this grand story of how I Numerous baskets with prizes are raffled during a previous “Boobie Party” organized by Sully and the Ladies in Pink. Cathy
Sullivan says that while the group puts the event together, “it’s really the community that makes it happen.” This year’s event is
started the group because it
sounds simple when I explain scheduled for Oct. 8 at the Genesee River and Reception Center in Mount Morris.
it. This has really morphed Sully & the Ladies in Pink
into something greater than

will approach treatment. In gen-
eral, the smaller the tumor, the
more easy it is to treat the dis-
ease. Where in the breast the tu-
mor is located also will affect the
treatment plan. Doctors often
employ a combination of treat-
ments such as chemotherapy,
I could have ever imagined,”
said Cathy Sullivan, founder
of the party.
“I am proud of our accom-
plishments and it feels good
when people reach out asking
‘
is a group of 13 women that When our group reads the thank you cards,
work with Sullivan to do these
fundraisers. it can be very emotional knowing that we
The effort has sent more
made a difference in someone’s life when they
than 800 checks to people in

ers or what other resources

radiation and surgery to treat
breast cancer, and such an ap-
proach may be more likely to be
employed if the tumor is large.
n Pathology tests: Pathol-
ogy is the science of causes and
effects of diseases. When treat-
ing patients for breast cancer,
the community.
“I think cancer has touched
for tips for their own fundrais- us all in one way or another,”
said Sullivan.
are going through their worst.
CATHY SULLIVAN ’
may be out there for people Sullivan said that through
because not only do they get these fundraisers she has
the devasting diagnosis but all realized that there are not as
the questions that come with many resources out there,
it,” said Sullivan. especially in rural communi-
Sullivan said that the first ties for people. The Boobie Real Estate Services
two years profits were do- Party and the Golfing Fore Ta Ask me about the 100% Money Back Guarantee!
nated to the Susan G. Komen Ta’s event are the groups two AR
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foundation for breast cancer DEBORAH GILLEN

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doctors order pathology tests

NA
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main fundraisers that Sully PROVIDED PHOTO

TEE
100

so they can better understand research and then when the Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
AN
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& the Ladies in Pink do in the Rob Strom won first place
R

ON A
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570 East Main Street • Batavia, NY 14020

how the disease is affecting their
patients’ bodies. For example,
the Cleveland Clinic notes that
pathology tests such as hor-
mone receptor tests and human
epidermal growth factor recep-
tor (HER2/neu) can indicate if
hormones or growth factors are
helping the cancer grow. The re-
sults of these and other pathol-
ogy tests can then help doctors
determine an effective course of
treatment.
n Personal characteristics:
Doctors will consider women’s
age, general health and family
history when mapping a course
of treatment. In addition, doc-
tors discuss menopause with
women when determining a
course of treatment. Breastcan-
cer.org notes that some breast
cancer treatments can bring on
menopause more abruptly than
it would happen otherwise, so
doctors will consider women’s
history with menopause when
determining treatment.
Ladies in Pink became a 501c
(3) organization of its own,
it began providing funds for
people with any cancer diag-
nosis to use as they wish.
“It’s kind of unbelievable. each year.
I thought it was going to be a
one-time party and what it’s
turned into is incredible,” said
Sullivan.
Sullivan said that many
times they receive thank you
cards from people who have
received the checks. One such
note that stuck with her
was a man who received
his check on the same day
he was looking for a hospi-
tal bed on Craigslist so he
could come home from the
hospital.
The check was the same
amount as the hospital bed
was.
“It may not sound big to
other people but we truly
know then, that we made a
difference,” said Sullivan.
community. Sullivan said that in the bra contest, one of
the organization’s members
enjoy seeing the turnout the
events receive and the new
people that discover them
“In many of the thank you
cards we receive, people state a difference in someone’s
that it was a total surprise re-
ceiving, and that the money
was nice, but knowing others
are thinking of them means
even more to them,” said
Sullivan. “When our group
Cell: 585.749.8951
the activities at the annual Office: 585.343.6750 ext. 2133
“Boobie Party.” deborahgillen@howardhanna.com
HowardHanna.com
reads the thank you cards,
it can be very emotional for
us knowing that we made
life when they are go-
ing through their worst.
Whether we may know the
person or not, we have be- Managed by VJ Gautieri Constructors
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Breast lumps may

also be non-cancerous
Various organizations urge women
to familiarize themselves with
their breasts and conduct some-
what routine self-exams so they
can uncover any lumps or other
issues that may warrant further
examination by a physician.
Though self-exams can lead to dis-
covery of breast cancer when the
disease is most treatable, the
World Health Organization notes
that as many as 90 percent of
breast masses are not cancer-
ous. Non-cancerous abnormalities
may be benign masses such as
fibroadenoma and cysts or indica-
tive of infection. 77 Years in Business “IT’S WHAT WE DO”
It’s also important that women rec-
ognize that breast cancer is not
Trusted. Reliable.
always accompanied by a lump. Professional.
The Mayo Clinic reports that
many women with breast cancer Richard Wendt, President Where You’re Our Neighbor,
never experience any signs or
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A8 Thursday, September 29, 2022
Support groups, resources help patients stay the course
By KORI SCIANDRA
ksciandra@batavianews.com
A strong support network
can help breast cancer patients
navigate treatments and the
uncertainty that can arise after
a cancer diagnosis.
Many women undergoing
treatment for breast cancer
lean on friends and family for
everything from emotional
support to help with house-
hold tasks and much more. But
sometimes a little support from
women going through the same
ups and downs can be just what
patients need to stay the course
and overcome their disease.
The American Cancer Soci-
ety notes the five-year survival
rate for localized breast cancers
is 99 percent, while the rate for
breast cancer that has spread
outside the breast to nearby
structures or lymph nodes is 86
percent.
Rising survival rates for
breast cancer mean millions of
women across the globe have
already survived the disease,
and many such women play vi-
tal roles in support groups that
help women every day.
Support groups
and resources
n American Cancer So-
ciety at 1120 Goodman St.
South, Rochester focuses on
saving lives by helping people
stay well, get well, find cures,
and fight back. The society can
provide one-on-one support
with a cancer survivor. Support
groups in many areas also avail-
able. For more information, call
(585) 288-1950, toll free: 1 (800)
227-2345; fax: 473-6869 or visit
www.cancer.org.
n American Cancer Soci-
ety B. Thomas Golisano Hope
Lodge & Hospitality House,
1120 Goodman St. South, Roch-
ester. Hope Lodge provides
free, temporary lodging for pa-
tients and their caregiver when
they must travel a long distance
to receive specialized treat-
ment. Hope Lodges are located
across the country. For more in-
formation, call (585) 224-4900;
toll free: 1 (800) 227-2345 or visit
www.cancer.org/hopelodge.
n Breast Cancer Coalition
of Rochester offers emotional
and physical health support.
Supportive and educational
programs are available to breast
and gynecologic cancers survi-
vors. For information, call (585)
473-8177, or go to https://bccr.
org/.
n Cancer Services Program
of the Finger Lakes Region,
which serves Livingston, Mon-
roe, Ontario, Seneca, Yates and
Wayne counties, can assist with
RRH Healthy Living program promotes cancer screenings
By BRIAN QUINN
bquinn@batavianews.com
BATAVIA — It’s not your fam-
ily, it’s how old you are.
That’s one of the messages
Laurie Ferrando hopes reso-
nates with community members
as United Memorial Medical
Center’s Cancer Services Pro-
gram seeks to dispel myths and
encourage cancer screenings.
Ferrando is manager of the
Rochester Regional Health-
United Memorial Medical Cen-
ter Healthy Living Department.
Staff is out in the community,
talking about the need to get
breast cancer screenings done.
“We have our radiology de-
partment (which) provides
screening for mammograms.
That’s before a diagnosis,” she
said. “That’s something that our
Cancer Services Program really
tries to educate people on – the
importance of getting that done.
We are out in the community a
lot with different agencies, busi-
nesses, churches, providing that
education.”
One thing the program does,
Ferrando said, is talk about the
risks for individuals.
Support groups play a vital role in helping women navigate a breast cancer diagnosis. There are many groups and resources available
in the four-county GLOW region of Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
cancer screenings. For informa-
tion, call (877) 803-8070.
n Cancer Services Program
for Genesee, Orleans, Wyo-
ming and Niagara Counties
partner with healthcare provid-
ers in all counties. This allows
cancer screenings to be done
close to home. Services include,
but are not limited to clinical
breast exam, mammogram,
pap test and HPV test. Unin-
sured women ages 40 or older
are eligible for breast screen-
ings. Younger women are eli-
gible if there is a family history/
or palpable finding. For more
information, call (716) 278-4898
or visit wyomingco.net.
n Cancer Support Group
at United Memorial Medical
Center’s Healthy Living pro-
gram. Monthly cancer support
group providing positive sup-
port in a friendly, informal en-
vironment for residents of Gen-
esee, Orleans and Wyoming
counties. For information, call
(585) 344-5495.
n Caregiver Support Group
meets at Noyes Memorial Hos-
pital in Dansville. The group is
open to all adult family mem-
bers and friends of the cancer
patient. For information, con-
tact Jenna Osterling at (585)
703-7219 for dates and times.
n Dansville Women’s Can-
cer Support Group meets
at McFadden’s Coffee Shop
in Dansville. Open to cancer
patients and survivors. For
Vianiliz “Vee” Rivera and Halee Potter areoutreach navigators
for Rochester Regional Health United Memorial Medical Center’s
Healthy Living Department.
“One of the things we often
try to do is dispel myths. A lot of
people will talk about family his-
tory. Really the greatest risk fac-
tor is age. A lot of people don’t
know that and we try to share
that information,” she said. “It
is important to continue to do
screening. The recommenda-
tion is between age 50-74, ev-
ery two years. If they have a
THE DAILY NEWS
meeting dates and times, con-
tact Nancy Miller at (585) 506-
7013.
n EYS (Embrace Your Sis-
ters) offers support and hope
to people struggling with Breast
Cancer through financial assis-
tance, education and informa-
tional resources. Its expanded
service area includes Livingston
County. For information, call
(585) 624-9690, or go to www.
embraceyoursisters.org/.
n Genesee Cancer Assis-
tance is a non-profit organi-
zation that provides financial
aid and other support services
to cancer patients living in
Genesee County. For informa-
tion, call (585) 345-0417, or go
to www.geneseecancerassis-
tance.org/.
n Gilda’s Club of Roches-
ter offers support for those
with cancer and their families,
groups for children. For infor-
mation, call (585)243-9700.
n Sully and the Ladies in
Pink helps area cancer patients
with financial assistance. For
information, call (585) 476-2674
or go to https://sullyandthela-
diesinpink.com/.
GLOW-area healthcare
facilities
n The Ann and Carl Mey-
ers Cancer Center at Noyes
Memorial Hospital, 111 Clara
Barton St., Dansville, features a
4,500-square-foot, lower-level
MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS
family history, than it’s impor-
tant to talk to their health care
provider. They would determine
with their health care provider
if they heed to have that mam-
mogram sooner. The only other
reason they would go in sooner if
they were having any changes or
symptoms. There can be swell-
ing, irritation. Some people have
a discharge that comes from the
radiation oncology clinic and a
ground-floor 2,300-square-foot
medical oncology clinic, featur-
ing three exam rooms and five
chemotherapy/infusion bays.
The two clinics provide care for
adults with many types of can-
cers. The ACR-accredited ra-
diation oncology clinic is part of
Noyes Memorial Hospital, and
the medical oncology clinic is
part of Strong Memorial Hos-
pital. For information, go to
https://tinyurl.com/4cyewy3n
or call (585) 335-6001.
n Elizabeth Wende Breast
Care has been serving the great-
er Rochester since 1975 with
breast imaging technology and
patient care. As the first dedi-
cated breast clinic in the United
States, EWBC is a committed
leader in the field of breast im-
aging and breast cancer diag-
nosis. The facility has offices
in Batavia at 203 Summit St.,
and in Geneseo at 116 Court St.
For information, go to https://
www.ewbc.com/, or call (585)
442-2190 in Batavia or (585)
442-2190 in Geneseo.
n Medina Memorial Hospi-
tal, 200 Ohio St., Medina, offers
3D mammography as part of its
radiology and imaging services.
Medina Memorial Hospital is
part of Orleans Community
Health. For information, call
(585) 798-8054 or go to https://
orleanscommunityhealth.org/ .
n Oak Orchard Health has
multiple locations throughout
nipple of the breast.”
The Cancer Services Program
may also assist people living in
Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming and
Niagara with screenings if they
have no insurance, she said.
“If someone goes in and they
find something while they’re do-
ing a screening and they need
further testing or a biopsy ... for
those who are eligible, we can
cover the cost of diagnostics and
treatment. We actually do an ap-
plication and get them covered,”
Ferrando said. “One of the other
things I think is extremely help-
ful is, we have a mobile mam-
mography unit where it will park
at different providers’ offices and
offer mammography to people
who are living in that region. The
mobile unit goes out, parks, typi-
cally, in a provider parking lot.
Some people don’t have trans-
portation to get an appointment
or they may like the convenience
of having it right down the road.
If they’re coming from Wyoming
County, anywhere they go could
typically be a drive.
“There are two mobile mam-
mogram units. One comes
from Windsong (Mobile
METRO CREATIVE CONNETION
the region to provide families
with different types of care.
Primary care services include
women’s health, physicals and
referrals to specialty services.
The Brockport-based provide
has 11 centers, including in Al-
bion, Alexander, Batavia, Lyn-
donville, Medina, Pembroke
and Warsaw. For information,
go to https://oakorchardhealth.
org/ or call (585) 637-3905.
n United Memorial Medical
Center hosts Lipson Cancert
Institute, 127 North St., Bata-
via, offers radiation therapy,
medical oncology, hematology,
and infusion services as well as
cancer risk assessments and
genetic testing on the UMMC
campus. For information, call
(585) 344-5252 or go to https://
www.rochesterregional.org/
services/cancer.
n Wilmot Cancer Institute
provides outpatient radiation
oncology and medical oncol-
ogy. The Wilmot Center is a
component of Strong Memo-
rial Hospital. Wilmot Cancer
Institute Batavia provides out-
patient radiation oncology and
medical oncology, hematology
and infusion services for adults
with many types of cancers or
hematologic disorders. Wilmot
maintains two facilities in Bata-
via: Batavia - Medical Oncol-
ogy and Hematology, 7995 Call
Parkway, and Batavia - Radia-
tion Oncology, 262 Bank St. For
more information, call (585)
Mammography). The other is
from Rochester Regional Health.
The one from Windsong handles
the Western New York region, so
they’re in the GOWN counties.
The one from Rochester handles
the Finger Lakes region,” Fer-
rando said.
“We’re hoping we raise more
awareness about the program
and people who don’t have in-
surance can get the screening.
They can get the screening and
Cancer Services Program will
pay for it,” she said.
Debbie Weis, who works for
the Cancer Services Program,
said screening is available for
October is
Breast
Cancer
Awareness
Month!
275-5830 or visit www.urmc.
rochester.edu/wilmot/Batavia.
n Wyoming County Com-
munity Hospital, 400 North
Main St., Warsaw, offers a range
of diagnostic radiology proce-
dures, including digital mam-
mography. For more informa-
tion, call (585) 786-2233 or go to
wcchs.net.
Additional resources
n Adelphi New York State-
wide Breast Cancer Hotline
and Support Program is avail-
able by calling (800) 877- 8077
or online at breast-cancer.adel-
phi.edu.
n Boaters Against Cancer at
Bald Eagle Marina, 1033 Lake-
land Beach Road, Kendall. Pro-
vides support to boaters and
their families who are battling
cancer. For more information,
call (585) 594-2434 or email
rroberts1@rochester.rr.com.
n Cancer Services Program,
call for a free cancer screening
or to be connected to other CSP
services. Call (866) 442-CAN-
CER (2262).
n CancerCare is a national
organization dedicated to pro-
viding free, professional sup-
port services to anyone affected
by cancer. For information on
support groups, go to www.
cancercare.org.
n Health.ny.gov offers in-
sight on legislation pertaining
to breast cancer screenings and
diagnostic imaging. This legis-
lation ensures that women who
have health insurance policies
covered by the law do not have
to pay out-of-pocket costs for
these services. For more infor-
mation about breast cancer
screening and treatment rights,
visit the Department of Finan-
cial Services at www.health.
ny.gov.
n Susan G. Komen of-
fers a patient navigator or so-
cial worker to help guide you
through the best course of ac-
tion. For more information,
visit www.komen.org or call the
helpline at 1(877) GO KOMEN.
The Susan G. Komen founda-
tion can assist you in locating
other support groups, including
The Male Breast Cancer Coali-
tion at www.malebreastcancer-
coalition.org/ and After Breast
Cancer Diagnosis at www.
abcdbreastcancersupport.org/
get-support/.
n The National Breast Can-
cer Foundation offers free
educational guides, a national
mammography program, pa-
tient navigator program, and
more. For questions or to learn
more about early detection,
visit nationalbreastcancer.org.
women ages 40 and up and men
ages 45 and up. The program
gets a grant from the state De-
partment of Health that provides
free screenings for individuals
who do not have health insur-
ance, for breast cancer, colorec-
tal cancer and cervical cancer,
and diagnostics. The grant also
allows the program to do com-
munity education.
“That’s a passion of mine
now,” said Weis, “to make sure
that people get their screenings.”
To reach the Cancer Services
Program, call (716) 278-4898
or to reach Healthy Living at
UMMC, call (585) 344-5331.

Physical activity
can help in
fight against
breast cancer
Metro Creative Connection
Breast cancer is a complex
disease that affects millions
of women across the globe
each year. Though the Amer-
ican Cancer Society reports
that only about 4 percent
of women diagnosed with
breast cancer in the Unit-
ed States are under age 40,
women of all ages can take
steps to protect themselves
against this deadly disease.
Exercise benefits women
in myriad ways, and that in-
cludes lowering their risk
for breast cancer. The ACS
notes that researchers are
increasingly linking exercise
to a reduced risk for breast
cancer. Though the reasons
behind that link remain un-
clear, some theorize that the
positive effects of exercise
on body weight, inflamma-
tion, hormones, and energy
balance could be why regular
physical activity helps wom-
en reduce their risk for breast
cancer.
BODY WEIGHT
AND BREAST CANCER
The National Cancer Insti-
tute reports that being obese
after menopause can signifi-
cantly increase a woman’s
risk for breast cancer.
In addition, the ACS at-
tributes the rise in hormone
receptor-positive breast
cancers to an increased
prevalence of excessive body
weight. Routine exercise is a
highly effective way to lose
weight and keep weight off,
which in turn could lower
women’s risk for breast can-
cer.
BEING SEDENTARY
AND BREAST CANCER
Exercise is a not a seden-
tary activity, and that could
be another reason why wom-
en who are physically active
have a lower risk for breast
cancer.
The ACS notes that more
than one study has linked sit-
ting time to a higher risk of
various diseases, including
breast cancer. Researchers
with the ACS analyzed data
from 77,462 women, who
they followed for an average
of 15.8 years. None of the par-
ticipants had cancer when
the study started, but re-
searchers found that women
who sat for six or more hours
per day during their free time
had a 10 percent greater risk
for invasive breast cancer
than women who sat for less
than three hours per day dur-
ing free time.
DOES PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REALLY
REDUCE BREAST CANCER RISK?
The human body is com-
plex, and a host of factors,
including those such as age
that women have no control
over, can affect cancer risk.
However, engaging in rou-
tine physical activity seems
to be an effective way for
women to reduce their risk
for breast cancer. The Breast
Cancer Research Foundation
estimates that one-third of
all breast cancer cases could
be prevented with positive
lifestyle choices that help
women maintain a healthy
weight, including exercise.
Routine physical activity
can be a significant weapon
in women’s arsenal as they
continue their efforts to pre-
vent and overcome breast
cancer.
Breast cancer survivor Debbie Weis, who works for the Healthy Living Cancer Services Program at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, was diagnosed and
treated in 2014. Weis said she has had no problems with cancer for the last eight years.
‘You do what it takes to survive’
BATAVIA: Jill Pickard, Debbie Weis, who both beat breast cancer, share experiences
By BRIAN QUINN
bquinn@batavianews.com
B
ATAVIA — Jill Pickard and
Debbie Weis had different
breast cancer diagnosis and
treatment experiences, but
both are cancer survivors who are
willing to share their stories as they
continue to help others.
Pickard, a registered nurse at
United Memorial Medical Center
said her breast cancer was discov-
ered in October 2018.
“The important thing about my
diagnosis is, it was discovered by
routine mammography. That’s an
important message in this journey,”
she said. “If anyone’s had cancer
and knows anything about this, they
know that that’s not usually how you
discover breast cancer. You can dis-
cover breast cancer on mammogra-
phy, but mine was discovered very
early. Had I not done routine mam-
mography, it would have gone un-
noticed for who knows how long?”
Treatment started in January 2019
and was ongoing throughout the
year at Lipsom Cancer Institute at,
she said.
“I had a couple of surgeries and
radiation treatment,” Pickard said.
“Even though my surgery was in
Rochester, it was still all a part of the
umbrella for Lipson.”
Debbie Weis, who works for the
Healthy Living Cancer Services Pro-
gram, said mammography is the
best way to find breast cancer early,
when it’s easier to treat. She and
Pickard said if cancer isn’t discov-
ered until a lump forms, “You have a
battle on your hands.”
Once you get over the shock and
the denial following a breast cancer
diagnosis, Pickard said, you may not
ever reach acceptance,
“However, you have to figure out
how you’re going to fight this. So,
when you become a survivor, you
do what it takes to survive,” she said.
“You get an appreciation for life
when you discover that this can be
behind you.”
Weis works for the Cancer Servic-
es Program, which has a state grant
to assist people in getting mammog-
raphies and treatment.
Weis herself was diagnosed in Jan-
uary 2014, when she was 49. She had
a mammogram done and a lump was
found in March of that year. She had
bilateral mastectomy surgery.
When Weis was diagnosed,
UMMC was at the beginning of the
process of getting the Lipsom Can-
cer Institute.
THE DAILY NEWS
Jill Pickard, a registered nurse at United Memorial Medical Center, Batavia,
was diagnosed with breast cancer about four years ago during a routine
mammography. “Had I not done routine mammography, it would have gone
unnoticed for who knows how long,” she said.
“I went to somebody in Rochester
for my surgeon and I ended up com-
ing here (to UMMC) because it (Lip-
som) was just beginning for chemo,
then I had radiation here in town,
which is U of R (University of Roch-
ester) right now, because we didn’t
have radiation at that time. I wasn’t
under a cancer treatment center that
did everything,” she said. “I did sur-
gery in Rochester and my treatment
was in Batavia.”
Weis said she has had no problems
with cancer for the last eight years.
“Praise God. I rely on my faith.
Life is terminal. It’s terminal for
everybody. I try and live in the mo-
ment and not look too far ahead,”
she said. “I try and enjoy every day,
MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS
because every day is a gift from God
and that’s kind of become my motto
since I’ve had cancer.”
What advice would they, as breast
cancer survivors, give to cancer pa-
tients?
“Take a deep breath, No. 1. No. 2,
find someone to be your ears in the
room,” Pickard said. “That means,
because you’re shocked, you’re an-
gry, you’re fearful, you don’t think
clearly. You need an extra set of ears
in the room when you go to your
medical appointments. No. 3 is get
a plan for treatment that you trust.
The last thing I would say is, always
— always — ask questions. You have
to be your own advocate. There are
no silly or stupid questions — only
Thursday, September 29, 2022 B5
October is
Breast
Cancer
Awareness
Month!
BRIAN QUINN/DAILY NEWS
the ones you did not ask.”
Weis said she would tell people to
just take things one day at a time.
“I believe that God is a sustainer of
life. He has a plan for each one of us
and a story, and that’s what I lean on
daily,” she said.
Pickard said because she’s a nurse,
people will ask her questions about
cancer, among other concerns.
“Even if they don’t know I’m a sur-
vivor, they may ask because I’m a
nurse,” she said. “Then, I share that
I’m a survivor, because we always
want to leave people with hope.
Then we talk about it.”
Through the Cancer Services Pro-
gram she works for, Weis said, she
and others go out and do commu-
nity education.
“When we go out to educate, I
usually always tell folks that I’m a
cancer survivor and that’s why I’m
out here,” she said. “That’s why I’m
making sure that you’re up to date
and getting your screenings and ed-
ucated. Education is power.”
Weis also oversees the Healthy
Living Cancer Support Group, a
group for people with any type of
cancer. It meets monthly to provide
positive support in a friendly, infor-
mal environment.
“It’s a really good place for people
to talk,” she said.
PINK HATTERS
Rochester Regional Health-
United Memorial Medical Center
Healthy Living Department Manag-
er Laurie Ferrando said a Pink Hat-
ters event is coming up in October.
“The focus is celebrating survivors
in the community,” she said. “We
have a provider (Dr. Greg Connolly)
who speaks,” she said.
Pickard will also speak about her
journey.
The event is scheduled for4 p.m.
Oct. 27 at Batavia Downs Gaming &
Hotel. Dinner will be at 6 p.m. and
a program will begin at 7 p.m. There
is a basket raffle, entertainment, and
a keynote speaker, plus a “best hat”
award.
Tickets, which cost $30 and in-
clude a $10 free play in the casino,
are available at Healthy Living, 164
Washington Ave., or by calling (585)
344-5331.
Pickard said it’s a chance to pro-
vide community education.
“It honors cancer survivors, not
just breast cancer survivors,” she
said.
B6 Thursday, September 29, 2022
Family history leads to breast cancer diagnosis
By KORI SCIANDRA
ksciandra@batavianews.com
Christine Grevin of North
Java is the seventh woman on
her mother’s side of the fam-
ily to have been diagnosed
with breast cancer.
Christine’s cancer was
discovered by her very thor-
ough midwife who had her go
through genetic testing about
10 years ago, due to her family
history.
“She was having me come
every six months for breast
exams and after I turned
35, she had me have my first
mammogram to establish a
baseline due to my family his-
tory. Six months after that she
was doing my exam and felt I
needed to go to Windsong for
a possible lump. I had a mam-
mogram and an ultrasound
there, which was inconclu-
sive, so they went to the next
step and had a biopsy done,”
said Christine. “They discov-
ered cancerous cells. After
an MRI and meeting with my
breast surgeon, Dr. Peyser,
my diagnosis was Stage 0,
non-invasive ductal cancer
covering at least half of my
breast.”
There was no lump, but
Christine is grateful for the
biopsy.
Christine, now 37, was di-
agnosed with breast cancer
one year after her mother,
Mary Potter, of Java Center,
was diagnosed with breast
cancer.
“I was scared but deter-
mined to beat this. I had just
watched my mother the past
year beat cancer and thought,
‘If she can do this, so can I!’ ”
Christine finished her last
treatment in April. She is now
in remission.
“I would suggest ques-
tioning doctors and under-
standing that getting second
opinions is okay. I was very
comfortable with both of my
surgeons and had no issues.
My original treatment plan
Can breast cancer
be prevented?
Metro Creative Connection
Breast cancer occurs when
there is rapid growth of mu-
tated (cancerous) cells in the
tissues of the breasts, and po-
tentially in the surrounding
skin and lymph nodes.
Various factors contribute
to the development of cancer,
including genetics, gender,
environmental exposure to
certain materials, and lifestyle
choices like diet and exercise.
While there are steps wom-
en can take to lower their risk
of developing breast cancer,
there is no way to completely
prevent the disease.
Even preventative surgical
removal of the breasts, known
as prophylactic mastectomy,
cannot eliminate every breast
cell, leaving open the possibil-
ity that breast cancer can de-
velop.
The Siteman Cancer Cen-
ter reminds people that these
strategies can help to lower
breast cancer risk as much as
possible:
n Limit alcohol consump-
tion, or do not drink at all.
n Maintain a healthy
weight.
n Eat plenty of fruits and
vegetables.
n Breastfeed, if possible.
n Don’t smoke, as smoking
is related to the formation of
15 different cancers.
n Engage in regular exer-
cise, aiming for at least 30
minutes per day.
n Avoid hormone contra-
ceptive products, particularly
‘
We became
shoulders for
’
each other.
CHRISTINE GREVIN
On going through breast cancer
treatment at the same time
as a friend
was removal of the cancer
with a mastectomy due to
the amount of ductal cancer.
However, after the surgery
and when we got the pathol-
ogy results, they found two
spots of Stage 1 cancer hiding
in the Stage 0 – ductal can-
cer. The breast surgeon told
me there was a chance of this
from the start,” said Chris-
tine.
Those two tiny spots of
Stage 1 cancer were Her2 pos-
itive. Her2 is a protein found
in cancerous cells that tells
them to rapidly multiply and
divide.
“This added to my treat-
ment plan and I now required
chemotherapy. This is where
I used my second opinion to
determine if chemo was abso-
lutely necessary and what the
plan was for chemotherapy,”
said Christine. “My original
oncologist prescribed a very
aggressive treatment plan
and that is when my husband
and I asked for a second opin-
ion.”
Christine and her hus-
band, Zach Grevin, met with
a specialist at Roswell who
provided newer research that
backed her course of treat-
ment with a milder, but still
aggressive chemo plan.
With a strong support sys-
tem, Christine leaned on
her mother who “had some
similarities in her story but
yet her case and treatment
were so different” as well as
a friend who was diagnosed
after the age of 35, and weigh
the pros and cons of hormon-
al menopause treatment.
n Schedule and undergo
regular mammograms.
n Speak with a doctor
about your family history of
breast cancer and take added
precautions if there is a sig-
nificant family history and/or
genetic factors that make you
more vulnerable.
Breast cancer is prolific.
Although the disease is not
entirely preventable, there
are many ways for women to
reduce their risk of developing
it.
SPECIALIZING IN WOMEN’S HEALTH CARE
Offering Progressive
Health Care Across a
Woman’s Life Span
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
Krysten Schmidt FNP
108 Bank Street, Batavia
343-6600 • fax 343-6601 • ladiesfirst@verizon.net
Hours: Mon. 8-4, Tues. & Thurs. 7-3, Wed. Closed, Fri. 7-Noon
THE DAILY NEWS
with Stage 2 breast cancer a
few months after Christine re-
ceived her diagnosis.
“We became shoulders for
each other. We became very
close – checking in on each
other every few days and were
able to truly understand what
the other was going through
at the same time,” said Chris-
tine.
Her family, friends and col-
leagues helped Christine dur-
ing a time of uncertainty. She
recommends anyone who
receives a cancer diagnosis or
has to go through treatment
should accept any and all
help they’re offered.
“From comforting words,
support, surprise gifts in the
email, meals for my family,
help with childcare, to just
hearing someone give posi-
tive thoughts my way,” said
Christine in reference to how
she got through her treat-
ments.
She often remembers the
phrase, “A strong woman
looks a challenge dead in
the eye and gives it a wink,”
which was a statement said
to Christine’s by a co-worker
while she was going through
treatment.
Understanding risk
BreastCancer.org indi-
cates that women with close
relatives who have had breast
cancer, such as sisters, moth-
ers or grandmothers, are at
considerably higher risk of
developing breast cancer
themselves. Also, breast can-
cer may occur at a younger
age in women with family his-
tories of the disease.
Understanding breast can-
cer risk is vital for women’s
health.
The following breakdown,
courtesy of the Centers for
Disease Control and Preven-
tion, can help women from
all backgrounds understand
their risk for breast cancer.
n Average risk: No first- or
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October is
Breast
Cancer
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second-degree relatives with
breast or ovarian cancer, or
one second-degree female
relative with breast cancer (in
one breast only) diagnosed
after age 50.
n Moderate risk: This is
a somewhat higher risk that
may not turn into breast can-
cer. It occurs when there is
one or two first-degree or two
second-degree female rela-
tives with breast cancer (in
one breast only), with both
relatives diagnosed after age
50; otherwise, one or two
first- or second-degree rela-
tives with high grade prostate
cancer.
n Strong: Women with
strong risks have much higher
chances of developing breast
cancer than the general popu-
lation. Conditions like having
one or more first- or second-
degree relatives with breast
cancer diagnosed at age 45
or younger, triple negative
breast cancer, primary can-
cer of both breasts, and both
breast and ovarian cancer in
the same relative are warning
signs of increased risk.
It’s important for women
with increased risk for breast PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTINE GREVIN
cancer due to family history
Christine Grevin, right, is pictured with her husband, Zach,
to discuss options with their
left, and their 5-year-old son, Callan, front left, and 3-year-old
doctors. More frequent mam-
daughter, Enzlee, right.
mograms and other screening
tests may be recommended,
and screening at younger ag-
es than the standard age also
may be considered.
Women who are at high
risk may be urged to undergo Real Estate Services
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women with family histories Fax: 585.343.8502
of the disease. By familiar- michelledills@howardhanna.com
izing themselves with their HowardHanna.com
risks for breast cancer, wom-
en can take the necessary
steps to protect their long- John W. Vogel, Attorney
term health. jwvogel@jwvogellaw.com
Includes reporting from Metro Fax 585-335-7337
Creative Connection.
Phone (585) 335-2238
125 Main Street
Dansvillle, New York 14437
Vogel Law Office, P.C.
638 East Main Street
Batavia, NY 14020
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What is a prophylactic mastectomy?
Metro Creative Connection
Breast cancer is the most
common cancer diagnosed in
American women, and is the
leading cause of cancer death
in less developed countries,
says the Breast Cancer Re-
search Foundation. Accord-
ing to Susan G. Komen, more
than 680,000 breast cancer
deaths occurred worldwide in
2020.
Breast cancer affects the
anatomy of the breasts and
can often spread to the lymph
nodes. While breast can-
cer can affect just about any
woman (as well as men), cer-
tain women are at higher risk
for developing breast cancer
than others. Such women in-
clude those with a family his-
tory of breast cancer and/or
the presence of genetic mark-
ers called BRCA1 or BRCA2
gene mutations, according to
the Bedford Breast Institute.
Those women have a lifetime
risk of up to 87 percent for get-
ting breast cancer and 53 per-
cent for developing ovarian
cancer.
Other risk factors include
the presence of dense breast
tissue, exposure to radia-
tion at an early age and hav-
ing already had cancer in one
breast.
WHAT IS A
PROPHYLACTIC MASTECTOMY?
In instances when breast
cancer risk is particularly
high, women may opt to un-
dergo prophylactic mastec-
tomy, also called preventative
mastectomy. This is the sur-
gical removal of one or both
breasts with the intent to dra-
matically reduce the risk of
developing breast cancer.
RATE OF RISK REDUCTION
The Mayo Clinic says pro-
phylactic mastectomy re-
duces the risk of develop-
ing breast cancer by 90 to 95
percent among women with
BRCA gene mutations. It is
Side effects may arise
during treatment
Metro Creative Connection
Navigating cancer treatment
is a challenge.Medical profes-
sionals often advise cancer pa-
tients to lean on their support
systems during treatment, and
heeding that advice can make
it easier to manage the ups and
downs that can arise when being
treated for cancer.
Individuals diagnosed with
breast cancer can also study
what to expect during treatment.
No two women are the same, so
they may respond differently to
similar treatment plans. Johns
Hopkins Medicine notes that
women may experience:
n Fatigue
n Headaches
n Pain and numbness asso-
ciated with breast cancer treat-
ment is potentially linked to
peripheral neuropathy, an um-
brella term that the National In-
stitute of Neurological Disorders
and Stroke says refers to the ma-
ny conditions that involve dam-
age to the peripheral nervous
system. The NINDS notes that
this connection is due to certain
chemotherapy drugs and not all
patients will develop the pain
and numbness.
n Dental issues that can arise
are mucositis (severe inflamma-
tion of the mouth), an increased
risk for oral infections, difficulty
swallowing, and pain that feels
like a significant toothache.
n Lymphedema is swelling in
an arm or leg that the Mayo Clin-
ic notes can be caused by cancer
treatments that remove or dam-
age the lymph nodes.
n Musculoskeletal symptoms:
Issues such as myalgia and mus-
cle stiffness have been reported
in a high percentage of patients
who underwent aromatase in-
hibitor therapy for breast cancer.
n Bone loss and osteoporosis
In instances when breast cancer risk is particularly high, women may opt to undergo prophylactic
mastectomy, also called preventative mastectomy.
While breast cancer can affect just about any woman
(as well as men), certain women are at higher risk of
developing breast cancer than others.
roughly the same risk reduc-
tion for women who already
have had breast cancer or
have a strong family history
of the disease and then have a
breast removed.
Studies indicate that pre-
ventative mastectomy of the
unaffected breast (called con-
tralateral prophylactic mas-
tectomy) in cases when breast
cancer occurred in the other
breast, when no genetic mu-
tations or hereditary risk fac-
tors are present, has little to
no effect on overall survival
rate. This is a surgery only for
those with very high risk.
WHY ISN’T RISK
REDUCED COMPLETELY?
Not all breast tissue can be
removed during a prophylac-
tic mastectomy. That is be-
cause breast tissue can some-
times be found in the chest,
n Heart problems: Breast-
cancer.org indicates that vari-
ous types of treatment, includ-
ing chemotherapy and targeted
therapies, have been found to af-
fect the heart, blood vessels and
immune system, potentially in-
creasing the risk for heart attack,
stroke and heart failure.
n Cataracts
n Blood clots
n Absence of menstrual peri-
ods and enopausal symptoms
n Sexual difficulties: WebMD
notes that a lack of sex drive, vag-
inal dryness and pain during in-
tercourse are some of the sexual
difficulties that can arise during
breast cancer treatment.
n Infertility
n Concerns about memory
loss and cognitive function,
sometimes called “chemo
brain.”
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THE DAILY NEWS
armpit, skin, above the collar-
bone, or on the upper part of
the abdominal wall, states the
Mayo Clinic.
It is impossible to remove
all breast tissue cells during
surgery.
Although risk reduction is
significant after mastectomy,
that risk cannot be eliminated
entirely.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH
PROPHYLACTIC MASTECTOMY
There are some risks asso-
ciated with prophylactic mas-
tectomy, both during the pro-
cedure and afterwards.
BreastCancer.org says
bleeding or infection, fluid
collecting under the scar, de-
layed wound healing, scar
tissue formation, loss of sen-
sation in the chest, and com-
plications while being put un-
der anesthesia are all possible.
OCTOBER
OCTOBER is
is BREAST
BREAST CANCER
CANCER
AWARENESS
AWARENESS MONTH
MONTH
To
To Jill
Jill and
and Meghan,
Meghan, And
And
All
All The
The Brave
Brave Women!
Women!
Keep
Keep Fighting!
Fighting!
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METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Women are urged to care-
fully consider the pros and
cons before opting for the sur-
gery.
ALTERNATIVES
Prophylactic mastectomy is
only one option for women at
high risk for developing breast
cancer.
Some alternatives include:
n Ultrasounds, physical ex-
ams, and mammograms ev-
ery three to six months for the
rest of the patient’s life.
n Medication that can re-
duce risk of developing breast
cancer.
n MRIs in addition to mam-
mograms.
n Surgery to remove the
ovaries, which can decrease
both the risk of breast and
ovarian cancers. It may re-
duce breast cancer risk by up
to 50 percent if performed be-
fore age 50.
Breast cancer risk is higher
in some individuals, which
may prompt discussions
about prophylactic mastecto-
mies.
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Symptoms that may arise
after cancer treatment
The road to recovery from cancer
can be long. Though millions
of cancer survivors across the
globe have recovered and gone
on to live happy, full lives, many
of those survivors face myriad
challenges along the way,
including symptoms that can
linger or even first appear long
after treatment has ended.
According to Memorial Sloan Ket-
ting Cancer Center, a majority
of cancer survivors indicate it
takes six to 12 months after
completing chemotherapy
before they feel like them-
selves again. During that six- to
12-month period, and poten-
tially even beyond that, cancer
survivors may experience an
assortment of symptoms.
Fatigue: Fatigue is one of the
most common side effects
patients feel during cancer
treatment, but it doesn’t always
go away once treatment ends.
The Dana-Farber Cancer Insti-
tute notes that fatigue is one of
the most common complaints
survivors have during the first
year after treatment. Doctors
and researchers have yet to
figure out why fatigue can linger
after treatment ends, though
the DFCI recommends various
strategies to help survivors
combat post-treatment fatigue.
One such strategy includes
planning days in advance so
survivors can be active at the
times of day when they gener-
ally feel most alert and ener-
getic. In addition, short naps
between activities and a regular
sleep schedule may help com-
bat fatigue.
Pain: Pain is another symptom
that often arises both during
and after cancer treatment.
Many cancer survivors have
reported feeling skin sensitivity,
pain or numbness in the hands
Advanced Podiatry Associates
Dr. Joseph Canzoneri
2 STATE STREET, BATAVIA
585-343-8150
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October is
Breast
Cancer
Awareness
Month!
and feet and pain in a missing
limb or breast after treatment
ends. Doctors may prescribe
medications, physical therapy,
acupuncture, and or even sur-
gery to help cancer survivors
overcome post-treatment pain.
Swelling: The DFCI notes that
some cancer survivors experi-
ence lymphedema, a type of
swelling caused by the buildup
of lymph fluid. Lymphedema
typically affects the arms or
legs, and may affect the body
right after surgery or months or
years after treatment. Lymph-
edema can cause significant
pain. Doctors may recommend
various strategies to combat
lymphedema, including eating
a high-protein, low-salt diet.
Some cancer survivors develop
lymphedema after an insect
bite, so doctors may advise
patients to be especially vigilant
in regard to protecting arms and
legs from insect bites, cuts and
sunburn.
Dental issues: The DFCI indi-
cates that dental issues often
affect people who have been
treated for cancer. Radiation to
the head and neck can cause
issues with teeth and gums, the
lining of the mouth, the glands
that make saliva, and jaw-
bones. Dry mouth, cavities and
jaw stiffness are conditions that
can arise from treatment-related
dental issues. Consultations
with a dentist can help can-
cer survivors overcome these
issues, though the DFCI warns
that some may never go away.
Cancer survivors may experi-
ence various symptoms shortly
or long after treatment ends.
Survivors can work with their
physicians to overcome these
symptoms as they continue on
their road to recovery.
Charter Partner
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Cell: (585) 314-7982
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The
Breast
Cancer
Research
FoundationTM
B8 Thursday, September 29, 2022
Report highlights
‘remarkable
advances’ in
cancer treatment
By Joseph Ostapiuk
Staten Island Advance, N.Y.
(TNS) — Cancer death rates
in the United States have been
steadily falling in recent de-
cades, and the number of peo-
ple surviving after a diagnosis
has been on a consistent rise,
according to a new report.
The findings, released by the
American Association for Can-
cer Research, highlight signifi-
cant advances made in cancer
treatment and diagnosis that
have fundamentally changed
the landscape of the disease in
recent years.
Paramount to those steps
forward, according to the re-
port, has been targeted fed-
eral investments in medical re-
search that has accelerated the
ability to change outcomes for
patients.
“We have evidenced unprec-
edented progress against can-
cer in the last decade,” read the
report. “Remarkable advances
across the spectrum of medical
research, enabled by decades
of federal investments, have led
to profound improvements in
cancer prevention, detection,
diagnosis, and treatment.”
More than 18 million cancer
survivors — those who are alive
after a cancer diagnosis — live
in the U.S. as of January 2022,
setting an all-time record. That
total soars above the three mil-
lion who lived in the country
in 1971, underscoring the im-
proved ability to manage the
disease.
Researchers predict that
number will only improve,
jumping to 24 million by 2040.
New therapeutics approved
by regulatory agencies and
improved treatment effective-
ness against the most com-
mon forms of cancer, includ-
ing lung, breast, colorectal and
prostate, have helped increase
the five-year survival rate for all
cancers from just under 50%
in the 1970s to nearly 70% be-
tween 2011 and 2017, the re-
port said.
Shifts in smoking rates have
also played a role in the de-
creases, the AACR said, along-
side the approval of new drugs
to combat the disease. The
result: More than 3.5 million
deaths have been avoided since
1991.
“Basic research discoveries
have driven the remarkable ad-
vances that we’ve seen in can-
cer medicine in recent years,”
said AACR President Dr. Lisa M.
Coussens, in a release.
“Targeted therapies, im-
munotherapy, and other new
therapeutic approaches be-
ing applied clinically all stem
from fundamental discoveries
in basic science. Investment in
cancer science, as well as sup-
port for science education at all
levels, is absolutely essential to
drive the next wave of discov-
eries and accelerate progress,”
said Coussens.
Still, the presence of cancer
in the U.S. is undeniable. The
research still expects around
600,000 people to die from can-
cer in 2022 alone.
By 2040, there is expected
to be nearly 2.3 million new
cancer diagnoses, a byproduct
of an aging population in the
country. However, the AACR
report noted about 40% of can-
cer cases are attributed to pre-
ventable causes, highlighting
the potential for drastic shifts in
disease incidence.
Disruptions caused by the
COVID-19 pandemic, though,
have left experts concerned
over missed diagnoses that
could stymie progress made
in recent years. An array of im-
pacts caused by the pandemic
— ranging from worsened
physical health to decreases
in cancer screenings — may
prove to blunt the positive
strides made in the field.
THE DAILY NEWS
October is
Breast
Cancer
Awareness
Month!
Exploring the link
between diet and
breast cancer
Metro Creative Connection
Cancer is an insidious dis-
ease that affects just about ev-
ery part of the body, including
the breasts. The World Cancer
Research Fund International
indicates there were more than
2.26 million new cases of breast
cancer in women in 2020.
Women understandably
want to learn what they can do
to reduce their risk of develop-
ing breast cancer. One of the
first considerations may be an-
alyzing diet and determining if
it is affecting breast cancer risk.
A variety of factors affect a
woman’s risk for developing
breast cancer, and certain life-
style choices, including diet,
can play a role. However, ac-
cording to Healthline, the risk
factors with the biggest impact
include sex, age and genetics.
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Lifestyle can influence breast
The road to recovery for cancer patients typically does not end when treatments are completed. cancer risk but not at the same
levels as genetic markers, family
history, gender, or age. Howev-
The road to recovery continues er, women interested in doing
all they can to stay healthy may
want to take a closer look at the
foods and beverages that can
after cancer treatment ends
Metro Creative Connection points out that many cancer survivors has returned or spread to other parts
adversely affect breast cancer
risk.
HEALTHY DIET
Healthy food choices are
recognize that life after treatment is less of the body. In addition, follow-up vis-
The American Cancer Society reports linked to lower incidences of
about “getting back to normal” than it is its provide an opportunity for cancer
that the five-year survival rate for all cancer and other conditions.
about discovering the new normal. The survivors to bring up any symptoms or
cancers combined that were diagnosed Susan G. Komen states that
between 2009 and 2015 was 67 percent. Memorial Sloan Ketting Cancer Cen- questions they might have. eating plenty of fruits and veg-
That’s a noteworthy and encouraging ter reports that most people indicate Patients can ask about ways to re- etables may be linked to a lower
statistic, though global figures com- it takes between 6 and 12 months after duce their risk of cancer recurrence and risk of developing breast can-
piled by Ourworldindata.org indicate they complete chemotherapy before seek advice on getting back to normal, cer. A pooled analysis of data
they truly feel like themselves again. including how quickly they can begin from 20 studies found women
that five-year survival rates follow-
Follow-up care also is a vital part of exercising and how to approach new who ate the most vegetables
ing diagnosis are significantly lower in had a lower risk of estrogen re-
recovering from cancer. The NCI notes fitness regimens if they were inactive
poorer countries. ceptor-negative breast cancer
that cancer survivors typically return to prior to diagnosis.
In addition, the road to recovery for the doctor every three to four months The road to recovery from cancer (but not estrogen receptor-pos-
cancer patients typically does not end
during the first two to three years after may be filled with uncertainty. But itive breast cancer) compared
when treatments are completed. treatment. After that, survivors may see cancer survivors should recognize that to women who ate the least veg-
The National Cancer Institute notes their doctors once or twice a year. millions before them have survived the etables, according to a 2013 re-
that many cancer survivors have indi- Follow-up care is vital for cancer sur- disease and gone on to live full, happy port published in the Journal of
cated that information and support was vivors, as it provides their doctors an lives. the National Cancer Institute.
abundant during their treatment. opportunity to determine if patients A patient approach to recovery can And it doesn’t really matter if
However, once treatment stopped, a are experiencing any side effects from help cancer survivors overcome any produce is organic or not. Ac-
new wave of questions and uncertainty treatment. These appointments also al- obstacles they may encounter along the cording to the American Cancer
soon emerged. For example, the NCI low doctors to determine if the cancer way. Society, the benefits of eating
fresh fruits and vegetables out-
weigh any health risks linked to
pesticide residue.
THE COMPLEX RELATIONSHIP
Understanding cancer recurrence BETWEEN FAT, SUGAR AND CANCER
Though a single food will not
lead to higher breast cancer
Metro Creative Connection survive treatment.
risk, overeating and putting on
Individuals diagnosed with There’s no surefire way to excess weight can increase risk.
prevent a recurrence. Eating
cancer face several hurdles in That is why it is essential to get
better, avoiding cancer risk
their quest to overcome their plenty of exercise each week
factors, exercising, and lim-
disease. and monitor calorie consump-
The first is dealing with iting stress are good for the tion. While women who are in
the shock of the diagnosis. body, but these behaviors do their reproductive years may
The second is coping with not prevent recurrence. Ac- not see as much breast cancer
treatment, which can wreak cording to the American Can- risk from being overweight or
havoc on the body for several cer Society, there is no guar- obese, after menopause, that
months. antee cancer will never come risk increases, says Susan G.
Making it through treat- back. Komen. The risk is not directly
ment successfully can provide CANCERS WITH HIGH related to fatty foods, however.
a sigh of relief. But there’s of- The American Cancer Soci-
ten looming concerns about
RECURRENCE RATES
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION ety says an examination of the
recurrence. Making it through treatment successfully can provide a sigh of Cancer Therapy Advisor amount of fat eaten by women
says some cancers are particu-
WHAT IS RECURRENCE? relief. But there’s often looming concerns about recurrence. in the United States found no
larly challenging to treat and link between fat and breast can-
The American Cancer Soci- have high rates of recurrence.
cer risk.
ety says recurrence describes Glioblastoma, the most
cancers coming back after Breast cancer survivors at higher common type of brain cancer,
In addition, while consum-
ing too much sugar may not be
recurs in nearly all patients.
treatment.
The odds of cancer recur- risk for getting other cancers Epithelial ovarian cancer
healthy in the long run, it’s a
myth that “sugar feeds cancer.”
recurrence also is high at 85
ring depend on several factors, Eating sugar may lead to weight
including which type of cancer Though most breast cancer In addition to a second percent.
survivors don’t get cancer breast cancer, breast gain, which may increase the
a person has had. About 30 to 50 percent of risk of breast cancer, says the
again, the American Can- cancer survivors have a
Furthermore, there are patients with bladder cancer ACS.
cer Society notes that they greater risk of develop-
different categories of recur- are at higher risk for get- ing salivary gland cancer, who have undergone cystec-
ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
rence. According to Mas- ting some types of cancer. cancer of the esophagus, tomy will experience a recur-
One component of diet that
siveBio, a central hub that stomach cancer, colon rence.
According to the ACS, the has been studied extensively is
connects cancer patients to cancer, uterine cancer, Those with breast cancer
most common second
treatments and clinical trials
and ovarian cancer. who have had a lumpectomy the effects of alcoholic beverag-
cancer in breast cancer
survivors is another breast The risk for thyroid cancer, and radiation therapy have a es on breast cancer risk. Susan
available, the types of cancer
cancer. That only under- sarcoma, melanoma of the 3 to 15 percent risk of local re- G. Komen reports that a pooled
recurrence patients may en-
scores the importance of skin, and acute myeloid currence within 10 years, ac- analysis of data from 53 studies
counter include: local, region- continuing to get screened leukemia also is greater cording to Susan G. Komen. found women who had two to
al and distant. even after successful treat- after successful treatment Other types of cancer with three alcoholic drinks per day
Local recurrence is when ment. for cancer.
elevated recurrence rates in- had a 20% higher risk of breast
the cancer is back in the same clude lung cancer, pancreatic cancer compared to those who
spot. Regional recurrence
would be called metastatic co- cancer cells survived and were cancer, lymphoma, and pros- didn’t drink alcohol. Alcohol
happens when cancer recurs lon cancer. too small to detect on any fol- tate cancer. should be limited to one drink
in the lymph nodes near the
low-up tests. Over time, these Cancer recurrence remains per day for the average woman;
original tumor location. Dis- WHY DOES RECURRENCE OCCUR? cells grew into tumors that are a possibility even after suc- none at all, if possible.
tant recurrence refers to can- The National Cancer In-
now detectable. cessful treatment. Diet is only one factor in the
cer that has spread to a differ- stitute says recurrent cancer Rest assured that a recur- Physicians will schedule risk for developing breast can-
ent location in the body and begins with cancer cells that rence is not a sign that treat- regular appointments follow- cer. While important, there
is labeled “metastatic.” For the first treatment didn’t fully ment was faulty or that the on- ing treatment to look for any are other components that in-
example, colon cancer that remove or destroy. In such cologist did anything wrong. signs of recurrence so they can crease risk by a more significant
is later detected in the lungs instances, a small number of Some cancer cells simply catch them as early as possible. margin.