October begins National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a time when communities come together to offer support by providing local resources along with educational information for early breast cancer detection.
Many Oregonians have a friend, family member, or co-worker who has been impacted by the big C. Experts at the National Cancer Institute estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life.
“Self-breast exams are extremely helpful in detecting this disease in its earliest stages”, said Catherine Hope, a caregiver and nurses assistant. “I lost both my mother and grandmother to breast cancer over 25 years ago ” Hope shared. “Fortunately, there are technologies that exist now that were not available then.”
Oregon Advanced Imaging,(OAI), a Southern Oregon MRI and PET/CT provider, offers the most advanced diagnostic imaging technology in the region. During National Breast Awareness month, OAI is encouraging Oregon women to seek regular check-ups with their healthcare provider and to practice early detection through breast self-examination.
Oregon Advanced Imaging (OAI) has been awarded accreditation in Breast MRI by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and is the only imaging center in Southern Oregon fully accredited in all modalities offered including: MRI, Breast MRI, PET and CT.
“We are extremely proud to have received accreditation from ACR”, said Tom Organ, OAI Executive Director. “We work hard to ensure our patients receive the most advanced state-of-the art technology and personal care available.”
With three locations in Southern Oregon, OAI is comprised of a compassionate and supportive staff who understand the apprehension, fears and emotions of patients who come to the center for imaging and breast cancer detection. Surveys show that patients consistently praise them, stating they are among the friendliest and most caring centers.
Every woman wants to know what she can do to lower her risk of breast cancer.
Here are the guidelines from the American Cancer Society for Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention:
Maintain a healthy weight throughout life.
- Balance calorie intake with physical activity.
- Avoid excessive weight gain throughout life.
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight if currently overweight or obese.
Adopt a physically active lifestyle.
- Adults should engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, above usual activities, on 5 or more days of the week; 45 to 60 minutes of intentional physical activity is preferable.
- Children and adolescents should engage in at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity at least 5 days per week.
Eat a healthy diet, with an emphasis on plant sources.
- Choose foods and drinks in amounts that help achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat 5 or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits each day.
- Choose whole grains over processed (refined) grains.
- Limit intake of processed and red meats.
If you drink alcoholic beverages, limit your intake.
- Women should drink no more than 1 drink per day (or 2 per day for men).
According to the American Cancer Society, women at high risk (greater than 20% lifetime risk) based on certain risk factors should get an MRI and a mammogram every year.
Women at moderately increased risk (15% to 20% lifetime risk) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram. Yearly MRI screening is not often recommended for women whose lifetime risk of breast cancer is less than 15%.
Women at high risk include those who:
- Have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
- Have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, but have not had genetic testing themselves.
- Have a lifetime risk of breast cancer of 20% to 25% or greater, according to risk assessment tools that are based mainly on family history.
- Had radiation therapy to the chest when they were between the ages of 10 and 30 years.
- Have Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, or have first-degree relatives with one of these syndromes
Women often ask what can they do to start taking preventative measures now. Oregon Health News recommends that you choose to lead a healthier lifestyle. If you smoke, quit. Make exercise a part of your daily routine, Choose nutritious food. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. By making the healthiest choices possible, you can ensure your breast cancer risk is as low as possible.
To learn more about the imaging services at Oregon Advanced Imaging, go to: www.oaimaging.com »
NBCAM Collaborating Organizations
To learn more about breast cancer, breast health, the latest research developments, awareness events, and patient resources, visit any of the websites below for more information.
American Cancer Society (ACS) is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. www.cancer.org »
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), founded in 1951, is the nation’s leading group of professionals providing health care for women. www.acog.org »
American College of Radiology (ACR) is a major national medical specialty association comprised of radiologists, radiation oncologists, and medical physicists. The College has grown from a group of 20 physicians meeting for the first time in 1923 to a 32,000 member service organization. www.acr.org »
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world’s leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer. With more than 30,000 members, ASCO is committed to improving cancer care through scientific meetings, educational programs and peer-reviewed journals. www.asco.org »
The American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) is an organization of women physicians, medical students, and other persons dedicated to serving as the unique voice for women’s health and the advancement of women in medicine. www.amwa-doc.org »
AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation, established in 1993, is a Delaware not-for-profit corporation and a 501(c)(3) entity organized for charitable purposes, including to promote public awareness of health care issues, to promote public education of medical knowledge, and to support or contribute to charitable and qualified exempt organizations consistent with its charitable purpose.
www.astrazeneca-us.com/foundation »
CancerCare helps individuals and families better cope with and manage the emotional and practical challenges arising from cancer. Our services — for patients, survivors, loved ones, caregivers, and the bereaved — include counseling and support groups, educational publications and workshops, and financial assistance. www.cancercare.org »
Men Against Breast Cancer (MABC), founded in 1999, is the first national non-profit to provide national support services to educate and empower men to be effective care givers, help men cope with the impact of a loved one’s breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, and target and mobilize men to be active participants in the fight to eradicate breast cancer as a life threatening disease. www.menagainstbreastcancer.org »
National Medical Association (NMA), established in 1895, is the largest and oldest professional, educational and scientific organization representing the interests of African American physicians and their patients. www.nmanet.org »
The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) is a professional organization of more than 35,000 registered nurses and other health care professionals committed to excellence in oncology nursing and to leading the transformation of cancer care by initiating and actively supporting educational. www.ons.org »
Prevent Cancer Foundation is a national nonprofit health organization whose mission is the prevention of cancer through scientific research and education. www.preventcancer.org »
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is a global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested more than $1.9 billion since inception in 1982. www.komen.org »
September 30th, 2013
Source: Oregon Health News