October 19, 2024 Issue, Page 16 of 20

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4B+ SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2024 BREAST CANCER * The Elk City News When the Doctor Says Cancer By Sheryl Ponce I could tell that my doctor eryone produces cancer cells, motherapy. My doctor did not treatment. had something he wanted to but it is whether our body can recommend the radiation, but When a doctor says cancer, I have not had breast cancer, tell me, but he was hesitant and slough them off or whether the fear made my decision for me. the meaning is different to each and although this is breast can- nervous. The diagnosis was cells find a comfortable place I went through three hu- person based on his/her expe- cer awareness month, I have unexpected because the cancer to grow. That was not very miliating rounds of radiation. riences, families, and stories of heard the words cancer from was not found until the pathol- comforting, but I accepted it to I should have listened to my survival. I think it is difficult my physician. The specifics ogy was completed. It was stage be true. doctor. I don't believe my expe- to know what to say to some- may not be the same, but the two and was almost through I was referred to an oncolo- rience was typical of radiation, one with the diagnosis, just as word and feelings about the the wall of the uterus. I was gist. That caused more con- but it was painful, embarrass- it was hard for my doctor to word “cancer” can be shared. thankful that it was removed cern. I was told that if the can- ing, and the Oklahoma City tell me the news. I needed to I do not claim to understand before that happened, but the cer were to return, I would not hospital staff was not compas- accept it, understand what was how other people feel when feelings that I had cancer in my be able to survive it. I panicked sionate. next, and have the confidence she hears that cancer cells have body created numbness with and immediately scheduled The best thing from that ex- in the medical professionals been found, but I know how I thoughts. some radiation. I was fortunate perience was a teddy bear that that took care of me. felt. What I learned was that ev- that I did not have to have che- was given to me at the last How to conduct a breast self-exam Catching cancer in its earliest stages, breast changes, particularly for women when it can be treated most successfully, with large breasts. Lie down and put a can increase the chances individuals who pillow under your right shoulder, Place develop the disease go on to live long, your right arm behind your head. Using healthy lives. Doctors are not as familiar your left hand, apply the same technique with their patients’ bodies as the patients as described in option 1, using the pads of themselves, so it is vital for people to be your fingers to check the breast. Change aware of anything that seems out of the the pillow to the other shoulder, and ordinary regarding their physical well- check the other breast and armpit. Re- being. In regard to breast health, famil- member to check the areolas and nipples. iarizing oneself with how the breasts look 3. Mirror examination: With shirt and and feel can help women detect breast bra removed, stand in front of a mirror. cancer sooner rather than later. Place your arms down by your sides and “The Mayo Clinic says breast self-exams look for any changes in breast shape, or encourage breast awareness. A self-exam any swelling and dimpling of the skin. is a Visual and manual inspection of the Look for changes in the positioning of breasts that people perform on their own nipples. Next, place both hands on your at home. Opinions on the efficacy of hips and flex your chest muscles, once breast self-examssare mixed. For example, again looking for any changes while the 2008 study ofnearly 400,000 women in muscles are in this position. Remember China and Russia reported that breast to look at both breasts. self-examination does not have a mean- exams by a doctor, mammography, and results. other changes. A circular pattern often Breast tissue extends to the armpit, col- ingful effect on breast cancer survival ultrasounds and MRI testing. There are a few different ways to con- helps you ensure you check the entirety larbone and the top of the abdomen, so it rates and may even lead to unnecessary ‘The National Breast Cancer Founda- duct a breast self-exam. The Cleveland of the breast. Then you should press the is essential to look at all these areas, not tissue biopsies. In response to this and tion, Inc.” says a breast self-exam can Clinic offers these three options and in- tissue nearest your armpit. Check under just the cleavage and nipples. similar studies, the American Cancer So- be performed at least once a month, Es- structions. your areola (the area around the nipple) A self-examination is not sufficient ciety stopped recommending breast self- tablishing a baseline early on can help 1, While standing: Remove your shirt and squeeze the nipple to check for any to detect breast cancer. The NBCF says exam asa screening tool for those withan women detect abnormalities that much, and bra. Use your right hand to examine discharge. Repeat these steps on the oth- mammography can usually detect tu- average risk of breast cancer, Still, other sooner, The exam should be done a few your left breast, then vice versa. With the er breast. A standing exam is easily per- mors before they can be felt, making a organizations, such as Breastcancer.org, days after a menstrual period ends. For pads of your three middle fingers, press formed in the shower. mammogram the best exam for early de- advocate for breast self-exams when they those who have reached menopause, the on every part of one breast. Apply light 2. While lying down: Breast tissue tection. However, self-exams can be yet are part of a comprehensive screening exam should be performed on the same pressure, then increase the pressure to spreads out more evenly while lying another tool for women to use to main- program that includes regular physical day of each month to establish consistent firm. Feel for any lumps, thick spots or down, so this isa good position to feel for tain breast health. FACT: About 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. These occur due to genetic mutations that happen as a result of the aging process and life in general, rather than inherited mutations. Join The Fight! Fred‘ Open Seven Days A Week ¢ Kid Friendly Menu Available Steakhouse 2103 S. Main Street, Elk City 2107 S. Main Street, Elk City 980-225-3463 980-243-2100 Cowes» aN