Pink is in the Air

A Message from Dr. Stephen Kindred – Assistant Vice President, Corporate Medical

When I think of autumn, warm colors such as red, orange and yellow come to mind. So why is the color pink everywhere this month? October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign sponsored by major organizations to raise awareness of this disease. This includes educating the public about the cause, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and support for survivors.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women (excluding skin cancers) - accounting for nearly 1 in 3 cancers diagnosed in U.S. women. Although men have a much lower risk of breast cancer, it affects the opposite sex too.

A long history of research has identified several causes of breast cancer. Some factors, such as age and family history, are uncontrollable and increase the risk of breast cancer. However, research suggests strategies that may help prevent breast cancer include avoiding weight gain and obesity, exercising, and limiting alcohol intake.

Nancy, Medical Assistant in Employee Health Services (EHS), is grateful for the strides that have been made against breast cancer. Thanks to research advances, Nancy was identified as having a BRCA1 gene mutation.  Mutation of this gene, and the BRCA2 gene, has been linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

“Living with an extensive family history of cancer, I chose to be proactive by having both of my breasts and ovaries removed,” says Nancy. What was her motivation?  Family!  Nancy lost both of her parents to cancer at a young age and unfortunately has passed the BRCA1 gene mutation onto one of her children. “I want to live to enjoy grandchildren and to be around when a cure for cancer is found!”  

Nancy has developed a “knowledge is power” motto by taking every opportunity to learn about what it means to live with this hereditary mutation. “My physician stresses the importance of a healthy diet and exercise in my fight against what I call the ‘bad guys’ lying in wait inside my body,” adds Nancy. “I changed the way I was eating to include more fruits and vegetables and eliminated carbonated drinks and caffeine. I also incorporated walking into my daily routine.”

Early detection is also important in the battle against breast cancer. The early stages of breast cancer are often asymptomatic and can go undetected without screening. Mammograms are one way to detect breast cancer, and hopefully at an early stage. Remember State Farm’s Group Medical plan offers cancer prevention screenings, including mammograms. Check with your doctor to see if the timing is right for you based on your medical history.

If breast cancer is detected, the patient and the physician should choose a treatment option that is most appropriate for the patient based on the stage of cancer, the patient’s age and preference, and the risks and benefits associated with each treatment type. Surgery (e.g. lumpectomy or mastectomy) is the most common treatment experienced by women, yet may be combined with other types of treatment such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy.

Support is the Key
Organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, offer patients and their families the resources they need to guide them on their path to getting well. This support can range from one-to-one advice from breast cancer survivors, to transportation during treatment, to cancer education classes. If you or a loved one is faced with breast cancer, I encourage you to research the local organizations or groups in your community or at work that are available to provide help and encouragement every step of the way.

Empowering you to Live Well, Be Well and think pink!

Additional Resources
Sign up for the American Cancer Society breast cancer screening reminder today!

Visit www.NBCAM.org (National Breast Cancer Awareness Month) for a comprehensive list of collaborating organizations and resources.

Visit Cleaning for a Reason to learn more about free house cleaning and maid services available to women undergoing treatment for any type of cancer.