Download October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

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October is Breast Cancer
Awareness Month.
It is estimated that in 2009,
192,370 new breast cancer cases
are expected to be found
in females in the United States. This year,
40,170 women are expected to
lose their battle with breast cancer.
Over the next several pages,
find out how you can get involved
in the fight against breast cancer
for yourself, your family, your friends
or for generations to come.
Source: National Cancer Institute
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
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About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
and the Komen Charlotte Affiliate
N
ancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would
do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, this
promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which launched the
global breast cancer movement. Today, Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the
nation’s largest private funder of breast cancer research and community outreach programs.
The Charlotte Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is dedicated to
putting an end to breast cancer and working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in our community. We join more than a million breast
cancer survivors and activists around the globe as part of the world’s largest
and most progressive grass-roots network fighting breast cancer. This year,
through events like the Komen Charlotte Race for the Cure®, the Charlotte
Affiliate was able to invest more than $1 million in local community grants
supporting community breast health programs in Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell,
Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, and Union counties in North Carolina and
York County in South Carolina. These community grants cover education,
screening, and treatment activities with programs ranging from breast health
educational programs for low-income and minority women to mammogram
screening and advanced diagnostic services for the medically underserved.
The Komen Charlotte Affiliate proudly retains up to 75 percent of its net
proceeds for use in our local service area, while the remaining 25 percent is
combined with proceeds from other Komen affiliates to fund a national research grant program.
For more information about the Charlotte
Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure,
please call 704-347-8181 or log on to
www.komencharlotte.org.
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I
Finding Inspiration
n December 2003 my life was changed
forever when I was diagnosed two
weeks before my twenty-fifth birthday
with breast cancer. It also happened to
be days before the twelfth anniversary of
my mother’s death from breast cancer,
when she was only forty-one years old.
I think I had a preview of what being a
survivor was when I watched my mother
battle this disease for more than six
years. Although she lost her battle, her
fight influenced my proactive screening and how I deal with my diagnosis. I
scheduled my first mammogram at age
twenty-five (ten years before my mother’s diagnosis) for a base line to have on
file for future years. Little did I know
that they would find something and,
after a biopsy, confirm I had early-stage
breast cancer.
Being a young survivor feels empowering. It also feels terrifying. The moment
I heard the “c” word (as my husband
and I called it, because we could not say
the word “cancer”) I thought my life was
over. I can actually play the moment over
and over in my head like a movie, which
at times is what it actually seemed like.
After the initial shock passed, survival
mode kicked in. I wanted to beat this
disease for myself and for my mother
and every other woman in my family who
had it. I was determined to actually be
a survivor, because you see, the women
in my family (three generations) who
had breast cancer did not survive. I was
going to be the first one.
Nine months and two surgeries after
my diagnosis I walked in my first Susan
G. Komen Race for the Cure in New York
City in 2004, and I have not stopped
since. I will never forget my first race. I
was there with friends but, most importantly, my husband, father, and sister
also joined me. I wore my pink survivor
shirt with pride and saw thousands of
others in the Komen pink shirt club. I
was overwhelmed with feelings of camaraderie and love.
I moved to Charlotte in 2006 and
sought out the local affiliate to volunteer
because I wanted to be a part of something that I felt very strongly about. In
2008 and 2009 I took on the role of
communications chair, and it has given
me the opportunity to meet wonderful
people—both survivors and volunteers.
Becoming a part of the Komen family
has not only given me friendships and
resources, but also the satisfaction of
knowing that there is an organization
out there fighting for me. It has pushed
me harder to realize that it is about more
than just running in a race, it is also
about raising money and awareness for
all those people who are not educated
about early detection—the one thing that
saved my life.—Emily Crandall
10 Ways to Get Involved with Komen Charlotte
1.
Visit our Web site (www.komen
charlotte.org) to learn more about
what we do in our community.
2. Participate in the Thirteenth
Annual Race for the Cure®, on
October 3 in uptown Charlotte.
3. Put together a team of participants for the Komen Charlotte
Race for the Cure®.
4. Donate to Komen Charlotte in
honor or memory of a loved one.
5. Promote your company. Become
the importance of
a Komen Charlotte Race or
breast health and early detection.
event sponsor.
9. Volunteer. Contact Komen
6. Tour the 2009 Build for the
Charlotte to explore the many
Cure Home beginning October
opportunities. Visit www.
16, in Springfield Community,
komencharlotte.org and click on
Fort Mill S.C.
“Get Involved.”
7. Attend Laugh for the Cure on
10. Host an event benefiting the
March 4, 2010, at Spirit Square.
Komen Charlotte Affiliate.
8. Join our Partners in Pink volunFor more information,
teers and spread the word about
call 704-347-8181.
Our Promise: To save lives and end breast cancer
forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all
and energizing science to find the cure.
Upcoming
Komen Events
Southern Women’s Show
Charlotte Merchandise Mart
Thursday, September 17-Sunday,
September 20
Visit the Komen Booth for information
about early detection and breast health.
Komen Charlotte Race
for the Cure
Uptown Charlotte
Saturday, October 3
We hope you’ll join us on the morning of
October 3 to walk or run for breast cancer.
Register online at www.komencharlotte.org.
Bank of America 500
Lowes’ Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C.
Thursday, October 15-Saturday, October 17
October is breast health awareness month,
and we are excited about the opportunity to
share breast health educational information
with attendees at the NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series on October 17. We will be located outside the Speedway. Hope you can join us!
Build for the Cure
214 Horton Grove Rd., Springfield
(Fort Mill, S.C.) 29715
Weekends of October 16-18,
October 23-25, October 30-November 1
This spectacular new home will be open to
the public during the last three weekends in
October. Proceeds from tickets sales will
be graciously donated to Komen Charlotte.
Laugh for the Cure
Thursday March 4, 2010
This fun-filled event was founded by
Tammy Greyshock, a devoted Charlotte
Komen volunteer, to help end breast
cancer forever. The event brings together a
fantastic silent and live auction as well as a
hilarious PG comedy show. Details
regarding the 2010 event are forthcoming.
See you at the show!
For more information on these or other
Komen Charlotte events, please visitwww.
komencharlotte.org or call the Komen office
at 704-347-8181.
Carolina Breast Friends
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Sisters United on a Journey of Hope and Courage
C
arolina Breast Friends is a nonprofit organization committed to uniting and helping women with
breast cancer. Established in November 2003 by Kristy Adams-Ebel, CBF provides social and educational outlets for women of all ages united in a sisterhood of survival. Kristy, diagnosed at the age of
32, wanted a place to be an inspirational setting to commune with fellow survivors to focus on healing, selfexploration, and empowerment through knowledge. Women who have walked the same path established
the organization to provide support, education, encouragement, and assistance to those with breast cancer
throughout every stage of their journey.
The Carolina Breast Friends board consists of five women who are being led by Pam Phipps, who joined
founder Kristy Adams-Ebel in forming CBF in 2003. When Kristy lost her battle with breast cancer, Pam,
now a six-year breast cancer survivor herself, took over the organization’s principal leadership role and,
with more than 250 members, continues to expand services and support the sole mission.
Since its inception, CBF has touched
close to 2,000 area women with its
services. CBF holds meetings on
the second Tuesday of each month.
Meetings are open to anyone who has
been diagnosed with breast cancer.
To find out more information and for meeting locations, please visit
the CBF Web site at www.carolinabreastfriends.org.
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O
Accomplishing the Mission
n October 17, 2003 I had bilateral mastectomies.
During my recovery, I noticed an article in the
Charlotte Observer with information about Kristy
Adams-Ebel and her battle with breast cancer at age thirtytwo. She described her frustration in being unable to find a
positive, inspirational group of survivor women whom she
felt comfortable with to help her on her survivor journey.
She said, “I do not want or need a group as a pity party.” She
wanted a group who would inspire others from their own
experiences, encourage each other, and provide strength and
information, as well as comradery with humor and a positive spirit to move through the tough survivor journey ahead.
Realizing that this group did not exist, she decided to start
one of her own called Carolina Breast Friends. She wrote,
“Are there other women in their 30’s who feel this way?” Then
she gave her phone number and said call if you are interested!
Kristy was strong, gutsy, and positive and this was exactly
what I needed and wanted, but I was fifty-three years old.
I called Kristy, told her I was very interested and asked if
she had thought about expanding the age range. We talked
in depth and she agreed that it should be expanded to other
women and she wanted my help.
By the end of the first year, we formed a planning committee of four women. When I jumped in with Kristy, her strength
and positive attitude gave me empowerment. Everyone who
met Kristy loved her—she was charismatic and drew people to
her. After several meetings, we were able to form a board of
eight members—all survivors whom Kristy spurred on to her
dreams for CBF and eventually Project Pink House.
By mid 2004 we had more than one hundred members. The
comfort bags and inspiration jars developed as our services
increased and contacts were made with doctors and nurses.
When Kristy’s cancer returned, she brought us together and
told us she was terminal and we all committed to do everything we could to make her dream of CBF and the Pink House
come true. Her husband Chris gave her Pink Boots, which she
wore constantly to “kick the butt out of her breast cancer”. He
was and still is very instrumental in the advancement of CBF’s
vision and goals.
Kristy began immediately with aggressive treatment guided
by her oncologist and friend, Dr. Gary Frenette. She was fortunate to be one of four patients in the country to try a new
experimental drug, which probably gave her another year.
Her humor remained constant—she would send the membership email updates about how Hooter Infiltration (what she
called her cancer) was now partying in her brain, but she felt
confident, prayerful and hopeful. At the end we took shifts to
be with her constantly.
She was so brave,
seemed so serene—God
was with her every step
of the way. She continues to inspire my life.
I know Project Pink
House will become a
reality and CBF will
continue to inspire
more women through
Reflexology, Lymph Massage
their survivorship
& Aromatherapy
journey—or Kristy will
October 13, 2009
“kick our butt!”
—Pam Phipps
Thankful Feast
Upcoming
Monthly
Meetings
November 10, 2009
How to Get Involved with CBF
• Distribution of “Inspiration Jars” to newly diagnosed
breast cancer patients at both Presbyterian Hospital
and Carolinas Medical Center. The jars contain fifty
inspirational quotes from our members and include contact
information for the patients to reach out for support.
• Comfort Bags, which are filled with donated items useful to most breast cancer patients. The bags help newly
diagnosed breast cancer patients better cope with chemotherapy and other issues associated with treatments.
• Workshops and group events geared toward living with a
positive attitude of sisterhood and survival.
• A mentoring program in which members help newly
diagnosed women of similar age and diagnosis navigate
the difficult path ahead.
The public has been very generous in its support of
CBF’s cause and our primary mission: to build “Project
Pink House.” The house will be designed and customized
as a sanctuary for the hopeful transition to treatment and
cure. As a one-of-a-kind, one-stop shop, the Pink House
will serve breast cancer survivors in numerous ways.
Imagine Project Pink House:
• A place for social gatherings and group meetings
• Free counseling services
• Retail shop offering a boutique with wigs, prosthetic
•
•
•
•
•
•
garments, and skin-care products, plus “Pink Ribbon”
items for purchase
Organization and distribution of outreach projects
and supplies
A fitness area for exercise and yoga classes
A kitchen for nutritional classes
Library and computer room for research
Arts and crafts room to create keepsakes and learn
relaxing therapeutic activities
Meditation garden
Annual Gift Exchange
December 8, 2009
Nutrition Class
January 2010
Reconstructive Surgeon
February 2010
Lap Blanket Craft Project
March 2010
Upcoming
Fundraising
Events
Charlotte NASCAR
Carolina Breast Friends Inc.
The Terry Building
1801 E. Fifth St., Ste. 203
Charlotte, NC 28204
www.carolinabreastfriends.org.
October 16-18
“Pink in the Rink” with
the Charlotte Checkers
February 2010
Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
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T
Raising Awareness
he Avon Foundation for Women was founded
in 1955 to improve the lives of women and their
families. Today this mission is focused on two key
causes: breast cancer and domestic violence, which are
consistently rated among the issues of greatest concern for
women. As of the close of 2008, Avon global philanthropy
had raised more than $660 million worldwide. The Avon
Breast Cancer Crusade launched in 1992 and has raised
more than $585 million in more than fifty countries, making
Avon the leading corporate supporter of the breast cancer
cause. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer
among women, and in the U.S. there is a new diagnosis every
three minutes. Funds are awarded to advance access to care
and research to end breast cancer, including prevention,
diagnosis, treatment, and cure, with a focus on the medically underserved. Funds and awareness are raised through
special pink ribbon products sold by Avon sales representatives and online, the U.S. Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
series, the Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer in more
than fifty-five countries, the annual Avon Foundation for
Women Awards, free educational literature, and public service announcements. Hundreds of beneficiaries range from
leading cancer centers to community-based nonprofit breast
health programs, creating a powerful network of
research, medical, social service, and community-based organizations focused on eradicating
breast cancer and ensuring care for all, regardless of ability to pay. In Charlotte, more than
$9.4 million has been awarded by the Avon
Foundation for Women to breast cancer organizations and institutions in North Carolina and
South Carolina.
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I
Walking Strong
n 2001, I was an eleven-year breast
cancer survivor, was facing the big 5-0,
had just been through two daughters’
weddings, and had two small grandchildren. To say the least, I was in need
of some me time. One day, I opened
a magazine and, magically it seemed,
turned right to an advertisement for the
Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. It was
like a light bulb lit up: “This was meant
to be!” I e-mailed a friend and told her
to check it out, hoping she’d get past
the picture of the tents before she said
NO. To my excitement, she agreed to do
the walk with me. At that time, it was a
sixty-mile, three-day event. We walked
in Atlanta, the closest city to us that
hosted the walk. What an inspirational
experience this turned out to be! I cried
gully-washer tears when I made it to the
finish line, surrounded by a huge crowd
of so many other walkers, crew, and,
best of all, my family. I was amazed at
how much money was raised at that walk
and how much of the proceeds the Avon
Foundation donated to the many causes
it supported.
Fast-forward four years. To my
excitement, Avon was hosting its first
walk in Charlotte, my hometown. It
was now a weekend-long event covering 39.3 miles. I immediately signed
up to be a crewmember, and my son
and daughter registered to walk in my
honor. It became a family affair starting
with that first walk, and we have had
the whole Price family involved every
year since. From my young grandchildren cheering for the walkers at the
finish line to my 83-year-old mother
working as a volunteer, we have continued to be amazed at the work that Avon
is doing in the battle against breast
cancer. But it hasn’t stopped with the
Prices. Sharing our experiences has
inspired other people to share how they
have been affected by breast cancer. In
2008, we formed a team called the Pink
Panthers, which included nine walkers,
all of whom raised well over the $1,800
needed. This year, the Pink Panthers
grew to ten strong, nine of whom were
new walkers! And the walkers from
last year didn’t leave; most of them are
working as crewmembers this year.
Fundraising events have reached out to
the community and beyond. Aluminum
cans have been collected for recycling,
corn-hole tournaments hosted, and
“Pink Parties” held for the past four
years to bring awareness to this cause
and to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.
Now, fast-forward to the not-so-distant
future: I’m cheering on my grandchildren
as they cross the finish line, fighting for
a cause they believe in. But this time,
it’s not breast cancer; we won that war
thanks to organizations like the Avon
Foundation and the “pay it forward”
effect that started with one walk, one
person, one family, and the tireless belief
that it could be done! —Debbie Price
How to
Get Involved
with Avon
•
•
•
•
•
You can join us as a walker and help
raise much-needed funds in the fight
against breast cancer!
Help support the Avon Walk for Breast
Cancer by joining us as a volunteer!
To learn more, visit us online at www.
avonwalk.org.
Call the local office at 704-377-3144.
E-mail us at [email protected].
Upcoming
Avon Events
The 2009 Avon Walk
for Breast Cancer
October 24-25, 2009.
Great Start Party
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Join us to learn more about the 2010
Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.
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Q&A
Dear Doctor:
What is the BRCA gene,
and should I be tested for it?
The BRCA gene (BReast CAncer gene)
helps control normal cell growth. In fact,
there are actually two genes, BRCA1 and
BRCA2, and finding changes (mutations)
in these genes can assist in determining your chance for the development of
breast cancer and ovarian cancer. The risk
of developing breast or ovarian cancer
is higher in women who have changes in
the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. You should
consider testing for changes in these genes
if you have had a breast cancer diagnosis
at age 50 or younger, if you have a strong
family history of breast or ovarian cancer,
or a history of male breast cancer. Changes
in these genes may be inherited from
either your mother’s or father’s side of the
family and account for up to 10 percent of
breast cancers and 10 percent to 15 percent
of ovarian cancers. It is very important to
have genetic counseling before and after
BRCA gene testing to help you understand
the recommended criteria for testing along
with the risks, benefits, and outcomes
associated with the test.
—Shirley K. Scott, MD
Director, Carolina Breast Center
Dear Doctor:
What should I do to prevent
lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a chronic condition that
exists when lymphatic vessels in the body
are unable to remove lymph fluid from
human tissue. This is often a side effect of
treatments for breast cancer, such as radiation, which can cause scarring of lymph
vessels. Surgical removal of the lymph
nodes may also lead to this condition.
Breast cancer patients with lymphedema
may experience the following in their arms
or chest wall: a feeling of heaviness or fullness, swelling, pain, and/or changes in skin
color and texture. Some individuals develop
these symptoms immediately after treatment, while others may remain symptomfree for the rest of their lives.
Symptom control is critical, as there is
no cure or prevention for the development
of lymphedema. Manual lymph drainage,
a light massage that facilitates alternate
pathways for the transfer of lymphatic fluid
through the body, is one method of treatment. Bandaging the affected areas with
compression wrappings and wearing a custom-fitted compression sleeve are other ways
that patients can decrease swelling and sustain a reduced size of the affected area. With
appropriate maintenance, individuals dealing with lymphedema can continue to live
functional and productive lives with minimal
side effects from their condition.
—Vish Raj, MD
Director, Cancer Rehabilitation
Carolinas Rehabilitation
Dear Doctor:
Are there steps women should take
that could prevent cancer? When should
they start getting mammograms?
There is no way to prevent breast cancer,
but women can reduce their risk by limiting alcohol use, exercising regularly, and
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redefine change
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10620 Park Road
Building 400, Suite 102
Charlotte, NC 28210
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"Early detection is your best
defense against breast
cancer so don't forget
to check monthly"
maintaining a healthy weight. The key to
beating breast cancer is early detection.
Women should perform monthly breast
self-exams, have regular clinical breast
examinations, and schedule yearly mammograms. Numerous studies prove that
early detection is the most vital component
in the successful treatment of breast cancer. Annual mammograms starting at age
forty play a central part in early detection
because they can detect subtle changes in
the breast before they can be felt.
Most women who develop breast cancer
have no family history, but it’s important
to be aware of increased risk due to family history or other reasons. A significant
family history means you have two or
more family members (mother/father, sibling, grandparent, aunt/uncle) who have
had breast cancer, and/or the breast cancer in family members was found before
age 50. Women at high risk should speak
with their physician about whether to have
mammograms before age 40 and if additional measures, such as breast MRI, need
to be considered.
Most importantly, early detection saves
lives. I encourage women to take care of
themselves proactively by getting a mammogram every year.
­—Christina M. Chaconas, MD
Charlotte Radiology Breast Center
Breast Imaging Specialist
Dear Doctor:
Are there safe and effective ways for
women with hormone-positive tumor
receptors to manage menopausal
symptoms like hot flashes?
Services:
Midtown Obstetrics and Gynecology is small
by design to provide personalized care in a
Annual Exams
friendly and comfortable environment. Call
Pap Smears
us at 704-344-1000, then press 2 to start
Gynecological Surgery
a long term, healthy relationship.
Breast Disease
Incontinence
Infertility
Routine & High
Risk Obstetrics
Ultrasounds
Presbyterian Medical Tower • 1718 E. 4th St.
Suite 707 • Charlotte, NC 28204
www.midtown-obgyn.com
Accepting new patients.
Affiliated with many
insurance plans.
Stacey Wood, Jr., MD
Gregory Parker, MD
Beverly Belle, MD
Heather N. Robertson White, MD
James Hardy, MD
Hormone therapy with estrogen and/or
progesterone is a first-line treatment for
hot flashes, however hormone therapy is
associated with increased risk and is often
contraindicated in patients with breast cancer or breast cancer survivors. Alternatives
include complementary therapy such as
herbal or dietary supplements as well as
mind/body or behavioral therapies. There
are several studies using complementary
medicines, but results from these studies
lack evidence to strongly support effectiveness. In addition, these therapies are often
associated with multiple adverse effects.
Those with the most trials include: black
cohosh, vitamin E, kava, melatonin, and
evening primrose oil. Black cohosh is the
most commonly used therapy, but only
one in four trials show improvement in
hot flashes. Studies using the other therapies have failed to show any significant
improvement in frequency or severity of
hot flashes.
In comparison, trials have shown some
mind/body and behavioral therapies to
help reduce hot flashes. These include:
hypnosis, reflexology, yoga, and tailored
counseling/support programs. This
approach provides a safer alternative to
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alleviating the disruptive symptoms of hot
flashes suffered by breast cancer patients
and survivors.
—Richard Foulke, MD
Matthews Hematology and Oncology
Committee Member, Breast Cancer Advisory Board
Dear Doctor:
What’s been the most important thing
that you tell patients who have been
diagnosed with breast cancer?
Breast cancer is common as cancers go. So,
it isn’t rare that a physician has to inform a
patient that her exam or mammogram suggests cancer or that a biopsy has proved its
presence. This event is a critical conversation. It’s a moment which is emotionally
charged. Having had a cancer diagnosis
myself, I know how time seems to slow
down, all blood rushes to your face and you
only remember half of what the doctor says.
First and foremost, the patient needs to hear
“there is a breast cancer and now we have
some work to do.” The patient also needs
to hear the honesty in your voice and focus
on the fact that this is a task to be met, not a
surrender to a diagnosis. For most patients,
we can be optimistic from the outset due to
advances in early detection.
I feel that it is important to emphasize
that there are several steps in the evaluation, but the first step is the having the
name and contact information of surgeons
adept at evaluating and treating breast
cancer so the patient can make that first
important appointment. Fortunately, we
have many excellent physicians in Charlotte
who are experts in breast cancer treatment.
It’s also important for the patient to know
that there is continuity of care, and that I
will be following her progress with all other
involved physicians from start to finish. I
want more than anything to tell the patient,
“you’re going to be okay,” and, for most,
that will be true.
—Gregory Parker, MD
Midtown OB/GYN
Dear Doctor:
What can I do to combat fatigue
during chemo?
Exercise is an effective way to manage
fatigue associated with chemotherapy.
Research shows that patients who don’t
exercise and patients who exercise too
much will have increased fatigue levels,
but exercise designed at an adjusted target heart rate percentage will decrease
fatigue. Presbyterian Cancer Rehabilitation
& Wellness’s Strides to Strength program
provides a structured regimen with exercise
physiologists trained to work with cancer
patients. They are able to adjust the exercise to meet each survivor’s need throughout chemotherapy.
—Richard Foulke, MD
Matthews Hematology and Oncology
Committee Member, Breast Cancer Advisory Board