Contents:
October
is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer
Risk Factors
Modifiable Risk Factors
Prevention and Detection
Recommendations
from the American Cancer Society
Websites
for more information
Words
of Wisdom from ASU Breast Cancer Survivors
University News
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This issue of Health in Our Hands will concentrate on a very important current health issue -- breast cancer. This disease affects many people and their families each year, and it is extremely important to know the facts about this disease. The following information will discuss screening procedures, signs and symptoms, and prevention tips.
Every year, thousands of women
across the world are diagnosed with breast cancer. The American Cancer
Society estimates that approximately 183,000 women will be diagnosed with
breast cancer in 2000. Approximately 1,900 new cases will be diagnosed
in Arkansas this year, and 400 women will die from this disease in our
state in 2000. While scientists have made many wonderful new discoveries
to help in the fight against breast cancer, a cure has not been found.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and
many activities are scheduled to help make women aware of screening procedures
as well as events to help raise money for breast cancer research.
Several ASU events are discussed in the University News section at the
end of this newsletter.
Breast cancer is a malignant
cancerous growth that starts in the breast tissue. There are many
types of breast tumors, and most of them will turn out to be benign.
Scientists have not yet discovered exactly what causes breast cancer, but
there are certain risk factors that seem to be associated with the disease.
Some risk factors cannot be changed, but others are
modifiable.
* Gender - This disease is diagnosed mostly in women,
but men can also be affected.
* Age - The risk increases as a woman ages. More than
80% of breast cancers occur in women over age 50.
* Genetic factors - A small percentage (5-10%) of breast
cancers may be caused by certain gene mutations (abnormal changes).
* Family history - The incidence of breast cancer is
higher among women who have close relatives with the disease.
* Race - Caucasian women are more likely to develop breast
cancer than African-American, Asian, and Hispanic women. However,
African-American women are more likely to die from breast cancer.
* Menstrual periods - There seems to be an increased
risk for women who started menstrual periods early or who went through
menopause after age 50. There is also an increased risk for women
who have never had children or who had the first child after age
30.
* History of radiation treatment - Women who have previously
had chest area radiation have a significantly increased risk for breast
cancer.
* Breast feeding - Some studies suggest that breast feeding
for 1 ½ to 2 years may decrease the risk of breast cancer.
* Alcohol: Regular use of alcohol is associated with
an increased risk of breast cancer.
* Diet - Some studies show that a high-fat diet contributes
to breast cancer.
* Exercise - There are several studies which suggest
that even moderate exercise helps decrease risks of breast cancer.
* Smoking - Quitting smoking helps reduce the risk of
many cancers, including breast cancer.
While the exact cause of breast cancer is unknown, women can work on the modifiable risk factors to decrease their risks of developing breast cancer. Women are encouraged to develop a regular exercise program. A healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables is also recommended. The best strategy available right now is regular screenings for early detection. The earlier that a tumor is found, the better the chance for a successful treatment.
The American Cancer Society recommends :
* Women over 40 should have a mammogram (X-ray of the
breast) and breast exam by a doctor every year as well as participating
in monthly breast self-exams.
* Women between 20 and 39 years of age should have a
clinical breast exam by a doctor every three years as well as monthly self-exams.
* All women over 18 should do monthly breast self-exams.
The best time for a monthly exam is right after your period. You
could do this exam every month consistently at the same point in your cycle.
Early detection saves lives,
and it is extremely important to receive these yearly checks. If
any of the following signs and symptoms appear, contact your physician.
* New lump appears in breast (lump is often painless)
* Swelling of part of the breast
* Skin dimpling
* Nipple pain or abnormalities
* Redness or scaliness of nipple or breast skin
* Any discharge other than breast milk
For
more information on breast care, check out these websites.
National Cancer
Institute
American Cancer Society
Arkansas Cancer Research
Center
Words of Wisdom from ASU Breast Cancer Survivors
* “Use preventative measures - do not be afraid to get yourself checked! Have a mammogram during your yearly physical with the doctor ; it can save your life. My cancer was found in an early stage when the treatment was not so bad. It was just twelve weeks and then you can get it behind you and get on with your life.”
* “Words of advice for the newly diagnosed: CRYING is good for the soul. Live your life NORMALLY. Tell EVERYBODY - the gift of support from family, friends, and co-workers is an invaluable treasure. Include your HUSBAND in all aspects of diagnosis and treatment. Sometimes it takes two pairs of ears to hear all that is being told to you and two brains to remember it all. Tell people what you NEED. You may have to lighten your load, and people want to help. Ask, you will receive. Don’t anticipate your response to TREATMENT. You may never experience the “predicted side effects” of chemotherapy and radiation. Find other WOMEN who are breast cancer survivors. Their experience may be different than yours, but they will UNDERSTAND.”
** The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure will be held on October 14 in Little Rock. Contact Susan Hanrahan at extension 3112 to join the Pink Warrior team.
** The ASU Health Center and St. Bernard’s Regional Medical
Center will be teaming up during October, Breast Cancer Awareness
Month. A Mobile Mammogram unit will be on campus October 17th and
18th. There will also be mandatory Breast Awareness classes on October
10th and October 11th. These services are available to all ASU faculty,
staff, and students. Please call the Breast Care toll free number
below to see if you qualify. Contact the Student Heath Center
at
extension 2054 for more information.
Breast Care : 1-877-679-2273
Class Times:
Oct. 10 - 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 5:00, 6:00
Oct. 11 - 12:00, 5:00
** A Free Ladies Night Out Dinner Seminar will be held on Tuesday, October 17, from 5:45 - 8:30 p.m. The event will be held at the ASU Convocation Center at the lower red entrance. Guest speakers will cover the topics of menopause, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s Disease, and joint replacement. Reservations are required. Please call 1-800-722-6686 to register.
** The Wellness Program will be offering noontime fitness programs in the P.E. Building on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Callie Franks is the group leader.
** The Diabetes Walk will be held on Saturday, October 21 from 9:00 a.m.-12 p.m.. at the St. Bernard’s Auditorium. Lunch will be provided. Contact Jackie Gilbert at extension 3591 for more information.
** Dr. Mohammed Jamali of the Physical Therapy Program is conducting a study on the effectiveness of footwear for diabetics. Diabetic adults are invited to contact Dr. Jamali at extension 3591 to see if they are eligible for the study. Participants will receive free shoe modification if needed.
** KASU’s Focus
on Health program, which is hosted by Dr.
Jim Farris, has moved to Sundays at 12:30. Tune in October 8
to hear Dr. Jamali and Dr. Farris discuss diabetes and foot care.
The Arkansas State University Employee Wellness Newsletter is published monthly during the academic year by the College of Nursing and Health Professions. Health questions can be addressed to Dean Susan Hanrahan, Ph. D., ext. 3112 or hanrahan@crow.astate.edu.
Produced by Kimberly McGaughey, graduate student in CNHP, Physical Therapy Program.