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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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bottom, the 3D version will plans. EXCAVATING
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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)
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 CMYK

A4 Thursday, October 1, 2020 The DAILY News

October is
Breast
Cancer
Awareness
Month!

Provided Photograph
Stan’s Harley-Davidson in Batavia is hosting a Bike Raffle
featuring a 2013 Harley-Davidson Black Sportster 1200 Custom
Motorcycle.

‘Save the Headlights’

ride aids cancer group
CHARITY RIDE: Stan’s Harley-Davidson, ABATE
team in benefit for Genesee Cancer Assistance
By KORI SCIANDRA
kori@batavianews.com
So many people have a sis-
ter, mother, daughter, friend,
or co-worker who has been
diagnosed with breast cancer
and may currently be battling
their way through chemother-
apy treatments or experienc-
ing changes no woman ever
wants to experience. Fighting
to cure breast cancer, along
with all other cancers, requires
the support of the community
and its people to rally behind
the cause.
October is Breast Cancer
Awareness Month and what
cooler way is there to help
fight the good fight against
breast cancer than to hang out
around a bunch of Harley-Da-
vidson motorcycles and spend
the day with a group of people
fighting for a similar cause?
Stan’s Harley-Davidson
and ABATE (American Bikers
Aimed Toward Education) will
host the third annual “Save the
Headlights” event from 10 a.m.
Tickets can be purchased
throughout the day, both be-
fore and after the ride to win
the motorcycle. The run will
start at Stan’s Harley-David-
son and end at T.F. Brown’s,
214 Main St., Batavia, with live
music and food.
“This is the third year we’ve
done this. One hundred per-
cent of the proceeds will be
donated to Genesee Cancer
Assistance. It’s a shorter ride
this year because of colder
weather,” said Jason Franklin,
president of ABATE Genesee
County Chapter. “The ride
usually welcomes 70 to 80 mo-
torcycles.”
ABATE is a motorcycle rights
organization that focuses on
making the roads safer for mo-
torcycle riders.
“We provide charity rides
throughout the year and this
has become one we do every
year,” said Franklin.
Wear pink and don’t miss a
chance to support the “Save
The Headlights” event, which
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
Metro Creative Syndicate
Among women, breast cancer ranks as
either the most commonly occurring can-
cer 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 American Cancer Soci-
ety 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 cancer
treatments can cause changes that affect a
woman’s physique, body image and sexu-
ality. Some changes will be short-term,
such as hair loss or fatigue. Others may be
permanent, such as breast loss or scar-
ring from lumpectomy and mastectomy.
Fertility also may be affected, potentially
compromising a woman’s ability to get
pregnant after treatment.
Regardless of the changes, breast cancer
patients must realize they are not alone.
Scores of women have experienced similar
feelings and can be sources of support and
inspiration during recovery. In addition, a
handful of strategies can help women con-
front 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 treat-
ment 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
Metro Creative Syndicate
makeup makeover also can help. Some
women like to splurge on a stylist who can
help shape a wig or offer them some inno-
vative ideas to change their appearance.
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 surgical
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
to 7 p.m. Oct. 3. The event will will feature a car cruise; bike
begin with a 71-mile Dice Run raffle; dice run; 50/50 raffle;
starting at Stan’s Harley-Da- and basket raffle. High roll for

& Portable Toilets

vidson, 4425 West Saile Drive,
Batavia. Registration will be at
Stan’s Harley-Davidson from
10 to 11:45 a.m. and the run
will leave at noon. Cost is $20
for riders, $10 for passengers.
Upon arrival, riders and
passengers will be able to take
part in a 50/50 raffle and have
a chance to purchase tickets
for the Bike Raffle, which costs
$10 per entry. Stan’s Harley-
Davidson is raffling off a 2013
Harley-Davidson Black Sport-
ster 1200 Custom motorcycle.
The store will be open and
“Save The Headlights” pink
gear is available for purchase
the day of the event.
the dice run is $100 and low
roll is $25. There will not be
vendors at the event this year
and masks are required when
unable to maintain social dis- 585.766.1221
tancing.
“Get out and enjoy life for a www.obrienseptic.com
good cause,” said Debbie Park,
Proud to be a Certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise
co-owner of Stan’s Harley-
Davidson.
The winning raffle ticket
for the 2013 Harley-Davidson
Black Sportster 1200 Custom
motorcycle will be pulled at
the end of the ride.
For more information, con-
tact Stan’s Harley-Davidson at
(585) 343-9598 or email abat-
egenesee@gmail.com. Offering Help for the Journey

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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
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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
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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-
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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.
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