Sep. 23--THIS IS THE TIME OF YEAR TO UPDATE YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND THINK PINK
Breast self exams aren't worthwhile -- or are they? Does eating certain foods prevent breast cancer? The rate of breast cancer is going up -- or is it? Sometimes, what we know seems to change every day. To a certain extent, that's true, as new studies provide more information about the disease.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, though in Wichita, one month isn't enough -- see the accompanying box of activities for evidence. To get in the spirit, here are some questions about breast cancer. Answers come from breast surgeon Patty Tenofsky of Wichita Clinic's Breast Care Center.
How at risk am I?
Breast cancer is rare in women under age 40 and fairly rare under age 50. Over her lifetime, a woman has a 1 in 8 chance of getting breast cancer. The risk may be higher or lower depending on factors such as age and family and reproductive history.
Should women still do breast self exams?
Yes. Mammography has been more successful at lowering breast cancer mortality than self exams have. But mammography can miss cancers, and physician and self exams can help find them. Monthly exams also allow women to be familiar with their breasts and to identify changes.
What are current guidelines for exams?
For most women, a physician exam at least every three years, starting at age 20, and annually beginning at age 40. Annual mammography starting at 40. Monthly self exams starting at 25, done a week after your period.
Do I need a digital mammogram?
If you can get one. They don't catch more cancers, but, as with digital photography, it's easier to enlarge or change a view. Any mammogram is better than no mammogram.
If you find a lump, how quickly should you act?
Quickly, but you don't have to panic. "The not knowing is the hardest part," Tenofsky says. The sooner testing can be scheduled, the sooner treatment can be started. If you have an abnormal screening mammogram, a diagnostic mammogram will be done. You may have a biopsy then, too.
Do certain foods encourage or discourage breast cancer?
Indirectly. Being at a healthy weight seems to offer protection, as does exercise. So a healthy diet, low in fat, is a good idea. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation may help those who haven't gone through menopause. And a low-fat diet has been shown to help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Is the rate of breast cancer going up?
It did for a while when mammograms became widely used, probably because more cancers were being caught before women died of something else, like heart attacks.
What's new in treatment?
Many women have chemotherapy before surgery, to shrink the tumor. Tests are done to identify cancer markers, and treatment is tailored to the individual. New skin-sparing surgery techniques are being used, for better cosmetic outcomes.
To find out more
These are among the Web sites that Patty Tenofsky suggests for more information about breast cancer:
breastcancer.org
komen.org, site of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure
cancer.org, site of the American Cancer Society
cancer.gov, site of the National Cancer Institute
Breast cancer events
Here is a listing of some Breast Cancer Awareness Month events:
Komen Wichita Race for the Cure, 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Towne East Square. Online registration, at komenmidks.org, ends Wednesday; in-person registration Thursday and Friday on the lower level of Towne East or in the parking lot on race day, beginning at 7 a.m.
Cuisine for the Cure, by-reservation dining events. Go to komenmidks.org for dates, times, costs and reservations. Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates, 7730 E. 37th St. North; Caffe Posto, 4714 E. Douglas; and Caffe Moderne, 300 N. Mead, Suite 108, will feature pink treats throughout October, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Mid-Kansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Asian Wellness Day, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 4, Colvin Elementary School, 2820 S. Roosevelt. Free health screenings, refreshments, entertainment and a panel discussion by Wichita physicians Dung Nguyen, Hai Truong and Phu Truong. Free.
Cafe Con Leche, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 11, Horace Mann Dual Language Magnet School, 1243 N. Market. Free health screenings, including breast exams, for women and their families, along with entertainment, safety awareness information and refreshments. Free.
Jefrina Berry Johnson Sister to Sister Tea, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 25 in the multipurpose room at Wichita State University's Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 29th Street North and Oliver. Breast exams, food, entertainment and a keynote speech by advanced registered nurse practitioner Patti Bluml. Free.
Various promotions. Through October, many businesses offer promotions, such as donations when customers try on clothing or bras or get a haircut. Watch for ads and signs featuring the pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness.
A house for the cure
The Mid-Kansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure will be the beneficiary of the sale of the KSN Dream House for the Cure, expected to bring more than $600,000. A group of area businesses built the home, in the Oaks Golf Course Community in Derby.
Much of the money will fund programs at a new Breast Cancer Survivorship Clinic, in partnership with the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita.
The Dream House for the Cure, at 1231 Waters Edge, will be part of this fall's Parade of Homes and will be open to the public the first three weekends in October.
Reach Karen Shideler at 316-268-6674 or kshideler@wichitaeagle.com. To see more of The Wichita Eagle, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.kansas.com. Copyright (c) 2008, The Wichita Eagle, Kan. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
Copyright (C) 2008 The Wichita Eagle, Kan.