| October 1, 2009 | Peter Phelps Senior Manager Marketing Services (269) 966-8131 |
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Breast Cancer Awareness Op-Ed
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| Dr. Wendy French |
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| Dr. Sue Tobin |
October is designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a celebration that began more than 20 years ago. Its purpose is to not only bring awareness about the disease which robs so many women of their health and, in too many cases, their lives, but also to recognize the progress being made toward a cure.
Cancer in the breast is the most common cancer occurring in women (excluding skin cancer), accounting for about one third of diagnoses. The American Cancer Society estimates that by year's end, more than 180,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and almost 40,000 may die from the disease.
The key to surviving breast cancer is early detection and treatment. Early detection helps reduce the need for therapeutic treatment and minimizes pain and suffering, allowing women to continue leading happy, productive lives.
The medical community recommends annual mammography for women after age 40. Mammograms for older women (over age 65) should be based on the individual, her health, and other serious illnesses. Age alone should not be the reason to stop having regular mammograms. As long as a woman is in good health and would be a candidate for treatment, she should continue to be screened with mammograms.
What happens though if you are diagnosed with cancer? Cancer is frightening; but armed with information, options, and the support of highly skilled and exceptionally caring professionals, that fear can be dispelled. Battle Creek Health System has professionals on our team to make the treatment of breast cancer as comfortable as possible. The team includes surgeons, nurses, oncologists, nutritionists, social workers, chaplains, and support group leaders.
The initial treatment of early stage breast cancer is usually surgery. Many women choose lumpectomy, which removes the cancerous breast tissue while leaving most of the breast intact. Studies show that lumpectomy with radiation therapy, offers survival equivalent to mastectomy alone.
After surgery, women have the option of using intravenous chemotherapy and/or oral hormonal therapy. The medical oncologists, using computer-aided software, can enter pertinent information about each patient's condition, and project the benefit of one treatment alternative versus another. This projection extends out to 10 years, including both the likelihood of recurrence of the cancer during that time and expected survival.
Chemotherapy drugs are very effective and generally well tolerated. One dose is administered every two to three weeks for a total of four to eight doses, depending upon the nature of the cancer. Hormonal therapy often follows chemotherapy with about two-thirds of women benefiting from oral hormonal drugs, which inhibit the body's ability to make or use estrogen.
The suppression of estrogen is important because some breast cancers 'feed' on estrogen, which is produced normally by a woman's body. Hormonal therapy is given daily for at least five years to reduce the chance of the cancer recurring. The most common complaint among women taking hormonal drugs is recurring hot flashes that can cause sweating and anxiety. There are medications to reduce these hot flashes.
When breast cancer is metastatic it has spread to organs such as the brain, bone, liver, or lungs. At this stage, the cancer is not curable, but it is treatable.
If the cancer metastasizes (spreads to the organs), hormone treatment, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are used to suppress the disease. The focus shifts to symptom control. We have the ability to choose from different medications and means of administering them to give a person's life as much quality as well as quantity possible.
Breast cancer is certainly not a diagnosis anyone wants to hear. But if it is made, please know that our commitment at BCHS is to respect the wholeness of that person's life. We deliver more than medical treatment based on science and research. We offer friendship, compassion, and encouragement. We share special moments and generous hugs. Health care after all, is about care.