October 19, 2024 Issue, Page 14 of 20

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2B+ SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2024 BREAST CANCER * The Elk City News ontinuing Chemotherapy Amidst COVID Concerns How one woman is battled breast cancer during the pandemic Article originally written in the good in the situation. “If it when they first got the diagno: “But I have been really im- says she is in remission. “The first tenance therapy for the next two 2020 by Brooke Cayot weren't for my gall bladder at- Texplained the gravity of the situ- pressed with the way the hospi- six months I thought I was going years, After that, hopefully she tack, I wouldn't have discov- ation to them but also gave hope tal has protected people like me. to die” Adams admits, “I felt so will be able to stop treatments al- Janie Adams of Elk City credits ered I had breast cancer, and if for a better outcome?” Everyone is super vigilant, and sick and I lost my hair, But now, 1 together. an emergency gallbladder sur- I hadn't discovered the breast Janie was determined to fight. everything is super clean. There am amazed at how well my body Her message to women this gery for saving her life. It was a cancer I wouldn't have known She had a double mastectomy, are absolutely no guests allowed is holding up. I thank my doctors, Breast Cancer Awareness Month CT scan during an ER visit that about the spot on my chest. So underwent radiation and con- in the cancer unit, which was my family and my friends for the is that you don't have to be over detected the lump in her left really, if it hadn't happened the tinues to receive chemotherapy upsetting at first because before about face” 40 to get it. Like her, many of breast. Although Adams was only way it did - I may not be alive treatments every three weeks - COVID my husband was at every But they say it was Janie herself those who do get it have no fam- 34 years old at the time, her can- today” even during the pandemic. “I was one of my treatments. But now I who reversed her course. “She is ily history of the disease. She says cer was initially classified as Stage Samer Hassan, M.D., with the nervous at first about receiving realize it is for my safety and for a very brave and strong-willed it is important for all women to 3. However, it was later discov- INTEGRIS Cancer Institute at treatment during COVID be- the safety of others, and I appreci- woman,’ declares Hassan. “I be- stay educated, stay observant and ered that it had metathesized into Southwest Medical Center, is cause I knowI have a weaker im- ate that” lieve her upbeat attitude and posi- stay strong. Adams encourages her chest wall, making it a Stage Adams oncologist. “I remember mune system and I am at higher And it appears Adams’ treat- tivity are part of the reason she is women to get their annual mam- 4 cancer, how heartbroken she was as well risk of complications if I contract ments are working. Her last scans doing so well today.” mogram, and not delay screen- Still, Adams chooses to see as her husband and daughter it? says Adams. came back clear and Dr. Hassan Adams will remain on main- ings or care due to COVID. 3 strategies that can lower breast cancer risk Breast cancer affects millions of in- developing breast cancer. That's particu- MDACC notes that alcohol can con- dividuals each year. The World Cancer larly so among post-menopausal women. tribute to unwanted weight gain, thus Research Fund International reports ‘A 2023 study published in the journal increasing cancer risk, In addition, al- that breast cancer is the most common- BMC Women’s Health found that the cohol can increase levels of estrogen ly diagnosed cancer in women across chances of developing breast cancer in- and other hormones associated with the globe, affecting roughly 2.3 million crease among post-menopausal women breast cancer. women each year. who are obese. It may be impossible to complete- Despite the global prevalence of breast 2. Avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise ly prevent breast cancer. However, cancer, various organizations report is one of the ways to achieve and main- women can embrace strategies that high five-year survival rates, particularly tain a healthy weight, so it makes sense improve their overall health in among women whose cancers are detect- that being physically active can reduce ways that lower their risk for breast ed in the earliest stages ofthe disease. In breast cancer risk. The National Can- cancer. fact, a 2023 study published in the jour- cer Institute reports that a 2016 nal BMJ found that the risk for dying meta-analysis of 38 cohort stud- from breast cancer in the five years after ies found that the most physi- cally active women had between an early-stage diagnosis fell to 5 percent in recent years, a notable improvement a 12 and 21 percent lower risk from the 14 percent risk of death that for breast cancer than women was reported in the 1990s, who were the least physically ac- Increased survival rates for breast can- tive. The NCI also notes that addi- cer are welcome news for women and tional studies have found that women their families. The higher survival rates who become more physically active after are a byproduct of the tireless efforts of menopause also have a lower risk for cancer researchers, who also have dis- breast cancer than those who do not. covered links between the disease and 3. Limit or eliminate alcohol consump- certain lifestyle factors. Though there's tion, The ACS urges women who drink no way to eliminate one's risk for breast to consume no more than one alcoholic cancer entirely, the American Cancer drink per day, noting that consumption Society notes certain variables are with- of even small amounts of alcohol have in women’s control. With that in mind, been linked to an increased risk for women can consider these three strate- breast cancer. Officials with gies that can lead to improved overall the MD Ander- health and might help women lower son Cancer their risk for breast cancer as well. Center note 1. Reach and maintain a healthy weight. that the link The benefits of maintaining a healthy between al- weight include a lower risk for heart coholcon- disease and stroke, and women should sumption know that weight and breast cancer risk and _ breast are linked as well. According to the ACS, cancer risk increased body weight and weight gain is low. How- as an adult are linked to a higher risk of ever, the MYTH: If you maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat healthy, and limit alcohol, you don’t have to worry about breast cancer. FACT: Although these behaviors can help lower breast cancer risk, they can't eliminate it. eee) Speak to your doctor about the best path to monitor your health. mall Enou To Know You, Large Enough to Serve Yo Yes Finance Minx “Rural Personal Service” + “Metro Technology” Quality, affordable healthcare Fanh right here, right now. ™ 501 South L.L. Males Avenue We Love To Say Yes!” Cheyenne, Okla. 73628 Roger Mills 580-497-3336 1414 W. Third Street, Elk City - 580-225-1525 Memorial Hospital www.rmmhonline.com