Join the Fight Against Breast Cancer

With Jaye Sciullo, Michigan Executive Director of Susan G. Komen & Dr. Shoshana Hallowell, Surgical Oncologist at Ascension Health

 

The month of October is “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”  Throughout the month, we see the color pink everywhere to remind us of the critical need for early cancer detection and immediate access to the very best care. The entire month is symbolized by events and crowds dressed in pink, taking to the streets, chanting, and hoisting colorful signs. Pink merchandise of all types is available for purchase and there are even special pink pizza delivery boxes. For years, NFL players even wore pink on the playing field to help raise money and awareness for breast cancer research.

 

Although there’s an upbeat, fun quality to this carnival atmosphere, the sobering cause behind it remains the same. This year, more than 44,000 women in the U.S. alone could die from this disease. The two most common risk factors for developing breast cancer are being born female and getting older. Having a family history of breast cancer could increase that risk. 

 

But the news is not all bad. Early detection is one of the biggest weapons that we have in fighting the disease and proper screening can literally save lives. In addition, prioritizing good habits such as maintaining a healthy weight, proper nutrition, limiting alcohol consumption and regular exercise may lower your risk of breast cancer. Finally, it’s important to remember that even if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, there are promising new treatments on the horizon that have proven effective in blocking a cancer cell’s ability to proceed through the growth cycle, thereby preventing the cancer from spreading. Last year, Florine interviewed Jaye Sciullo, the Executive Director for the Michigan chapter of Susan G. Komen, and Dr. Shoshana Hallowell, a surgical oncologist with Ascension Health. Please listen to Florine’s interview and learn how you can join the fight against breast cancer.

 

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

When did Jaye become involved with Susan G. Komen?

The two major types of breast cancer.

Why is breast cancer harder to treat than other cancers?

Is it common to have the cancer go into the lymph nodes?

What can we do to lessen our risk of cancer?

Why is it important to get early screening and mammograms?

70% of breast cancers diagnosed in women under the age of 50 have been found by the women themselves.

What is the BRCA gene, and how do you get tested?

Susan G. Komen’s 360-degree approach to conquer breast cancer and provide support.

What role can a co-survivor play in help and healing?

How can you help a loved one who may have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer?

Some of the newer modalities to treat breast cancer and some promising news on the horizon.

How a healthy lifestyle can help decrease your risk of developing cancer.

What is a “smart bomb”?

 

Today’s Takeaway:

A cancer diagnosis is life-changing and we’re often filled with fear and uncertainty as to what may lie ahead. But the mission of the Susan G. Komen organization is dedicated to making sure that no breast cancer patient has to go it alone. Since Susan G. Komen was founded in 1986, we have seen a 40% reduction in breast cancer mortality. The Komen organization is committed to being alongside the patient throughout the entirety of their cancer journey. In addition to providing financial support when needed, there are virtual nurse navigators who will assist patients in preparing for doctors’ appointments and provide a list of necessary questions to ask. Afterward, they can also help explain the mass of information that patients receive. Based on the statistics shared today, we all probably know someone battling breast cancer. We are hopeful that soon we can find a cure so that future generations can look forward to a life without this deadly disease. Remember that every single day is a gift and even when life throws us a curveball, we have the gift of freedom of choice. We get to choose our response and how we handle adversity is up to each and every one of us. We can choose to fight our battle with grace, dignity, and courage, knowing that we will find the support we need every step of the way. I’m Florine Mark, and that’s “Today’s Takeaway.”

 

Quotes:

“I think that it is difficult these days to not be touched by breast cancer in some way.” — Jaye [4:55]

“I can be an advocate and I can be knowledgeable about the patient experience. But it isn’t the same as experiencing it myself. And I try to be careful about not speaking for the breast cancer community in that capacity.” — Jaye [5:05]

“Breast cancer is harder to treat because it’s very complex. It’s one of the few cancers that not only does tumor size and location matter but also how the tumor responds to hormones and different proteins.” — Dr. Shoshana Hallowell [6:26]

“There are many things that you can do to lessen your risk of developing cancer. I think the most important thing is to be aware of your own health.” — Dr. Shoshana Hallowell [7:12]

“Susan G. Komen is committed to a world without breast cancer. And our mission is to save lives by meeting the most critical needs of our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.” — Jaye [11:54]

“Ask the patient what they need. Not everyone needs a freezer full of casseroles or is ready to answer questions about what is inherently a very, very private diagnosis.” — Jaye [13:45]

 

Brought to You By:

Gardner White Furniture

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Susan G. Komen

Ascension Health

Shoshana Hallowell, MD 

Stand For H.E.R 

Race for the Cure