A focus on Breast Cancer in October
by James N. Martin, Jr, MD
President, The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths among women in the U.S. It's not surprising that a diagnosis of this disease is a fear many women share. However, being informed about the risk factors, detection, and treatment of breast cancer can help empower women to move beyond fear and into action.
The two main risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and getting older. Family history, personal history of certain cancers, no pregnancies or first pregnancy later in life, starting periods before age 12 or menopause at age 55 or after, obesity, alcohol intake, and use of some types of hormone therapy can also increase a woman's risk.
While some risk factors including age and family history are beyond your control, others such as weight and the amount of alcohol you drink can be improved. You can learn more about your risk of breast and other cancers at understandingrisk.cancer.gov.
Women with breast cancer have up to a 98 percent survival rate when it is caught at an early stage. Earlier detection and advances in treatment have led to the gradual decrease in breast cancer deaths. Mammography screening remains the best available method to detect breast cancer early. Regular mammograms are crucial to identifying tumors when they are most treatable, but unfortunately, many women skip being screened.
ACOG recommends that all women ages 40 and older should have a mammogram annually. If you have certain risk factors, such as being a carrier of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, your doctor may suggest mammography screening at a younger age. High-risk women should discuss their prevention options with their doctors. For information on where you can find free or low-cost mammography screenings, go to cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp.
Women ages 40 and older should also have their breasts examined by their doctor annually. Women ages 20-39 should have this done every one to three years. Additionally, all women ages 20 and older should become familiar with the normal appearance and feel of their breasts and tell their doctor if they notice any changes.
There are currently a number of effective treatment options available for breast cancer. Ultimately, a woman and her doctor will choose the treatment that is right for her, based on the location and extent of the cancer, her age and preferences, and the risks and benefits of each treatment.
As a national sponsor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, ACOG encourages women to focus on breast health now. For more information and resources on breast cancer, treatment options, and where you can find support, go to nbcam.org.
Sharpie Markers go Pink for Breast Cancer
This October, pink is the new black in the world of celebrity autographs. Sharpie® has kicked off its "Ink It Pink" campaign to help fight breast cancer with a challenge to celebrities and fans to ink it pink for the cause. For every pink autograph signed and submitted to www.sharpie.com during the month of October, Sharpie will donate $1 to City of Hope, one of the nation's leading cancer research, treatment, and education centers.
"Pink is a powerful symbol in the fight against breast cancer, "said Sally Grimes, from Sharpie. "And now, a pink autograph has the power to not only raise awareness, but raise funds for City of Hope."
And Vermont's own Grace Potter has already signed on to the Ink It Pink effort. Potter helped kick-off the campaign on Sept. 24 during her band's concert in New York City's Central Park where she inked pink autographs for fans and encouraged them to do the same.
As part of its commitment to women facing cancer, City of Hope maintains a unique, multidisciplinary Women's Cancers Program to advance understanding of breast and gynecological cancers, improve screening and develop new treatments, in addition to improving quality of life for survivors.
How to Ink It Pink
To submit your pink autograph to the Ink It Pink gallery, visit www.sharpie.com, where you can also view celebrity signatures. The campaign will be the spotlight feature on BroadCause the week of Sept. 26. BroadCause is a notable philanthropic website where people, corporations and causes unite and engage in one centralized place to support a variety of important causes.
Breast Cancer Conference celebrates 14th year
The 14th Vermont Breast Cancer Conference will be held on Friday, Oct. 7 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sheraton Burlington Hotel and Conference Center in South Burlington. The theme of this year's free community event sponsored by the Susan G. Komen Foundation "Being Well throughout the Cancer Journey" centers on staying active and being well.
Leading an active lifestyle is important and staying active promotes physical and emotional wellness. Exercise has been found to lower the chances for developing some types of cancer; additionally, it may help decrease the risk of recurrence of certain cancers, including breast cancer. As scientific literature on the benefits of exercise continues to grow, the objective of the conference is to provide information and practical strategies to help participants reach their exercise goals.
This enriching day of hope and celebration has brought together over 60 experts to provide a diverse program full of opportunities that will educate, empower, and inspire breast cancer survivors, their families and friends, health care experts, and support services professionals.
Although registration closed on Oct. 2, walk-ins are welcome after the deadline. However, space is limited and some sessions may be closed.
For more information about this year's conference call (802) 656-2292 or visit www.vtbreastcancerconference.org.
Bust a Move for Breast Cancer!
Bust a Move for Breast Cancer is a two-hour Zumba® Master Class with local instructors and special guest instructors at the Sheraton Burlington Emerald Ballroom following the Breast Cancer Conference from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to participate. Tear up the dance floor for a great cause. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. The Zumba Master Class is $20 prior to the event and $25 at the door. All proceeds benefit the S.D. Ireland Cancer Research Fund. For more information or to register visit www.VTBreastCancerConference.org or www.sdicancerreresearch.org.
About the S.D. Ireland Cancer Research Fund
In 1998, Shelburne residents Scott D. Ireland and his wife Kimberly decided to take an important step toward a very ambitious goal - curing cancer. After battling cancer in their own lives and experiencing the success and limitations of existing cancer treatments, Scott and Kim realized that the support of a skilled group of researchers was one of the best ways to help move closer to a cure.
They began with the creation of an endowed professorship of cancer research at the University of Vermont's College of Medicine and later developed the S.D. Ireland Cancer Research Fund in order to bring additional friends and supporters to the cause. For the past 11 years, the SD Ireland Cancer Research Fund has supported the groundbreaking research being done by Dr. David Krag and his team at the University of Vermont's College of Medicine. This support has been rewarded with successful new therapies, including radio-guided sentinel node surgery, which is now the standard treatment for breast cancer nationwide.
Strides hits the runway for MORE birthdays and LESS cancer
O'Briens Aveda Institute and Stylists from O'Briens Salons want to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who attended, donated and spread the word about Stride Hits the Runway on Friday September 23rd.
We raised OVER $2,100 for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
This event was made possible by Staff & Faculty at O'Briens Aveda Institute, Stylists and Managers at local O'Briens Salons, American Cancer Society Staff and donations from local area businesses. We are in gratitude to the donated location of Club Venue and the musical talents of DJ Robbie J.
We sold over 120 Tickets & raised $357 in Raffle Ticket Purchases.
Artists around the world are using their talents to create awareness, entertainment and hope in support of Breast Cancer Awareness More Birthdays, Less Cancer campaign. Stylists from O'Briens Salons joined teams of Cosmetology, Barbering and Spa Therapy students from O'Briens Aveda Institute to create a night of fun, fashion and fundraising through the art of hair and makeup. All proceeds from ticket sales, raffle money and donations will be given to the American Cancer Society.
Supporting Strides is a team effort and we are very thankful for the generosity that has come from our community. Prizes were donated by Care Electrolysis, Sophie's American Bistro, Fuller Landscaping, Euro Food Market, Ashley Furniture, Saunders Jewelers, Girlington Garage, Rockys Pizza, New York Pizza Oven, Little Purple Cake Shoppe and more.
Continued financial support is needed to cover the ongoing operating costs of the local American Cancer Society Office. To learn how you can help, with a gift or as a volunteer, please visit the Hope Lodge Burlington Web site or call Hilary Casillas, American Cancer Society state vice president for development, at 802.872.6313.
For future information on our events and special offers connect with us online at www.obriensavedainstitute.org, on facebook or follow @ObriensSalons on twitter.
For information on breast cancer:
For information on Making Strides Against Breast Cancer:
To join Team Determination:
main.acsevents.org/goto/team.determination
To support Renee's fundraising efforts for Making Strides:
Main.acsevents.org/goto/renee.dall
Other ways to get involved:
To learn more about the 13th Annual VT Breast Cancer Conference ("Breast Cancer, the Environment & You"):
www.vtbreastcancerconference.org
