October 28, 2020 Issue, Page 12 of 12

Page Text

12 October 28, 2020 Continued from page 11. grow back, and hair that grows Every few months women may schedule of follow-up care back may bea different color expect a visit at first. The lon- to check surgical sites and and have a different texture. ger you have been cancer-free, monitor healing. Radiation or After radiation the fewer follow-up visits will chemotherapy may be used ‘The American Cancer be required. Mammograms on in conjunction with surgery Society says side effects from and may continue even after radiation may vary depending any will remaining breast tissue be scheduled between six surgery. on the patient. Extreme fa- ‘After chemotherapy tigue is often noted, and such and 12 months after surgery, Chemotherapy causes an feelings may come and go. and annually thereafter. “enormous assault” on the Some people experience Bone density tests and body, according to Marisa skin changes in the radiation blood and imaging tests also Weiss, MD, founder of treatment area. The skin may may be recommended if you IS YOUR COLOR: Breastcancer.org. Many of the appear red, irritated, swollen, are taking certain medications hurdles that people feel post- or blistered. Over time, the or have physical indicators treatment are lasting fatigue. skin may become dry, itchy or that the cancer might have WebMD says a phenomenon flaky. Depending on certain come back. called “chemo brain” can occur. types of radiation treatment, Getting back on track after ‘This is a mental change charac- radioprotective drugs may be Breast cancer affects us all. terized by an inability to focus offered to help protect certain breast cancer treatment can It affects our mothers, sisters, wives and and memory deficits. normal tissues. take time. Eventually, life can friends. It affects people of every age, sex and In addition, after chemo Follow-up return to normal, especially race, and is the leading cancer among white ends, it may take up to six Doctors will prescribe a for patients with a good sup- and African-American women. This October, months for hair to start to regimen for follow-up care. port team in place. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, pink is everyone’s color. What causes cancer? Cancer affects millions org notes that women with of people across the globe, one first-degree relative, which Chemical carcinogens include changing the lives not only includes sisters, mothers and asbestos, certain components of those diagnosed with the daughters, who has had breast of tobacco smoke, the food disease, but also those of their cancer are at twice the risk of contaminant aflatoxin, and friends and families. developing breast cancer as arsenic. The Centers for Dis- Questions often arise women with no such connec- ease Control and Prevention when individuals or loved ones tion. The risk for women with notes that arsenic can enter are diagnosed with cancer, two first-degree relatives who the water supply from natural and one of the more common have had breast cancer is five deposits in the earth or from questions is, “How did this times higher than those with industrial or agricultural pol- happen?” Many people who no such family history. lution. The CDC urges people feel perfectly healthy are diag- But the WHO notes that who get their water from a nosed with cancer every day, genetics are not the only con- private well and suspect it and that can create a sense of tributing factor to cancer. In might be tainted by arsenic to hopelessness among patients fact, the WHO says the inter- contact their local government while also prompting them to action between genetic factors wonder what they might have and these three categories of to have their water tested. been able to do differently to external agents can pave the + Biological carcinogens: avoid their disease. way for the transformation Biological carcinogens include ‘The World Health Organi- of normal cells into tumorous infections from certain virus- zation notes that cancer arises ones. es, bacteria or parasites. The from the transformation + Physical carcinogens: virus hepatitis B, for example, of normal cells into tumor Physical carcinogens include has been shown to cause liver cells. That transformation is a multi-stage process that ultraviolet and ionizing ra- diation. The WHO notes that cancer. Doctors may not be able TERRY'S FURNITURE (580)225-4006 OR (800)925-4006 lerpurtreshonroomcom typically progresses from a precancerous lesion to a malig- many people are exposed to natural sources of ionizing to point to a single factor to determine the specific cause SHOWROOM nant tumor. Cancer research- ers have long since determined radiation such as soil, water of an individual case of cancer. 2001 SOUTH MAIN Cash or Check ELK CTY OKLAHOMA and vegetation. But there are However, they are aware of that genetic factors play a role human-made sources, such as in the development of cancer. X-rays and medical devices, of various cancer-causing agents 90 Day Lay-A-way For example, the nonprofit that greatly increase a person's ionizing radiation as well. risk of being diagnosed with Special Financing organization BreastCancer. + Chemical carcinogens: this disease. =e Fight ke gut We stand with those fighting, those who overcame and honor those lost. We will not stop the fight. Yes Finance 1414 West drd Street ¢ 980-225-1529