LATEST UPDATES ABOUT BREAST CANCER One Fewer Excuse To Not Have Genetic Testing
People who inherit a genetic mutation, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 for breast and ovarian cancers, or other familial syndromes, such as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, that predispose them to cancer are now protected from genetic discrimination regarding health insurance coverage and employment. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2007 passed the House in April by a 420-3 vote and will likely be passed by the Senate later this year. Read more.....
Combined Screening Approach Leads to Discovery of Gene Linked to Breast Cancer
Using a novel three-part screening process, scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a gene that is made inappropriately in about a third of all breast cancers. Read more.....
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BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR STORIES
Read the stories of strength, courage, and determination of women in the Pittsburgh area. Share your story of courage and strength with KPURCELL@KOMENPITTSBURGH.ORG
Beth Beth was first diagnosed with breast cancer in November 1991 the day before her 31st birthday. She had just given birth to her son when she noticed a predominant lump during breastfeeding. Her doctor said that since she was young and had no family history of breast cancer, the lump was most likely associated with breastfeeding and would go away. But when Beth began to wean her baby, the lump did not disappear.
Beth went back to the gynecologist and had a mammogram and ultrasound. A biopsy the next day confirmed that she had breast cancer. Beth opted to have a mastectomy and reconstruction. She also underwent a high dose of chemotherapy used in a clinical trial, radiation, and took Tamoxifen. Beth had just passed the cancer-free ten-year mark in February of 2002, when she was diagnosed for a second time in the opposite breast. She had thought that she was out of the woods, but a mammogram discovered a lump in the breast. Beth underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy and Arimidex for the second time. Luckily the breast cancer was caught during the earliest stage and most of her treatment was finished less than a year later on September 9, 2002. But Beth is not your typical breast cancer survivor, when she was first diagnosed she was a stay-at-home mom. The diagnosis brought about a major change that made Beth feel that it was important for her to do something about breast cancer. She began to seek out opportunities to educate the public and started volunteering at the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the Komen Pittsburgh Race for the Cure. In 1997, Beth began working at the ACS full-time as a patient services coordinator. Every day she speaks with people from ten counties dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis. Beth believes that the most important things to do when facing the diagnosis are to get as much information as possible, get as much support as possible, and remain optimistic because breast cancer is not the end of your life, it is the beginning. Jill
North Hills Jill had already won one battle with cancer when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2002. At that time, Jill was an 11-year thyroid cancer survivor, and the Wexford mother of three knew from her own experience that a cancer diagnosis did not have to be a death sentence. After undergoing a mastectomy and the removal of 23 lymph nodes, Jill was given an excellent prognosis. The mother of three daughters had reconstructive surgery in May 2002 and recently celebrated her new left breast’s first birthday with a party. “I come from a family of that has both a lot of faith and a good sense of humor,” Jill says, “that’s where I get my positive outlook.” Her positive perspective was a great boon to Jill when, as a side effect from her original surgery, she contracted lymphodema, an incurable and permanent swelling condition that occurs due to inadequate lymph node drainage. Today, Jill is a vocal spokesperson for both breast cancer awareness and lymphodema awareness. Paulette
Paulette was diagnosed 9 years ago in May at the age of 39. She had gone to her gynecologist after she had noticed a lump in her breast. The mammogram showed a lump and the biopsy said that it was malignant. Paulette also had her lymphnodes removed, 4 of which were cancerous. She then underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Paulette also took Tamoxifen for 5 years. She got into a clinical trial in Cleveland for women with more than 4 lymph nodes involved. Paulette had a stem transplant done through this trial. Today she is doing very well. Paulette, who was a nurse at the time of diagnosis, decided to go back to school to get her Master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner. She originally wanted to work in the emergency room, but ended up working in a gynecologist office and realized that she loved it! Now Paulette works to educate women about breast cancer. She is on the American Cancer Society Board in Elk County and she works with the Breast Cancer Coalition at Elk Regional Health Center. Since the incidence for cancer in Elk County is higher than the state and national average, the Breast Cancer Coalition is trying to decrease the rates of cancer in the area. They are currently working to establish a Women’s Health Center, which would provide free mammograms through the Race for the Cure MVP program. Paulette believes that women should not fear having a mammogram. She wants women to know that breast cancer is very treatable if it is detected in the earliest stages. She says that despite the horror of the disease, good things can come from the experience. She also says that support made her battle so much easier. Share your story with us and give strength and courage to others. Eamil your story to info@pittsburghraceforthecure.org.
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