HOPE FIGHT CURE - BREAST CANCER AWARENESS 2018 - SURVIVORS' STORIES TREATMENT ADVANCES SCREENING AND PREVENTION SUPPORT NETWORKS - TownNews.com
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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS 2018
HOPE FIGHT CURE
SURVIVORS’ STORIES • TREATMENT ADVANCES • SCREENING AND PREVENTION • SUPPORT NETWORKS
Thursday, October 11, 2018
S2
The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
Breast cancer is the Every 13 minutes
most common a woman dies of
cancer for women breast cancer in
in the USA the USA
Exercise Have an annual
regularly mammogram
2.9 million female If breast cancer is found
survivors live in early and confined to the
the USA. breast, survival rate is 99%.
S3 The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018
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The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018
This Breast Cancer Initiative is brought to you by
and these local partners:
VNA, Hospice &
Private Care Resources
Mayor Michael P. Cahill
TO OUR READERS
S5 The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018
A journey of hope,
strength and courage
I
t’s been seven years since we began
our annual Breast Cancer Aware-
ness campaign to highlight the
Peabody Promotes realities of a complex disease that’s had
Breast Cancer Awareness a far-reaching impact on our North of
Boston communities.
Because What You Don’t Know And in that time, we’ve seen some
positive advances made — in detection,
Can Hurt You. in treatment and in lives saved.
The statistics are encouraging.
The American Cancer Society says
1 in 8 women will face breast cancer. breast cancer death rates among
Early detection and breast cancer screening saves lives. women declined by 39 percent from
1989 to 2015. That progress is attributed
Find out about it. Don’t wait. to improvements in early detection and
treatment protocols.
Over the last 25 years or so, 322,000
lives have been saved from breast can-
cer. Currently, the five-year net survival
Mayor Ted Bettencourt rate in the U.S. is 85 percent.
Breast cancer incidence rates also
Sponsored by the Ted Bettencourt Committee
have been decreasing since 2000
after increasing for the previous two
decades.
caring for the patients in our cities and
Still, the disease continues to take
towns. We highlight breakthroughs in
its toll. Each year brings news of a fam-
genetic testing and offer places to turn
ily member, friend or co-worker being
for more information and support — not
diagnosed with breast cancer at all
Paul Tucker stages.
only for those fighting the disease, but
for their loved ones, too.
State Representative An estimated 266,120 new cases of
We are grateful for the dozens of com-
invasive breast cancer and 63,960 new
munity and business leaders who have
cases of noninvasive, or in situ, breast
once again stepped forward to support
District Attorney cancer are expected to be diagnosed in
our campaign with their sponsorship.
women in the U.S. this year, according
You’ll find them throughout these pages,
Jonathan Blodgett to Breastcancer.org.
and we hope you join us in thanking
We strongly believe many of those
them for making this effort possible
patients will successfully recover and
through their generosity.
go on to live full lives. Sadly, we know
Additional copies of this special
State Representative all too well that others, through no fault
report are available in the front lobby
of their own, will face more devastating
of The Salem News. Please stop by our
Jerry Parisella outcomes.
office at 32 Dunham Road in Beverly if
That tells us that more work needs
Beverly to be done — in research toward a cure
you’d like a few extra to pass along to
those you care about.
and in advances in treatment to guar-
KAREN ANDREAS
antee all women and men afflicted with
Publisher
breast cancer are afforded the chance
The Salem News and
to survive.
North of Boston Media Group
In this year’s special section, you
will find stories of survivors who share
SONYA VARTABEDIAN
Senator Joan B. Lovely their experiences and offer hope for
Second Essex District Managing editor, Features, Magazines
those facing their own diagnoses. We
and Special Projects
provide recommendations and advice
North of Boston Media Group
from the medical community who are
NOBMG.com
S6
The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018
Get your pink on!
SM
northshore-bank.com |
Member FDIC Member SIF Equal Housing Lender
North Shore Bank supports
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
S7 The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018
1 in 8 women develops
breast cancer in her lifetime.
SM
northshore-bank.com |
Member FDIC Member SIF Equal Housing Lender
North Shore Bank supports
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
S8 A Q&A with
The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018
FIGHT breast health
navigator
LIKE Debra Gentile
Debra Gentile, RTRM, CN-BI
North Shore Medical Center
Q: I turn 40 this year. Do I really need to begin getting mam-
mograms if I don’t have a family history of breast cancer?
A: Yes, beginning annual mammograms at the age of 40
is the single most effective method for detecting breast
cancer early. The exam also helps identify changes in the
breast that might go unnoticed by you or your doctor.
Advances in technology such as tomosynthesis, or 3D
mammography, also lead to better detection and greater
peace of mind.
A GIRL Q: In addition to getting an annual mammogram, what else
can I do to be more proactive about my breast health?
A: Monthly self-breast exams make it easier for you
to detect changes in size, shape or color. If you do rec-
ognize a change, call your doctor right away. It’s also
important to live a healthy lifestyle — to stay active and
Supporting those who are touched by
this disease, remembering those
who have been lost and rallying
for a cure.
Betsy Merry Dan Fox
508-641-6241 978-808-8064
224 Derby Street, Salem, MA • 978-740-0008 • merryfoxrealty.com
S9 The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018
maintain a healthy weight. assist patients through the offering evening and weekend
Being overweight or obese, testing and treatment process hours. Mammography ser-
especially after menopause, and answer any questions and vices are available at:
increases the risk of breast concerns. They act as a liaison NSMC Salem Hospital: 81
cancer. Making careful choices between the patient and her Highland Avenue, Salem
about alcohol consumption physician and even talk things NSMC Outpatient Services: 1
can also decrease breast can- through with family members. Hutchinson Drive, Danvers
cer risk. Studies have shown Having someone to talk to Massachusetts General/North
that women who have three is very reassuring for many Shore Center for Outpatient Care:
drinks per week have a 15 per- patients. 102-104 Endicott St., Danvers
cent higher risk of developing NSMC Union Hospital: 500
breast cancer than those who Q: My sister recently had a mam- Lynnfield St., Lynn
do not drink alcohol. mogram and completed a risk Lynn Community Health Center:
assessment questionnaire. What 269 Union St., Lynn
Q: I recently had a mammo- is this?
gram and an abnormality was A: During a patient’s annual Q: If additional testing reveals
detected. Should I be worried? mammogram, North Shore cancer, where do I go for
A: Most abnormalities are Medical Center offers a risk treatment?
noncancerous breast condi- assessment questionnaire that A: In the event that you do
tions such as cysts. With fur- helps identify women who receive a cancer diagnosis,
ther examination, including may be at an increased risk the Mass General/North
one or more specialized tests of developing breast or other Shore Breast Health Center
and procedures, physicians cancers based on personal offers care on the North
can take a more detailed look and family history informa- Shore, provided by profes-
at the breast and determine tion. If a patient is identified sionals from both North
whether cancer is present as having increased lifetime Shore Medical Center and
or a mass is benign — or not risk of breast cancer, she will Massachusetts General Hos-
cancerous. A biopsy of breast be directed toward additional pital. Services include:
tissue may sometimes be testing and counseling as nec- Breast MRI
recommended in order to test essary. This assessment also Breast cancer diagnostics
areas of concern for breast adds valuable information to Breast surgery
cancer cells. Often, breast the patient’s health record. Cancer care
biopsy results are benign. Patient support services
Q: I’m a busy working mom. How Debra Gentile, RTRM,
Q: My friend is going through can I fit a mammogram into my CN-BI, is a breast health navi-
treatment for breast cancer and schedule? gator at North Shore Medical
was assigned a breast health A: North Shore Medical Center. To learn more about Courtesy photo
navigator? What role does she Center offers mammography the breast health program at Breast health navigators like Debra Gentile at North Shore Medical Center act as a
play? in four locations throughout NSMC, visit nsmc.partners. liaison between a patient and a physician and provide guidance through the testing
A: Breast health navigators the North Shore, with many org/breast_health. and treatment process.
Mammograms: Screening out the myths
Mammograms have long been an impor- still have regular mammograms. Special Myth: Mammograms are the only imaging
tant tool in women’s fight against breast positioning and additional images may be tools.
cancer. But for as long as mammograms needed, but the procedure is possible. Fact: Breast MRI, breast ultrasound
have been recommended, myths have pre- and newer 3D breast mammography are
vailed concerning the procedure and its Myth: Mammograms are ineffective. alternative imaging methods that can
benefits and risks. Learning to distinguish Fact: According to British Columbia Can- help obtain different views of breast tis-
between mammogram myths and facts cer Screening, mammograms are the gold sue, particularly for women with dense
can help women recognize the importance standard for detecting breast cancer early. breasts.
of these effective screenings. Mammograms may detect breast cancer
two to three years before a woman or a Myth: I can’t get a mammogram without a
Myth: I’m too young for a mammogram. Mammograms are considered an effective health care provider can feel lumps. prescription.
Fact: A yearly mammogram is recom- tool to help women detect breast cancer — Fact: In many cases, women do not need
mended for women age 40 and older to sometimes two to three years before a lump Myth: Mammograms are foolproof. to obtain a doctor’s order or a prescrip-
help detect breast cancer early. This may can even be felt. Fact: Mammogram screenings are not tion to get a screening mammogram.
lead to less aggressive treatment and a perfect and are just one tool in helping to Individuals can self-refer for an annual
higher rate of survival. history. Early stage breast cancers may not detect cancer. Age or breast density can appointment.
exhibit symptoms. Women whose breast influence the appearance of breast tissue Mammograms can detect breast cancer
Myth: I don’t need an annual mammogram cancer is caught in its earliest stages have on mammograms. It’s important to note early, dramatically improving women’s
because I have no symptoms or family a five-year survival rate of 99 percent. that the inherent qualities of the cancer chances of beating the disease. Having a
history. and how it responds to treatment can better understanding of mammograms
Fact: The American College of Radiology Myth: I have breast implants, so I can’t get affect outcome — even if the breast cancer can help women calm any concerns
recommends annual screening mammo- screened. is detected earlier, according to Johns they may have regarding these valuable
grams regardless of symptoms or family Fact: Women with breast implants can Hopkins Medicine. screenings.
S10
The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018
Knowing breast anatomy is important for health
The breast cancer advocacy and Fat cells: The female breast is bottle nipple. Rather, there are
research group Susan G. Komen largely fat cells called adipose tis- many lactiferous duct outlets in
indicates that, according to the sue. This tissue extends from the each nipple that correspond to the
most recent data available, 1.7 collarbone down to the underarm ducts in each breast.
million new cases of breast cancer and across to the middle of the Lymph system: Snaking through
occurred among women world- rib cage. The main purpose of the adipose tissue are lymph ves-
wide in 2012. adipose tissue is to store energy sels and nodes. The lymph system
Western Europe, North America in the form of fat and insulate the distributes disease-fighting cells
and northern Europe have the body. and fluids as part of the immune
highest breast cancer incidences Lobules: Each breast contains system, according to the National
in the world, according to the several sections that branch out Breast Cancer Foundation Inc.
International Agency for Research from the nipple. Lobule glands Bean-shaped lymph nodes in fixed
on Cancer and the World Health make milk and are often grouped areas through the system filter
Organization. together to form lobes. There may abnormal cells away from healthy
Women diagnosed with breast be between 15 and 20 lobes in each tissue.
cancer may want to begin their breast, according to the Cleveland Areola: The areola is pig-
treatment journeys by educating Clinic. Each lobe has roughly 20 to mented skin surrounding a nipple.
themselves on the anatomy of the 40 lobules. The areola contains tubercles
breast so they can better under- Ducts: Connecting the lobules called Montgomery’s glands,
stand their disease and how it are small tubes called ducts. The which secrete lubricating materi-
develops. ducts carry milk to the nipples als to make breastfeeding more
The structure of the breast of the breasts. There are around comfortable.
is complex and composed of 10 duct systems in each breast, Changes in any areas of the
fat, glandular tissue, connec- each with its own opening at the breast may be indicative of cancer.
tive tissue, lobes, lobules, ducts, nipple. That is why women are urged to
lymph nodes, blood vessels and Nipple: The nipple may be the understand their breasts’ “nor-
ligaments. most recognizable part of the transfer it to the nipples. Most M.D., some women have flat or mal” appearance and feel so they
The following is a breakdown breast. It is in the center of the nipples protrude outward, but inverted nipples. The nipples do can recognize any changes and
of the common components of the breast. The lobules will squeeze according to Health magazine’s not have a singular hole for the address them with a doctor right
breast: milk into the ducts, which then medical editor Roshini Rajapaksa, milk to come out like an artificial away.
VNA, Hospice &
Private Care Resources
All Care VNA & Hospice
Supports National Excelle
n
Breast Cancer Awareness in hom ce
e care
for over
781-598-7066 100 yea
rs!
www.allcare.orgS11 The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018
THE BUTCHERY
182 North Street 2 Morgan Avenue
DANVERS NEWBURY
978-777-3000 978-463-3001
Open 9AM-7PM Open 9AM-7PM
7 days a week The Difference is Delicious! 7 days a week
Supporting Breast Cancer
Awareness Month
T h i n k
P i n k
Directions to the Danvers Store: Directions to the Newbury Store:
Take Route 1 North Danvers Take Route One North to Rotary. Take 1st Exit onto Parker Street.
To Traffic Lights, Turn Right Proceed across 1A to Morgan Ave. (next to Town Hall)S12
The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018
BRYAN EATON/Staff photos
From left, Dina Crawford, Carol Gamble, Ilene Harnch-Grady and Arleen Damon, together with Rose Russo, not pictured, are the founders of North of Boston Cancer Resource, a comprehensive
digital resource guide to complementary health care services for cancer patients and their families.
A complementary assist
North of Boston Cancer Resource offers a place for patients, families to turn
BY JILL OESTREICHER challenges of the illness, It was conceived by five when the website launched. Newburyport’s Encore, a free, that changes their world,
GROSS and a new website portal is area women with a connec- “Complementary therapies 12-week program for people it makes the journey that
CONTRIBUTING WRITER helping to provide just that. tion to cancer. are incredibly important to with a cancer diagnosis. much easier. The big word
North of Boston Cancer The steering committee, go alongside conventional “This is a critical piece of here is support.”
People diagnosed with Resource offers a database all volunteers, first con- treatment,” said founding going through your treat- The comprehensive
cancer — and their loved of vetted services designed vened in August 2016, and member Ilene Harnch-Grady. ment and beyond,” she said. digital resource guide spans
ones — need special sup- to complement chemother- this past June, the first part Harnch-Grady is the direc- “If we can make life easier several cities, including
port to get through the apy, radiation and surgery. of their dream was realized tor of the YWCA of Greater for people with a diagnosis, Newburyport, Haverhill,S13 The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018
Danvers, Salem, Andover and Resource and the complementary
Lynn. Hundreds of complemen- care they are providing, both in A DATABASE
tary programs integrated with our clinic and in the community,
cancer treatment are listed, such has already shown measurable
OF SUPPORT
as wig fitting, oncology mas- benefits in patient care and North of Boston Cancer Resource is a
sage, gentle yoga and exercise continues to exceed our expecta- compilation of verified resources for
programs, and support and stress tions,” said Jonathan D. Eneman, patients with a cancer diagnosis and
reduction groups. M.D., medical director for Anna their families.
“When people can release ten- Jaques Cancer Center, affiliated 978-225-3452
sion and stress and relax, treat- with Beth Israel Deaconess Medi- info@nbcancerresource.org
ment goes better,” said Carol cal Center. “I cannot thank this nbcancerresource.org
Gamble, another founding mem- group enough for all of their dedi- facebook.com/nbcancerresource
ber of the resource network with cation and care.”
decades of health care experience. Gamble said oncology physi-
She is a certified yoga teacher cians understand the need for patients and their families on the
and volunteer at the Anna Jaques additional patient services and North Shore.
Cancer Center in Newburyport. support before, during and after While concrete figures on the
Arleen Damon, Rose Russo and The founding members of the resource network used input from cancer treatment. number of site visitors and clicks
Dina Crawford are also part of the survivors to get started. “Physicians want to know peo- on the website are not yet avail-
steering committee. ple are reliable,” Gamble said of able, the steering committee is
The group used input from pose and just beaming,” Gamble cancer survivor, at Roots to Wings the programs and services listed looking to the future and the
cancer survivors to structure the said, explaining how rewarding Yoga & Healing in Newbury. on the site, which she stresses is dream of one day possibly open-
guide and is continually adding to it was to see her student at peace Initial funding for the devel- still a work in progress. “They’re ing a physical wellness center
it. In order to be included on the while overcoming her diagnosis opment of the site and related entrusting us with these very spe- for people with cancer, using the
website, each resource completes with a complementary therapy. promotional materials came from cial people.” Dempsey Center in Lewiston,
an application that includes a Many programs on the site Anna Jaques Hospital, Lahey Harnch-Grady agrees. Maine, as inspiration.
personal statement, a listing of have a fee, but some programs Health, Swasey Foundation, and “Providers understand it’s not Fundraising and possibly
credentials and an interview — a are available for no charge or on Montbleau and Associates. The just chemotherapy, radiation or obtaining an official nonprofit sta-
process that authenticates the a sliding scale, such as Healing group attracts the attention of surgery,” she said. “It’s also about tus are next on the group’s to-do
listings for patients and medical With Hope, a yoga and meditation patients and potential resources the process before and after. list.
providers. support group run by Harvey Zar- that seek to be included through “The whole idea is to enhance “We’re looking to expand the
Gamble recalls a cancer sur- ren, M.D., at North Shore Medical area medical providers, cancer- the well-being of people who have network and the support for it,”
vivor at one of her recent yoga Center in Lynn, and a gentle yoga related events, Facebook and cancer,” she said, emphasizing the Gamble said. “This has to be
classes. class led by steering committee word-of-mouth. physical, emotional and spiritual sustained. It can’t just be a pretty
“She was standing in mountain member Damon, a two-time breast “North of Boston Cancer programs available for cancer website.”
IN EVERY COMPANY THERE ARE COMPELLING REASONS TO SUPPORT
Breast Cancer AWARENESS MONTH
At Moynihan Lumber our reasons include:
Vikki Rundlett, wife of Webb Rundlett, breast cancer victim - 2008
Sandra Moynihan, wife of Gerard Moynihan, breast cancer victim - 2005
Carol Karsadi, breast cancer survivor
Eileen McNeil , breast cancer survivor
Rita Mullin, breast cancer survivor
Barbara Surdam, breast cancer survivor
Beverly, MA • North Reading, MA • Plaistow, NH
moynihanlumber.comS14
The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018
A BOOST FOR #KARASTRONG
Beverly softball squad rallies for teammate with breast cancer
When you’re part of a team and one of Between donations collected at “Bras
your teammates is in need, there’s only Out for Breast Cancer” and the contribu-
one thing you do — you grab the ball and tions that followed, the effort raised $4,000
pitch in. for McGarigal, who underwent a mastec-
That’s exactly what members of tomy last month.
Kara McGarigal’s softball team did over As McGarigal recovers, her friends
the summer. have created the hashtag #karastrong
The Beverly Women’s Softball League and have been sending a cardboard
turned its final regular-season games cutout of McGarigal — whom they
on Thursday, Aug. 16, at Innocenti Park have named Kickass Kara — around on
into a “Bras Out for Breast Cancer” adventures to show their continued sup-
fundraiser to help McGarigal with her port for their teammate, as well as to
medical expenses. The single mother make her smile.
from Beverly was diagnosed with breast Another fundraiser — a “Cash for Kara”
cancer in June. benefit featuring R-rated hypnotist Frank
The players dressed in pink and added Santos Jr. — takes place Saturday, Oct. 13,
bras to their uniforms in honor of McGa- from 7 to 10 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal
rigal, who threw out the first pitch of her Church in Beverly. The event will also
team’s game. include raffles, music and light refresh-
McGarigal was touched by the show ments. Tickets are $20.
of support by the league and her team, For more information or to make
Kara McGarigal poses with her teammates and her daughter, Sophie, during the “Bras Out for which went on to win the league champi- a donation, call Trish Shatford at
Breast Cancer” fundraiser on Aug. 16. onship the following week. 978-578-2774.
NSMC is in the fight against breast cancer. With state-of-the-art
mammography services in Salem, Lynn, Rowley and Danvers, and in
collaboration with the Mass General/North Shore Breast Health Center
in Danvers, NSMC provides the highest caliber of breast cancer care in
a supportive, convenient and patient-focused environment.
For more information, please visit nsmc.partners.org/breast_health
or call 978-573-4444 to schedule an appointment.
All Mass General and North Shore Medical Center mammography facilities are licensed and accredited
by the ACR, FDA and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Radiation Control Program.S15 The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018
JARED CHARNEY/Courtesy photos Kara McGarigal kisses her daughter, Sophie, a senior at McGarigal poses with Kerri Boudreault as teams gather at the
Romayne Kwiatek makes a statement at first base. Beverly High School. fundraiser.
McGarical serves as coach at third base, occupied by Monique McGarigal checks out Spencer Deschenes’ T-shirt before the
Fiahlo. games kick off.
Signs hanging up around the field lend support, along with McGarigal admires Liz Hering’s personalized shirt before the McGarigal wipes away tears before throwing out the first pitch
team T-shirts stating, “Breast cancer just picked a fight with start of the action. of her team’s game.
the wrong chick.”S16
The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018
Standing Manchester-by-the-Sea
resident Susan Wadia-Ells is
the author of the forthcoming
book “Busting Breast
up to an
Cancer: with four simple steps
to keep breast cancer out
of your body: Our Personal
Revolution.”
epidemic
Cape Ann researcher’s
new book takes aim
at origins of cancer
HADLEY GREEN/Staff photo
BY GAIL MCCARTHY of research skills and
STAFF WRITER immersed herself in the
subject of breast cancer
When Susan Wadia- and what women can do to
Ells lost a friend to breast protect themselves from the
cancer, she took her years disease that now claims the
lives of 113 women in the to keep breast cancer out vitamin D-3 can provide pro-
United States each day. of your body: Our Personal tection against developing
Wadia-Ells, from Man- Revolution,” is the result breast cancer.
Proud supporter of the
chester-by-the-Sea, did of her decadelong project Ways to address whole-
her master’s degree work to uncover blacked-out, body inflammation, which
Proud Cancer
Breast SuPPorter
Awareness
of the in energy economics and
political development at
ignored and misrepresented
research that finally can
raises risk factors.
After many years of
explain to women why and
BreaSt CCampaign
anCer awareneSS Tufts University in Med-
ford, and her doctorate is how that first breast cancer
research, Wadia-Ells said
she had a breakthrough
in feminist psychology and cell is created, she said. moment when Boston Col-
CamPaign autobiographical writing. “We can no longer wait lege biologist Thomas Sey-
But she has now spent for the cancer industry to fried’s groundbreaking book
the past decade investigat- protect women’s lives,” “Cancer as a Metabolic Dis-
ing published research on Wadia-Ells said. “Breast ease: On the Origin, Man-
Mayor Mike Cahill what is known about why
one woman develops breast
cancer treatment is a thriv-
ing multibillion-dollar indus-
agement, and Prevention of
Cancer” was published in
Mayor Mike Cahill cancer, while another does try today. Women must take 2012.
CCity of Beverly
not. charge of our own bodies, Wadia-Ells said that Sey-
“Breast cancer has been prevent this disease and fried’s work pieced together
ity of Beverly a massive and growing shut down this industry.” long-ignored published
American epidemic for the She said her book will research from past decades
past three decades, but describe: that illustrates and proves
no one is calling it that,” Why and how obesity in how cancer is “best defined
she said. “Yet, more than women of all ages helps cre- as a mitochondrial meta-
250,000 women in the U.S. ate that first breast cancer bolic disease rather than as
will be diagnosed with cell. a genetic disease.”
breast cancer during 2018, Why and how all birth “Happily for me, his
according to the American control drugs, some IUDs work is the reason I was
Cancer Society — and the and menopausal drugs are able to finally finish my
actual numbers might even causing thousands of breast ‘how to’ book because he
be higher.” cancer diagnoses in women pieced together a biologi-
Wadia-Ells’ forthcoming who may use any of these cally sound theory on how
191 Cabot
191 CabotStreet,
Street,Beverly, MA 01915
Beverly, MA 01915~ ~978-921-6000
978-921-6000 book “Busting Breast Can- progestin-based drugs. that first breast cancer cell
cer: with four simple steps Why and how sufficient starts,” said Wadia-Ells, whoS17 The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018
contacted Seyfried to ask for his guid-
Breast cancer has been a
“
ance and oversight as she completed her
book.
“Most of the epidemiological studies massive and growing American
about breast cancer prevention ‘do’s and
don’ts’ that I had uncovered since 2008
epidemic for the past three
now fell into place, once I understood decades, but no one is calling
the metabolic theory.”
“The new metabolic theory of cancer
it that. Yet, more than 250,000
is all good news,” she said. “We finally women in the U.S. will be
understand why one woman develops diagnosed with breast cancer
A working cover is breast cancer, while another does not.”
shown for Susan Seyfried wrote the foreword to Wadia- during 2018, according to the
Wadia-Ells’ new Ells’ breast cancer prevention book, American Cancer Society
including the following: “I applaud
book, which is due
Dr. Wadia-Ells in boldly tackling the — and the actual numbers
out in December
might even be higher.
”
underlying causes of the breast cancer
from Girl Friday epidemic, and in providing practical
Productions. solutions to reduce the epidemic. All Susan Wadia-Ells
For more women, and anyone interested in pre-
information, visit venting cancer, will benefit from reading “By incorporating a ketogenic lifestyle,
bustingbreastcancer. this book.” at least a few weeks each month, you can
com. Wadia-Ells said her book seeks to turn your body’s operating system into a
empower women to take responsibility fat-burning machine, enabling a woman
Courtesy image for preventing breast cancer by focus- to block breast cancer cells from taking
ing on losing excess body fat, reducing root.”
chronic stress from bad relationships Additionally, she touts the benefits of
and careers, and increasing vitamin D-3 detoxification, which includes daily medi-
levels to at least 60 ng/ml. tation practice, dry skin brushing and
“Using a ketogenic lifestyle to lose all infrared saunas, among other methods.
of your excess body fat, and keeping very “It’s critically important to cleanse the
high levels of vitamin D-3 in your body, body of stress and chemicals that suf-
year-round, are two of the most impor- focate our breast cells’ power batteries,
tant steps a woman can take to keep thus creating those first cancer cells,”
breast cancer out of her body,” she said. she said.
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The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018 BEYOND
ANGELINA JOLIE
ASSESSING
BREAST
CANCER RISK
After seeing an uptick in
Lahey Health the years following Jolie’s
decision, Lahey Hospital
When Angelina Jolie & Medical Center has now
made the decision in 2013 to started to see a decline
have a bilateral prophylac- in breast cancer patients
tic mastectomy in order to opting for a prophylactic
reduce her risk of develop- mastectomy.
ing breast cancer, the Hol- According to Dr. Julie
lywood icon unknowingly O’Brien, medical director of
started a trend. the Comprehensive Breast
Dubbed the “Jolie Effect,” Health Center at Lahey
research has shown that Hospital, breast cancer
in the years following the patients used to reference
actress’s public decision to Jolie when making the deci-
have the procedure, mastec- sion to have a prophylactic
Determining risk factor is a key tool for women in planning their approach to breast cancer. tomy rates nearly doubled. mastectomy.
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Contact Steve Drohosky at 978-720-4066 or visit DunhamRidge.comMastectomy surgery:
S19 The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018
Jolie had a genetic mutation, BRCA1,
that drastically increased her chances
of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
In fact, because of that mutation, Jolie
had a 60 percent to 80 percent chance of
WHAT TO EXPECT
developing breast cancer over her lifetime,
compared to a less than 12 percent chance
for a woman with no family history and no
genetic mutation.
There are a number of reasons for the
decline in mastectomy rates, according to Mastectomy is a treatment for women last longer if reconstruction is performed
O’Brien. diagnosed with breast cancer or those who at the same time. Patients will be admit-
At Lahey, for example, patients debating are genetically predisposed to cancer. The ted to a hospital stay for a day or two and
the procedure are encouraged to consult removal of one or both breasts, mastec- moved to a recovery room, and will need to
with Dr. Cary Meyer, a behavioral psycholo- tomy surgery may involve removing just be driven home upon discharge.
gist to discuss additional options. There’s the breast tissue or, in some cases, the Expect to be bandaged and possibly have
also a focus on personalized care at Lahey lymph nodes, as well. a surgical drain at the wound site. The
that focuses on making the right decision Women on the precipice of mastectomy nonprofit resource Breastcancer.org says
for the patient. surgery will naturally have many ques- that the drain usually remains in place one
However, according to O’Brien, for breast tions concerning the procedure and pro- to two weeks after surgery. Fluid will have
cancer patients, a prophylactic mastectomy jected recovery. The process of recovering to be emptied from the detachable drain
does not improve their overall chance of is different for everyone, and not all mas- bulb a few times per day. Sutures that are
survival, and it comes with its share of tectomies are the same. dissolvable will not require removal.
risks. The following is a general idea of what Patients should follow the recovery
“It is important to note that Angelina patients can expect before and after mas- plans outlined by their doctors. Rest is
Jolie did not have breast cancer. She had tectomy surgery. most important during this time, so do
a genetic mutation in the BRCA1 gene, not overdo exercise or other activities,
which put her at a high risk for the future Before surgery although some movements to relieve
development of breast cancer,” O’Brien A mastectomy is performed under shoulder stiffness may be advised.
said. “Having the procedure can increase general anesthesia, advises the non- Pain, numbness, itching and myriad
the chances of potential complications, and profit group Susan G. Komen. Therefore, other symptoms may occur. Take pain
there are also side effects to mastectomy patients should expect to undergo routine medications only as needed and directed.
from a physical and emotional standpoint. physical exams and may require a surgical Weakness is expected in the arms and
For example, patients have permanent pre-clearance from a doctor and the surgi- shoulders. Ask for help lifting, moving or
numbness of the chest wall following the cal hospital or center. Blood tests and an picking up items.
procedure.” EKG may be ordered, as well. Before undergoing mastectomy surgery, it’s a Emotional side effects can be just as pro-
To help patients understand their life- Prior to surgery, patients can begin mak- wise idea to understand what’s involved. found as physical ones. Fear of the cancer,
time risk of developing breast cancer, ing plans for child care, meal preparation, body image issues and a sense of loss can
patients at any Lahey facility who are shopping, work requirements and more. easy access. Some women also opt to get occur. Having a strong support team can
scheduled for a mammogram take a risk As mastectomy is an invasive procedure, fitted for post-op garments, including a help, as can speaking with a professional
assessment survey that helps determine patients may experience pain and fatigue lymphedema sleeve. Lymphedema is a counselor.
what is their calculated risk for develop- after surgery. Having various plans in play swelling of the area, and it is a common It can take several weeks to start feel-
ing breast cancer and what is their risk well before the surgery date can relieve side effect. It is helpful to be prepared ing like oneself again after mastectomy
for having a genetic mutation. According some stress and help patients focus on before such items are needed. surgery. Women should not hold them-
to O’Brien, determining a patient’s risk their recoveries. selves up to anyone else’s standards and
is much more informative, since only 5 Purchase comfortable clothing that will After surgery be patient and hopeful because this chal-
percent to 10 percent of breast cancer diag- be loose around the arms and chest. Zip- Mastectomy surgeries typically last lenging time is temporary. Learn more at
noses are secondary to a known genetic up tops or those with front buttons afford between two and three hours. Some may Breastcancer.org.
mutation, while 90 percent to 95 percent of
breast cancer patients likely develop the
disease from aging, hormone exposure, diet
and environmental exposures.
“We are focused on getting patients to
Weighing the breast density factor
understand their lifetime risk for devel- Breast cancer risk is influ- age and BRCA1 and BRCA2 similar breast characteristics. like AreYouDense.org. Some
oping breast cancer and from there, if enced by many things, includ- mutations increase risk more. Dense breasts cannot easily states in the United States are
necessary, evaluate patients in the breast ing heredity, age and gender. However, at this time, health be seen through on a mam- part of “inform” lists, in which
center to discuss high-risk breast cancer Breast density is another factor care providers do not routinely mogram, which can make radiologists include informa-
screening with bilateral breast MRI in that may affect cancer risk use a woman’s breast density to detecting lumps and other tion about breast density on
combination with routine screening 3D and the ability to detect breast assess her breast cancer risk, abnormalities more difficult. mammogram reports so women
mammography, as well as to refer patients cancer in its earliest stages, say according to Susan G. Komen. This can lead to missed cancers and doctors can make decisions
to genetics for counseling and possible some experts. Density does not refer to the or cancers that are discovered about extra testing.
genetic testing,” O’Brien said. According to the report size or shape of the breast, and at later stages. Women with Even if a woman does not
“Patients oftentimes rush into a deci- “Mammographic density it may not be apparent by just dense breasts may require live in a state where density
sion after learning they have breast cancer and the risk and detection of looking at the breasts. Usu- additional screening methods, is shared, she can request the
because a breast cancer diagnosis is an breast cancer,” published by ally, women do not learn they such as a breast ultrasound or information from the radiologist
emotionally charged one,” she said. “How- The New England Journal of have dense breasts until their an MRI, in addition to yearly or doctor. Dense breasts show
ever, the impacts from having a prophy- Medicine, as well as data from first mammograms. Dense mammogram screenings. up with more pockets of white
lactic surgery can be life-altering, and so, the National Cancer Institute, breasts have more glandular Education about breast on mammograms than gray
the focus must be on educating patients women with high breast den- and fibrous tissue. Density may density is gaining traction in fatty tissue in less dense breasts.
of their options so that they may make an sity are four to five times more be hereditary, meaning moth- some areas, thanks to informed Cancer also appears white, and,
informed decision.” likely to get breast cancer. Only ers and daughters can share women and advocacy groups therefore, tumors can be hidden.The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018 S20 • Thursday, October 11, 2018 The Salem News •
S21 The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018
• Thursday, October 11, 2018 The Salem News •S22
The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018
Breast cancer primer: A glossary of medical terms
Axillary nodes: The lymph nodes hypotheses based on rigorous sta- of lymph nodes are found in the ive surgery where one or both
under the arm. tistical correlations (“bottom-up” underarms, groin, neck, chest and breasts are removed in order to
Benign: Not cancer. data mining). abdomen. prevent breast cancer.
Bilateral: Affecting or about both Diagnosis: Identification of a dis- Lymphedema: Swelling due to poor Radiation oncologist: A physician
the right and left sides of body. For ease from its signs and symptoms. draining of lymph fluid that can specializing in the treatment
example, a bilateral mastectomy is DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): The occur after surgery to remove of cancer using targeted, high-
removal of both breasts. information contained in a gene. lymph nodes or after radiation energy X-rays.
Biobank (tissue repository): A large DNA sequencing: The technique therapy to the area. Radiation therapy: Treatment
collection of tissue samples and in which the specific sequence of Malignant: Cancerous. given by a radiation oncologist
medical data that is used for bases forming a particular DNA Mammogram: An X-ray image of that uses targeted, high-energy
research studies. region is deciphered. the breast. X-rays to kill cancer cells.
Bioinformatics: The field of Expression (gene or protein): A Mastectomy: Surgical removal of Radiologist: A physician who
endeavor that relates to the collec- measure of the presence, amount the breast. The exact procedure reads and interprets X-rays,
tion, organization and analysis of and time-course of one or more depends on the diagnosis. mammograms and other scans
large amounts of biological data gene products in a particular cell Medical oncologist: A physician related to diagnosis or follow-up.
using networks of computers and or tissue. Expression studies are specializing in the treatment Radiologists also perform needle
databases. typically performed at the RNA of cancer using chemotherapy, biopsies and wire localization
Biopsy: Removal of tissue to be (mRNA) or protein level in order hormone therapy and targeted procedures.
looked at under a microscope. to determine the number, type and therapy. RNA (ribonucleic acid): A molecule
BRCA1/BRCA2 Genes (breast cancer level of genes that may be up-reg- Metastasize: When cancer cells made by cells containing genetic
genes): Genes that help limit cell ulated or down-regulated during a spread to other organs through information that has been copied
growth. A mutation in one of these cellular process, in response to an the lymphatic and/or circulatory from DNA. RNA performs func-
genes increases a person’s risk of external stimulus, or in sickness system. tions related to making proteins.
breast, ovarian and certain other or disease. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): Sentinel node biopsy: The surgi-
cancers. Family history: A record of the cur- An imaging technique that uses cal removal and testing of the
Breast cancer: An uncontrolled rent and past health conditions a magnet linked to a computer to sentinel nodes — the first axillary
growth of abnormal breast cells. of a person’s blood-related family make detailed pictures of organs nodes in the underarm area filter-
Breast density: A measure used members that may help show a or soft tissues in the body. ing lymph fluid from the tumor
to describe the relative amounts pattern of certain diseases within Mutation: Any change in the DNA site — to see if the node contains
of fat and tissue in the breasts as a family. of a cell. Gene mutations can be cancer cells.
seen on a mammogram. Genes: The part of a cell that con- harmful, beneficial or have no Stage of cancer: A way to indicate
Calcifications: Deposits of calcium tains DNA. The DNA information effect. the extent of the cancer within
in the breast that appear as bright, in a person’s genes is inherited Nipple-sparing mastectomy: A the body. The most widely used
Courtesy photo
white spots on a mammogram. from both sides of a person’s breast reconstruction procedure staging method for breast cancer
Cell: The basic unit of any living family. Tomosynthesis, or 3D mammography, that removes the tumor and mar- is the TNM system, which uses
organism. Gene expression: Process in which uses a digital mammography gins, as well as the fat and other Tumor size, lymph Node status,
Chemotherapy: A drug or combina- a gene gets turned on in a cell to machine to take multiple two- tissue in the breast, but leaves the and the absence or presence of
tion of drugs that kills cancer cells make RNA and proteins. dimensional X-ray images of the nipple and areola intact. Metastases to classify breast
in various ways. Genetic testing: Analyzing DNA to breast, which are then combined into PET (positron emission tomography): cancers.
Clinical breast examination: A physi- look for a gene mutation that may a three-dimensional image through A procedure where a short-term Targeted therapy: Drug therapies
cal exam done by a health care show an increased risk for devel- computer software. The technology radioactive sugar is given through designed to attack specific molec-
provider to check the look and oping a specific disease. is known to better detect invasive an IV so that a scanner can show ular agents or pathways involved
feel of the breasts and underarm Genome: The total genetic infor- breast cancers. which parts of the body are con- in the development of cancer.
for any changes or abnormalities, mation of an organism. suming more sugar. Cancer cells Herceptin is an example of a tar-
such as lumps. Genomic testing: Analyzing DNA information; the collection, classi- tend to consume more sugar than geted therapy used to treat breast
Clinical trials: Research studies to check for gene mutations of a fication, storage, retrieval and dis- normal cells do. PET is sometimes cancer.
that test the benefits of possible cancer tumor. semination of recorded knowledge used as part of breast cancer diag- Tomosynthesis (3D mammography,
new ways to detect, diagnose, Genomics: The study of genes and treated both as a pure and as an nosis or treatment, but is not used digital tomosynthesis): A tool that
treat or prevent disease. People their functions. applied science. for breast cancer screening. uses a digital mammography
volunteer to take part in these Hormones: Chemicals made by Invasive breast cancer: Cancer that Prognosis: The expected or machine to take multiple two-
studies. certain glands and tissues in the has spread from the original loca- probable outcome or course of a dimensional X-ray images of the
Core needle biopsy: A needle body, often in response to signals tion into the surrounding breast disease. breast. Computer software com-
biopsy that uses a hollow needle from the pituitary gland or the tissue and possibly into the lymph Protein: Any of various naturally bines the multiple 2D images into
to remove samples of tissue from adrenal gland. nodes and other parts of the body. occurring extremely complex sub- a three-dimensional image.
an abnormal area in the breast. Immunotherapy: Therapies that Lesion: Area of abnormal tissue. stances that consist of amino acid Tumor: An abnormal growth or
CT scan (computerized tomography use the immune system to fight Linear accelerator: The device used residues joined by peptide bonds, mass of tissue that may be benign
scan): A series of pictures created cancer. These therapies target during radiation therapy to direct contain the elements carbon, (not cancerous) or malignant
by a computer linked to an X-ray something specific to the biology X-rays into the body. hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, usu- (cancerous).
machine. The scan gives detailed of the cancer cell, as opposed to Lumpectomy (breast conserving sur- ally sulfur and occasionally other Ultrasound: Diagnostic test that
internal images of the body. chemotherapy, which attacks all gery): Surgery that removes only elements. uses sound waves to make images
Cyst: A fluid-filled sac. rapidly dividing cells. part of the breast — the area con- Proteomics: The cataloging of all of tissues and organs. Tissues of
Data mining: The ability to query Implant: An “envelope” contain- taining and closely surrounding the expressed proteins in a par- different densities reflect sound
very large databases in order to ing silicone, saline or both, that the tumor. ticular cell or tissue type, obtained waves differently.
satisfy a hypothesis (“top-down” is used to restore the breast form Lymph nodes: Small groups of by identifying the proteins from Sources: Susan G. Komen;
data mining); or to interrogate a after a mastectomy. immune cells that act as filters for cell extracts. Federal University of
database in order to generate new Informatics: The science of the lymphatic system. Clusters Prophylactic mastectomy: Prevent- Rio Grande do Sul, BrazilKey factors help determine breast cancer stage
S23 The Salem News • BREAST CANCER AWARENESS • Thursday, October 11, 2018
When receiving treat- to others parts of the body HER2 status: This helps
ment for breast cancer, beyond the breast. doctors determine if the
women will learn about While each of those fac- cancer cells are making
cancer staging. According tors is still considered when too much of the HER2 pro-
to the nonprofit organiza- determining breast cancer tein. HER2 proteins are
tion Breastcancer.org, stage, starting in 2018, the receptors on breast cells
determining the stage of AJCC added additional made by the HER2 gene.
the cancer helps patients characteristics to its stag- In about 25 percent of
and their doctors figure ing guidelines, which make breast cancers, the HER2
out the prognosis, develop staging more complex, but gene makes too many
a treatment plan and even also more accurate. copies of itself, and these
decide if clinical trials are a Tumor grade: This is a extra genes ultimately
valid option. measurement of how much make breast cells grow
Typically expressed as the cancer cells look like and divide in ways that
a number on a scale of 0 normal cells. are uncontrollable. HER2-
through 4, breast cancer Estrogen- and progester- positive breast cancers are
stage is determined after one-receptor status: This indi- more likely to spread and
careful consideration of a cates if the cancer cells have return than those that are
host of factors. The staging receptors for the hormones HER2-negative.
system, sometimes referred estrogen and progesterone. Oncotype DX score:
to as the TNM system, is If cancer cells are deemed The oncotype DX score
overseen by the American estrogen-receptor-positive, helps doctors determine a
Joint Committee on Can- then they may receive woman’s risk of early stage,
cer and ensures that all signals from estrogen that estrogen-receptor positive
instances of breast cancer promote their growth. breast cancer recurring and
are described in a uniform Similarly, those deemed pro- how likely she is to benefit
way. This helps to compare gesterone-receptor-positive from post-surgery chemo-
treatment results and gives may receive signals from therapy. In addition, the
doctors and patients a bet- progesterone that could pro- score helps doctors figure A variety of factors are considered when determining what stage of breast cancer a patient is
ter understanding of breast mote their growth. out if a woman is at risk of in, including an evaluation of cancer cells.
cancer and the ways to treat Testing for hormone ductal carcinoma in situ
it. receptors, which roughly recurring and/or at risk
Breastcancer.org notes two out of three breast for a new invasive cancer
that the TNM system was cancers are positive for, developing in the same
JOINING THE FIGHT TO CREATE BREAST CANCER
updated in 2018, but before helps doctors determine if breast. The score also helps AWARENESS AND SAVE LIVES.
then was based on three the cancer will respond to doctors figure out if such
clinical characteristics: hormonal therapy or other women will benefit from
T: The size of the tumor treatments. Hormone- radiation therapy or DCIS
and whether or not it has receptor-positive cancers surgery.
grown into nearby tissue. may be treatable with med- Determining breast
N: Whether the cancer ications that reduce hor- cancer stage is a complex
is present in the lymph mone production or block process, but one that can
nodes. hormones from supporting help doctors develop the
M: Whether the cancer the growth and function of most effective course of
has metastasized, or spread cancer cells. treatment.
Did you know?
Pathology reports
Pathology reports are information regarding the presence of tumor necrosis
documents that contain size, shape and appearance means that dead breast
diagnoses after doctors have of a specimen as it looks to cancer cells were found
examined cells and tissues the naked eye. within the tissue sample.
under a microscope. Accord- People who are diagnosed Tumor necrosis, though it
ing to the National Cancer with breast cancer may is often limited to a small Danvers | Essex | Gloucester
Institute, pathology reports, receive pathology reports area within the tissue sam- Ipswich | Newburyport | Rowley
which play an important that indicate the presence ple, suggests a patient is 888-667-3697 | firstipswich.com
role in diagnosing and treat- of tumor necrosis. Accord- battling an aggressive form
ing cancer, also may contain ing to Breastcancer.org, the of breast cancer. Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC.You can also read
