breast cancer awareness month
by Ann Savastano
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. RHL had the opportunity to interview Ann Savastano, Regional Vice President for the American Cancer Society’s Lakes Region. Here are her comments on this important topic.
Everyone seems to know someone affected by breast cancer. Are we seeing more cases today?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. In fact, I’m a breast cancer survivor myself. One in three women will be diagnosed with the disease in her lifetime. But it’s important to know that if caught in an early stage, breast cancer is 98% survivable.
The number of cases shot up in the 1980s due to increased use of mammography, and has increased gradually ever since. At the same time, we’re seeing a decrease in breast cancer deaths, due to increased awareness, earlier detection, and improved treatment.
What can be done to prevent breast cancer?
We don’t know precisely how to prevent breast cancer, but it’s possible that a woman of average risk might reduce her risk somewhat by engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a variety of healthy foods, and limiting alcohol intake.
Do antiperspirants cause cancer?
Ah, the Internet. There’s no evidence to indicate using antiperspirants or wearing any particular type of bra increases the risk of, much less causes, breast cancer.
Does the American Cancer Society recommend routine screening?
The American Cancer Society recommends taking an active approach to detect breast cancer in its early stages. All women age 40 and older should have an annual mammogram. Women age 20 and over should have a clinical breast exam by their doctor or nurse. Women age 20 and up can choose to perform monthly breast self-examination. And women with an increased risk (e.g. family history) may also benefit from earlier initiation of screening and should talk with their doctors about this.
If insurance coverage is an issue, the Women’s Health Partnership can help women with little or no coverage. Call (585) 274-6978 for information.
If someone learns she has breast cancer, what should she do?
No one should face breast cancer alone. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org for immediate answers to cancer questions or be connected to local resources – all in the comfort of your own home, day or night.
How can the American Cancer Society help?
Every day, the American Cancer Society fights breast cancer in our community through research, education, advocacy, and patient services. By calling 1-800-ACS-2345 day or night, we can help patients navigate their cancer journey, connecting them with information and the local resources they need, allowing them to focus on getting better.
• Reach to Recovery pairs a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient with a volunteer who has survived a similar form of the disease herself.
• Look Good…Feel Better helps patients cope with the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.
• Hope Lodges, located across the country, provide free temporary housing to cancer patients and their caregiver when they must travel a great distance to receive treatment. There are currently two Lodges in New York State, one in Rochester, the other in Buffalo.
What can I do to fight breast cancer?
Join “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer,” Rochester’s largest breast cancer fundraiser. Thousands will join the fun 3-mile walk that begins and ends at Frontier Field on Sunday, October 16th. Registration opens at 9 AM, and the walk begins at 10 AM. For more information visit www.cancer.org/stridesonline.