CMYK
A2 Thursday, October 1, 2020
Understanding the risk factors for breast cancer
Metro Creative Connection
No two women are the
same. But when it comes to
breast cancer, women from
all walks of life share vari-
ous risk factors for a dis-
ease that the World Health
Organization indicates is
the most frequent cancer
among women.
Risk factors are anything
that affects the likelihood
that individuals will get a
certain disease.
In regard to breast cancer,
the American Breast Can-
cer Foundation notes that
various factors, some that
result from lifestyle choices
and others that are not
changeable, can increase a
woman’s risk of developing
breast cancer.
Recognizing these risk
factors can help women
make any necessary
changes and even highlight
the importance of routine
cancer screenings that can
detect the presence of the
disease in its earliest, most
treatable stages.
Lifestyle-related
risk factors
The American Breast
Cancer Foundation notes
that certain habits or behav-
iors can increase a woman’s
risk for breast cancer.
But the good news is that
women who understand the
link between certain hab-
its or behaviors and breast
cancer can avoid those
behaviors to decrease their
risk of developing the dis-
ease.
According to Breastcan-
cer.org, the following are
some habits, behaviors or
lifestyle choices that can
increase a woman’s risk for
breast cancer.
n Alcohol consumption:
Breastcancer.org notes that
researchers have uncovered
links between the consump-
Recognizing the risk factors for breast cancer can help women make any necessary changes
and even highlight the importance of routine cancer screenings that can detect the presence
of the disease in its earliest, most treatable stages.
tion of alcoholic beverages
and hormone-receptor-
positive breast cancer. One
study found that women
who consume three alco-
holic beverages per week
have a 15 percent higher
risk of developing breast
cancer than women who
don’t drink at all.
And while research into
the connection is limited,
a 2009 study found a link
between alcohol consump-
tion and breast cancer
recurrence.
n Sedentary lifestyle:
Exercise consumes and
controls blood sugar and
limits blood levels of insu-
lin growth factor. That’s
an important connection,
as insulin growth factor
can affect how breast cells
grow and behave.
A sedentary lifestyle also
can increase a woman’s
risk of being obese, which
the American Breast Can-
cer Foundation notes is a
risk factor for breast cancer
among postmenopausal
women.
n Smoking: Smoking
has long been linked to
cancer, and Breastcancer.
org notes that smoking has
been linked to a higher risk
of breast cancer in younger,
premenopausal women.
Unchangeable
risk factors
Unfortunately, many risk
factors for breast cancer are
beyond women’s control.
For example, the American
Breast Cancer Foundation
notes that roughly two out
of three invasive breast
cancers occur in women
age 55 and older.
Women cannot change
their ages, but recognizing
the link between age and
breast cancer risk is impor-
tant, as such a recognition
may compel more women
55 and older to prioritize
cancer screening.
Metro Creative Syndicate
Gender and family his-
tory are two additional
unchangeable risk factors
for breast cancer. Women
are much more likely to get
breast cancer than men. In
addition, Breastcancer.org
notes that between 5 and 10
percent of breast cancers
are believed to be caused
by abnormal genes that are
passed from parent to child.
Women are not help-
less in the fight against
breast cancer. Knowledge
of breast cancer, including
its various risk factors, is a
great weapon against breast
cancer as women look to
reduce their risk of devel-
oping the disease.
Maple Grove
Welding Supply
7075 Route 98, Arcade, NY 14009
585.653.5160 | maplegroveweldingsupply.com
Mon-Fri: 7am-5pm | Sat: 7am-12pm | Sun: Closed
So Much More Than Just A Welding Supply Store!
• We Stock Steel & O’Brien Stainless Sanitary Fittings •
We Are A Distributor For:
ESAB Welding and Cutting • Diamond Saw
WELDING SUPPLIES
• Abrasives
• Filler Metals
• Consumables
• Helmets
• Gloves
• Welders
• Plasma Cutters
• Regulators
Early warning signs for breast cancer
Metro Creative Syndicate
Breast cancer is the most fre-
quent cancer among women,
affecting 2.1 million women
each year, according to the
World Health Organization. As
daunting as that may seem,
the WHO also notes that early
diagnosis can greatly reduce
a woman’s risk of dying from
breast cancer.
Women can be proactive
against breast cancer by
learning to identify early warn-
ing signs of the disease.
The nonprofit breast cancer
advocacy organization Susan
G. Komen notes that warning
signs are not the same for all
women, but common signs
include a change in the look
or feel of the breast or the
nipple. A discharge from the
nipple is another common
warning sign of breast cancer.
Physical changes in the breast
can vary, and women who
notice these changes should
bring them to the attention of
their physician immediately:
n Lump, hard knot or thicken-
ing inside of the breast or
underarm area
n Change in the size or shape
of the breast
n Swelling, warmth, redness or
darkening of the breast
81 Main Street, Geneseo
c: 585-943-5896
HARDWARE
• Grade 5
• Grade 8
• Metric
• Stainless
• Cast Pipe Fittings
• Machines Screws
• Socket Head Screws
• Grease Fittings
Livingston County News
October is
Breast
Cancer
Awareness
Month!
n Dimpling or puckering of the
skin
Women with breast cancer also
may notice:
n Itchy, scaly sore or rash on
the nipple
n Pulling in of the nipple or
other parts of the breast
It’s important that women rec-
ognize that physical changes
in their breasts are not nec-
essarily indicative of breast
cancer. The American Breast
Cancer Foundation notes that
not all lumps in the breast
cause cancer and that many
are benign. Fibroadenomas
and intraductal papillomas
are examples of benign
lumps, though it’s important
to note that even benign
conditions may put women
at greater risk of developing
breast cancer.
The Susan G. Komen organi-
zation notes breast tissue
naturally has a lumpy texture.
If lumpiness can be felt
throughout the breast and it
feels like your other breast,
then it’s likely that this is just
the normal texture of your
breasts. However, women
concerned by a lump or lumpy
texture are urged to discuss
those concerns with their phy-
sician immediately.
Mary
Schillinger
Cooke
LIC RE SALESPERSON
TOOLS
• Hole Saws
• Jig Saw Blades
• Band Saw Blades
• Circular Saw Blades
• Tape Measures
• Hammers
• Pliers
• Levels
• Steel Gauges

Livingston County News
How to make mammograms more comfortable
Metro Creative Syndicate
Mammograms remain one of
the best methods to detecting
breast cancers, giving women
the opportunity to start treat-
ment early if cancer is detected.
In countries with early access to
quality screening and treatment,
breast cancer survival rates are
now greater than 80 percent.
The organization Mammog-
raphy Saves Lives says that,
since 1990, mammography has
helped reduce breast cancer
mortality in the United States
by 40 percent.
Mammograms usually take
around 20 minutes. During
a traditional mammogram,
a woman’s breast is placed
between two plates. One plate
holds the breast in place, while
the other takes images. The
breasts must be compressed to
get clear pictures of breast tis-
sue.
Some women find the pro-
cess to be uncomfortable.
Even though mammograms
can be essential parts of preven-
tive healthcare, many women
avoid them because of pain
and other discomfort. Howev-
er, women should not put off
mammograms because they are
worried about discomfort.
Avoiding pain
There are many ways to avoid
pain during mammograms that
can make the entire experience
more comfortable.
n Schedule the mammogram
for a week after a menstrual
period when hormonal swings
are less likely to increase breast
sensitivity.
n Caffeine can make the
breasts more tender. Reducing
caffeine consumption for two
weeks before the mammogram
can help.
n Keep your feet and trunk
facing forward and simply turn
your head at the mammogram
machine.
n Reduce tension by breath-
ing deeply a few times before
the procedure.
n Try a pain reliever before
the mammogram.
n Ask the mammography
center if it has padding, as cush-
ioning between the breasts and
the plates of the mammogram
machine can reduce pain.
By taking these steps, women
may be more comfortable dur-
ing mammograms, which can
play a vital role in the detection
and ultimate treatment of breast
cancer.
List of local
resources
Regularly scheduled breast
cancer screening increases the
chance of cancer being found
in its earliest stages. There are
local resources to assist with
screenings.
The Cancer Services Pro-
gram of the Finger Lakes,
which serves Livingston
County, and the Cancer Ser-
vices Program of Genesee,
Orleans, Wyoming & Niagara
provide breast cancer screen-
ings to eligible, uninsured
women 40 years of age and
older.
For information, contact the
Cancer Services Program of
the Finger Lakes by calling
1 (877) 803-8070, or Cancer
Services Program of Genesee,
Orleans, Wyoming, & Niaga-
ra at (716) 278-4898 or (585)
344-5494.
The toll-free New York
State Cancer Hotline may be
reached at (866) 442-2262
Breast Cancer Awareness FRIDAY
Gluten Free Pizza
FISH FRY!
ficarellaspizzabatavia.com
Sunday-Thursday 11am - 11pm Friday & Saturday 11am - Midnight
Don’t skip screening mammogram because of pandemic
Photograph courtesy of Elizabeth Wende Breast Care
Some women are postponing cancer screenings,
including breast cancer screenings, due to CO-
VID-19 concerns. Medical imaging centers have
resumed offering mammograms and are taking
all possible steps to keep patients safe.
Is 3D mammography right for you?
Metro Creative Syndicate
Mammograms take images
of breast tissue to determine
the presence of abnormalities,
including lumps. Women may
undergo traditional, 2D mam-
mograms, but increasingly
many healthcare facilities are
now employing 3D technol-
ogy because it can provide
clearer pictures.
A 3D mammogram, also
called digital tomosynthesis,
takes several different X-rays
of the breasts and combines
those images to establish a
three-dimensional picture.
The Mayo Clinic says that a
3D mammogram is typically
used to search for breast can-
cer in people who may have
no outward signs or symp-
toms. It also may be used to
help diagnose the cause of
a breast mass or nipple dis-
charge. Doctors may suggest
3D imaging to get a better
look at any growths or help
identify the source of any
symptoms a person may be
concerned about.
Two-dimensional mammo-
grams are still the industry
FIGHTING FOR A CURE
NEVER GIVE UP
LARGE CHEESE &
Not A Gluten Free Kitchen.
1 TOPPING PIZZA
Batavia’s Only Drive-Thru
Pick Up Window
1399
21 Liberty St., Batavia
$ Salad, Bread
343-5545
Expires 10/26/20. Not valid with
other offers. Please mention coupon
when ordering. Tax not included.
Coupon good at Batavia store only.
CMYK
Thursday, October 1, 2020 A3
October is
Breast
Cancer
Awareness
Month!
By Dr. Stamatia V. Destounis The risk of developing cancer
Elizabeth Wende Breast Care
Breast Cancer Awareness Month will be dif- doesn’t go away just because
ferent this year, with the walks and events transi-
tioning to virtual activities. It will have the same there is a pandemic.
purpose nonetheless — to encourage involvement
in the fight against breast cancer. of survival.
Breast cancer awareness is as important as it Delays in screening can lead to delays in diag-
has ever been, but because of the COVID-19 pan- noses, leading to more advanced cancers and more
demic, some women are postponing their cancer invasive treatment options. The risk of develop-
screenings, including breast cancer screenings. ing cancer doesn’t go away just because there is a
Women are faced with the decision of whether pandemic.
to postpone annual mammography screenings to It’s smart to be cautious, but mammography
avoid potential exposure to the virus. saves lives. So, check with your mammogram pro-
While many of us rightfully delay mammograms vider about safety protocols they have in place, but
due to immediate COVID-related concerns, medi- don’t put off having a mammogram.
cal imaging centers have resumed offering mam- If you are a woman age 40 or older — National
mograms and are taking all possible steps to keep Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a perfect time
patients safe. to schedule your yearly mammogram appointment.
Knowing all the facts is crucial when making
this decision, as postponing routine screening does Dr. Stamatia Destounis is a radiolo-
pose health risks. gist specializing in breast imaging at
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Elizabeth Wende Breast Care. She
American women (except for skin cancers) and completed her radiology residency at
the University of Rochester School
is one of the most treatable forms of cancer when of Medicine & Dentistry in 1993 and
detected early. Performing routine, annual screen- then joined the Elizabeth Wende
ing mammography plays an integral role in the Breast Clinic and trained with Dr.
Destounis
early detection of breast cancer, as women diag- Wende Logan Young, completing
a breast imaging fellowship of one
nosed with early breast cancer – when the cancer year. In July 1994 Dr. Destounis joined EWBC as an attend-
is small and has not spread – have a high chance ing radiologist.
standard. The 3D versions are dimensional mammograms
obtained in a similar fash- can be useful for women with Phone: 585.786.5880
ion by pressing the breasts dense breast tissue or those at Fax: 585.786.8269
between two imaging plates. higher risk for breast cancer. COMMERCIAL
Rather than just taking imag- 3D mammography may not RESIDENTIAL
es from the sides and top to be covered by all insurance AGRICULTURAL
bottom, the 3D version will plans. EXCAVATING
take multiple angles to make It’s important to note that BLACKTOPPING
a digital recreation of the a 3D mammogram releases sales@edhulmeinc.com
17 East Buffalo / Warsaw, NY 14569
breast. This enables doctors the same amount of radiation www.edhulmeinc.com
to look at small, individual as a traditional mammogram.
sections of the breast tissue It is of no greater risk to the
that may be as thin as just a patient, and it is approved by
single millimeter, according the Food and Drug Adminis-
to Medical News Today. tration. Also of note, because
A study published in the 3D mammograms produce
journal JAMA Oncology more images, it may take a
says cancer detection rates radiologist a little longer to
are higher in people who do read one than it would a 2D
3D imaging over time. Three- mammogram.
OCTOBER 3, 2020
Stan’s Harley Davidson
4425 W. Saile Dr., Batavia
Registration 10am-11:45am and KSU at 12:00pm
$20/Rider • $10/Passenger
Join us for this fun event and ride, and let’s raise money for
a great cause! There will be 50/50 raffles, basket raffles,
door prizes, special item raffles, food trucks and more.
Don’t forget to wear your PINK to show support!
Classic Car Cruise So Show Off Your Ride
Like our Facebook Page:
Genesee County NY ABATE
Click on events and say you’re going or interested
Genesee Cancer
Assistance to receive updated information the event and ride.
This ride is a charity Event/Ride with monies
raised for the benefit of Genesee Cancer Assistance.
For more information please email abategenesee@gmail.com or message us on our
Facebook page. Info also @ cyberspokes.com (cyberspace for bikers)
1
MEAL DEAL
CHICKEN PARMESAN SPAGHETTI 20" EXTRA LARGE
$ 00
$
26 99
• 14” Medium
WITH SPAGHETTI WITH MEATBALLS PIZZA Cheese Pizza
11 10
$ 99 $ 99 $
21 75
w/ Side w/Cheese w/1 Topping +Tax
w/ Side
OFF PASTA
• 12 Buffalo Wings or
& Butter
Salad, Bread
& Butter
& One
Topping +Tax
16 Boneless Wings
+Tax +Tax +Tax • 2 Liter of Pop with this coupon
Expires 10/31/20. Not valid with Expires 10/31/20. Not valid with Expires 10/31/20. Not valid with Expires 10/31/20. Not valid with Expires 10/31/19. Not valid with
other offers. Please mention coupon other offers. Please mention coupon other offers. Please mention coupon
when ordering. Tax not included. when ordering. Tax not included.
other offers. Please mention coupon
when ordering. Tax not included. when ordering. Tax not included.
other offers. Please mention coupon
when ordering. Tax not included.
Coupon good at Batavia store only. Coupon good at Batavia store only. Coupon good at Batavia store only. Coupon good at Batavia store only. Coupon good at Batavia store only.
 CMYK

A4 Thursday, October 1, 2020 Livingston County News

October is
Breast
Cancer
Awareness
Month!

Simple steps may

reduce your risk
of breast cancer
From UR Medicine
Breast cancer is the most
common non-skin cancer
among women.
While treatments have
improved significantly, pre-
vention is always preferred.
The lifetime risk of a woman
in America developing breast
cancer is 1 in 8, and many of
the factors that contribute to
that risk — such as age, family
history and ethnicity — cannot
be changed.
But UR Medicine cancer
specialist Dr. Alissa Huston
says there are some lifestyle
changes may help reduce your
risk of developing breast can-
cer.
increases the more alcohol is
consumed.
Check your vitamin D
In preclinical studies, vitamin
D has been shown to reduce
cell growth and decrease the
spread of cancer cells, and a
growing number of clinical
studies have linked vitamin
D levels with a lower risk of
breast cancer.
If your vitamin D levels are
deficient, talk with your doctor
about supplementation. While
you can get vitamin D through
sun exposure, you should take
precautions to avoid damaging Metro Creative Syndicate
your skin. A handful of strategies can help women confront the physical changes resulting from cancer treatment in a positive way.

How to cope with changes from treatment

Consider these seven chang-
es and don’t forget an annual
mammogram.:
Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity — defined as having
a body mass index, or BMI,
of 30 or greater—increases
the risk of breast cancer. BMI,
which is a ratio of height to
weight, for a woman with a
healthy weight is between 18.5
and 24.9.
Eating a healthful diet and
staying physically active are
important components of
maintaining a healthy weight.
Eat plenty of plants
Research shows eating a diet
rich in vegetables, fruits, whole
grains and legumes — while
limiting added fats, sugars, and
highly processed foods — may
reduce your risk of breast can-
cer.
The American Institute for
Cancer Research can be a help-
ful resource diet and cancer-
risk information based on cur-
rent research.
Include omega-3 fatty acids
in your diet
Research indicates that
omega-3 fatty acids, which
come from consuming fish or
fish oil supplements, are pro-
tective against breast cancer.
Consider increasing your
intake of omega-3 fatty acids
and decreasing your intake of
omega-6 fatty acids, which
come from meat, dairy, and
vegetable oils and may increase
your risk of breast cancer.
Limit post-menopausal
hormone exposure
Hormone therapy can
increase a woman’s risk of
breast cancer. If you are con-
sidering these therapies after
menopause or hysterectomy,
discuss the risks and benefits
with your doctor.
In addition to taking con-
trol over risk factors you can
change, be sure to get screened
regularly. An annual clinical
breast exam is important, as
are regular self-exams. Unless
she has other risk factors, every
Metro Creative Syndicate
Among women, breast cancer ranks
as either the most commonly occurring
cancer or a close second. The World
Cancer Research Fund says there were
two million new cases of breast cancer in
2018 across the globe, while the Ameri-
can Cancer Society notes the chance that
a woman will die from breast cancer is
about 2.6 percent.
Fortunately, for most women, a cancer
diagnosis is not terminal. Early detection
and thorough treatment helps to improve
the five-year survival rate, especially
for those with cancer that is localized to
the breast or has only minimally spread.
Women may have to undergo various
forms of treatment, including radiation,
chemotherapy and surgery.
The National Cancer Institute notes
that, while they’re effective, breast can-
cer treatments can cause changes that
affect a woman’s physique, body image
and sexuality. Some changes will be
short-term, such as hair loss or fatigue.
Others may be permanent, such as breast
loss or scarring from lumpectomy and
mastectomy. Fertility also may be affect-
ed, potentially compromising a woman’s
ability to get pregnant after treatment.
Regardless of the changes, breast can-
cer patients must realize they are not
alone. Scores of women have experi-
enced similar feelings and can be sources
of support and inspiration during recov-
ery. In addition, a handful of strategies
can help women confront the physical
changes resulting from cancer treatment
in a positive way.
n Understand that it is okay to feel
frustrated, upset or angry with the
changes that have occurred. It doesn’t
make you shallow. Anyone has the right
to grieve treatment options that have
changed their bodies in various ways.
n Attempt to focus on how cancer
treatment and the entire experience has
made you stronger and more in tune with
life. Cancer can be a wake-up call that
sparks positive changes going forward.
Focus on your strengths, rather than on
what you cannot reverse.
n Look for new ways to enhance your
appearance, such as a new hairstyle. A
makeup makeover also can help. Some
women like to splurge on a stylist who
can help shape a wig or offer them some
innovative ideas to change their appear-
ance.
n Speak with a doctor about what
you can do to treat and camouflage skin
changes from treatment. Topical creams
may alleviate redness or dry patches
while other remedies can minimize sur-
gical scarring.
The changes in body image that breast
cancer survivors experience tend to be
connected to the features that society
characterizes as “feminine.” Loss of one
or both breasts can greatly affect body
image. However, if mastectomy surgery
is necessary, speak with your doctor
about reconstruction possibilities. There
also are very good prosthetic inserts and
bras that can mimic the look of natural
breasts under clothing.
Physical changes are common after
cancer treatment. Women can try a hand-
ful of strategies to successfully confront
these changes.

O’Brien’s Septic
Stay active woman should have a mammo-
Regular exercise is associ- gram starting at age 40.
ated with a lower risk of breast The Cancer Services Pro-

& Portable Toilets

cancer. In addition to eating a
healthy diet, you should strive
for 150 minutes of moderate-
intensity activity or 75 minutes
of vigorous-intensity activity
each week.
Moderate-intensity activi-
ties include walking, dancing,
and yoga. Vigorous activities
include jogging or running,
swimming, aerobics, and fast
cycling.
Limit alcohol
Keep it to no more than one
drink a day. Drinking alco-
hol increases a woman’s risk
of breast cancer, and that risk
gram of the Finger Lakes,
which serves Livingston Coun-
ty, and the Cancer Services
Program of Genesee, Orleans,
Wyoming & Niagara provide 585.766.1221
breast cancer screenings to
eligible, uninsured women 40
years of age and older. For
www.obrienseptic.com
Proud to be a Certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise
information, contact the Can-
cer Services Program of the
Finger Lakes by calling 1 (877)
803-8070, or Cancer Services
Program of Genesee, Orleans,
Wyoming, & Niagara at (716)
278-4898 or (585) 344-5494.
If you have questions about
your breast cancer risk, talk
with your primary care pro-
vider or gynecologist. Offering Help for the Journey

127 North St., Batavia, NY

(585) 345-0417
Since 1951 geneseecancerassistance.org
VALLE JEWELERS
21 JACKSON STREET • 343-3372
www.ValleJewelersBatavia.com Early Detection
info@vallejewelersbatavia.com
is your best Protection
Free Estimates Cut Down on Schedule your
Your Monthly
Bills with Better
Insulation:
Mammogram today SPECIALIZING IN WOMEN’S HEALTH CARE
Wet spray Free Gift For All October Mammograms!
cellulose
insulation in Offering Progressive
new builds
OR dry blown
in side walls
Health Care Across a
and attics
Woman’s Life Span
ADDITIONS & RENOVATIONS!
• Insulation (wet spray or dry blown)
• Pole Barns • Garages • Kitchens ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
• Bathrooms • Siding and Windows
Bill Sr. (585) 356-4992
585.798.8054 Krysten Schmidt FNP
108 Bank Street, Batavia
www.orleanscommunityhealth.org 343-6600 • fax 343-6601 • ladiesfirst@verizon.net
Hours: Mon. 8-4, Tues. & Thurs. 7-3, Wed. Closed, Fri. 7-Noon

Livingston County News
Men also
at risk for
breast
cancer
Metro Creative Syndicate
Breast cancer is one of
the most common forms of
cancer diagnosed among the
female population. Though
breast cancer may seem like
a disease that’s exclusive to
women, breast cancer can
affect men as well.
About 1 out of every 100
breast cancers diagnosed in
the United States is found in
a man, according to the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention.
While they have a smaller
concentration than women,
men have breast tissue,
which means it’s possible
for them to develop breast
cancer. Male breast cancer is
most common in older men,
but it is important that men
recognize that the disease
can strike them at any age.
Signs and symptoms
Men with breast cancer
experience symptoms that
are similar to those experi-
enced by women. Possible
signs to be aware of include:
n skin dimpling or puck-
ering
n a lump or swelling,
which is typically (but not
always) painless
n nipple retraction
n redness or scaling of the
nipple or breast skin
n discharge from the nip-
ple, which may be clear or
blood-tinged
The American Cancer
Society advises that some-
times breast cancer can
spread to the lymph nodes
under the arm or around the
collar bone and cause a lump
or swelling in these loca-
tions. The protrusion may be
noticeable even before the
original tumor in the breast
is large enough to be felt.
Men should realize that
enlargements or issues
affecting both breasts (not
on just one side) typically
is not cancer. Enlargement
or changes to both breasts
in men can be caused by
weight gain, medications or
heavy alcohol consumption.
Types of male
breast cancer
Various types of breast
cancer can affect men,
according to the Mayo Clin-
ic:
n Ductal carcinoma: Can-
cer that begins in the milk
ducts. Nearly all male breast
cancer is ductal carcinoma.
n Lobular carcinoma:
Cancer that begins in the
milk-producing glands. This
type is rare in men because
they have few lobules in
their breast tissue.
Especially rare types of
breast cancer that can occur
in men include Paget’s
disease of the nipple and
inflammatory breast cancer.
Diagnosis
BreastCancer.org says
that a small study of breast
cancer in men found that
the average time between
first symptoms and diagno-
sis was about 19 months.
This can be startling because
early diagnosis can be vital
to survival. Through the
realization that breast cancer
can happen to men and more
education and awareness,
men can feel more comfort-
able about discussing chang-
es to breast tissue with their
doctors.
Male breast cancer is a
very real occurrence, albeit a
rare one. It is important that
men take any abnormalities
in their chests seriously.
What to expect when cancer treatment ends
Metro Creative Syndicate
Once the initial shock of
a breast cancer diagnosis
wears off, many patients
are ready to get down to
business and begin treat-
ment.
Based on data collected
by the SEER database,
which is maintained by the
National Cancer Institute,
five-year survival rates
for breast cancer in the
United States are excel-
lent. If the cancer is local-
ized or regional (spread to
nearby structures or lymph
nodes), the survival rate is
99 percent and 86 percent,
respectively. If the cancer
has spread to distant parts
of the body, the five-year
survival rate is 27 percent.
These survival rates under-
score the importance of
early detection and treat-
ment.
Treatment may induce
feelings of anxiety among
patients. Equally scary can
be what to expect after
treatment ends.
Here’s a closer look at
what comes next.
After surgery
If treatment involves sur-
gery for a lumpectomy or
mastectomy, patients will
move to into the recovery
room after surgery to wake
up from anesthesia. Breast-
Cancer.org says if you are
feeling any pain, now is
the time to speak up, as
staff in the recovery room
assess your pain and vital
signs.
Many surgeries are com-
pleted on an outpatient
basis. However, more inva-
sive surgeries that involve
lymph node dissection
require a hospital stay.
Doctors will set up a
schedule of follow-up care
to check surgical sites and
monitor healing. Radiation
or chemotherapy may be
used in conjunction with
surgery and may continue
even after surgery.
After chemotherapy
Chemotherapy causes
an “enormous assault” on
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
QUALITY READY-MIXED CONCRETE
• POURED WALLS • FLOORS • FOUNDATIONS • DRIVEWAYS
• INSULATED CONCRETE FORMS
1-800-873-8826
Phone: 343-6850
OCTOBER
OCTOBER is
is BREAST
BREAST CANCER
CANCER
AWARENESS
AWARENESS MONTH
MONTH
To Meghan, Jill And
All The Brave Women!
Serving WNY Since 1947
CMYK
Cancer treatment may induce feelings of anxiety among patients. Equally scary can be
what to expect after the treatment ends.
the body, according to Dr.
Marisa Weiss, founder of
Breastcancer.org.
Many of the hurdles
that people feel post-treat-
ment are lasting fatigue.
WebMD says a phenom-
enon called “chemo brain”
can occur. This is a mental
change characterized by
an inability to focus and
memory deficits.
In addition, after chemo
ends, it may take up to six
months for hair to start to
grow back, and hair that
grows back may be a dif-
ferent color and have a dif-
ferent texture.
After radiation
The American Cancer
Society says side effects
from radiation may vary
depending on the patient.
Extreme fatigue is often
noted, and such feelings
may come and go.
Some people experi-
ence skin changes in the
radiation treatment area.
The skin may appear red,
irritated, swollen, or blis-
tered. Over time, the skin
may become dry, itchy
or flaky. Depending on
certain types of radiation
treatment, radioprotective
drugs may be offered to
638 East Main Street
Batavia, NY 14020
Refrigeration Co.
OF BATAVIA, INC.
26 Cedar Street Batavia, NY 14020
(585) 343-2678
www.arcticrefrigeration.com
help protect certain normal
tissues.
Follow-up
Doctors will prescribe
a regimen for follow-up
care. Every few months
women may expect a visit
at first.
The longer you have
been cancer-free, the fewer
follow-up visits will be
required. Mammograms
on any remaining breast
tissue will be scheduled
between six and 12 months
after surgery, and annually
thereafter.
Bone density tests and
blood and imaging tests
also may be recommended
if you are taking certain
medications or have physi-
cal indicators that the can-
cer might have come back.
Getting back on track
after breast cancer treat-
ment can take time.
Eventually, life can
return to normal, especial-
Help Wipe Out Breast Cancer with a
Breast Cancer
Welcome Mat
5 styles to choose from
100% of the proceeds go to the
National Breast Cancer Research Foundation
651 East Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 • 343-7830
Store hours: Mon., Tues., Wed. 8:30AM-5:30PM
Thurs. & Fri. 8:30AM-7:30PM, Sat. till 3PM
Visit our web site at: carpetone.com
Thursday, October 1, 2020 A5
October is
Breast
Cancer
Awareness
Month!
Support networks
play vital roles
Having loved ones to help patients
make sense of their range of
emotions and stay positive during
cancer treatment is essential.
Loved ones may need to take on
additional roles:
Monitor the disease: Support net-
works may need to keep track of
how their loved ones’ disease is
progressing and if there are any
complications from treatment.
Manage symptoms: Breastcancer.
org notes that treatment causes
severe side effects in many
women. Support networks may
need to help patients manage
those symptoms, performing a
host of tasks to make their loved
ones’ lives easier.
Administer medication: Breast
cancer patients may be too
overwhelmed to handle their own
medications, so support networks
can take over this important
METRO CREATIVE SYNDICATE
responsibility for them.
Assist with personal care: Some
patients may experience fatigue
after treatment. Support networks
ly for patients with a good can help patients maintain their
support team in place. personal hygiene.
INSURANCE AGENCY
41 Liberty Street
Support
Batavia, NY 14020
research for Phone: (585) 219-4214
a Cure! Fax: (585) 219-4877
CELL: 319-8517
81 Main Street
Geneseo Martha Burns
Real Estate Services 346-8223 LIC RE SALESPERSON
The
Breast
Cancer
Research
FoundationTM