A SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET An angel’s touch A warrior spirit A helping hand for How one woman moms in treatment kicked cancer’s butt

November 2011 BREAST CANCER

3TIPS

LEARNING TO LIVE AGAIN Breast cancer survivor Olivia Newton-John reveals her road to recovery

PHOTO: DAVID GREENHOUSE 2·NOVEMBER2011 A SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET CHALLENGES TIP

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY WE RECOMMEND TO LEARN An angelic ABOUT helping hand BREAST How the Nanny 1 Angel Network HEALTH givesmomssome much needed PAGE 6 support. “Dealing with the everyday stress of their diagnosis is taxing enough which is where The Nanny Angel Network steps in...”

The female perspective p. 5 The unique financial worries women face. Acancerwarrior p. 7 How kick boxing gave one woman the strength to fight her diagnosis head-on.

Living with cancer is a process of discovery—life after diagnosis will never be the same.This is why strong support is so necessary—to thrive, rather than just survive. Thesurvivorshift:Finding your “new normal” hanks to advances this mayno longer be possible; there breast cancer diagnosis has on one’s in the treatment is no “going back”. It is a process of life and the challenges that will be BREAST CANCER of breast cancer, discovery; there is a new paradigm faced as well as someone who has 1STEDITION,NOVEMBER2011 for the 23,600 Can- associated with life after diagnosis. travelled the same path—a peer. Responsible for this issue: adians diagnosed Finding that new normal does not Willow’s peer support team can Publisher: Nienke Woodburn with the disease have a set timeline. Adjustments make a positive difference for you. [email protected] Designer: Penelope Graham this year, the five- to the way we deal with day to day They are here to listen and share [email protected] year survival rate is 88 percent.This issues and in fact, our entire lives the experience with you, through- Contributors: MJDeCoteau,Tonya T Facey, Catherine McCormack, Pauleanna is good news.However,just because may be necessary. out the continuum of your life with Reid, Virginia Yule treatment for breast cancer is fin- Your hair may have grown back breast cancer. Managing Director: Gustav Aspegren ished, the journey is not necessar- and you may have more energy than We all hope to survive for years to [email protected] ily over. you did when in active treatment come.Most of us will. Production Coordinator: Jemima Codrington You have lived through the shock but there may also be physical and Virginia Yule Some will not.We do our best not [email protected] Cancer survivor, of a diagnosis, subsequent surgery psychological side effects that en- to impose upon family, friends and Business Developer: Chris Vassallo Executive Director, [email protected] and completed rounds of radiation dure.Long-term effects of treatment Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada caregivers once cancer treatment is and/or chemotherapy.After months mayinclude: earlymenopause (with MY BEST TIPS over. But please remember, it takes Distributed within: Toronto Star, November 2011 of being in a clinical setting and all the associated symptoms includ- time to learn how to live in our new This section was created by Mediaplanet forming relationships with your ing mood swings, hot flashes, etc.), normal. and did not involve the Toronto Star or its “Finding that new Editorial Departments. healthcare team and other patients, weight gain, lymphedema, aches normal does not We want to learn how to thrive, the hospital doors close and you are and pains.You may experience: fear not just survive.For support and in- expected to move on. Family and of the cancer returning,body image have a set timeline. formation to help you throughout friends who were dedicated to sup- issues,relationship concerns.Many Adjustmentstothe your breast cancer journey, porting you want things to get back of these long term side effects are contact Willow Breast Cancer FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND waywedealwith TWITTER! to normal and they expect you to re- often borne in silence. Support Canada. www.facebook.com/MediaplanetCA turn to your old,pre-cancer self. day to day issues.... 1.888.778.3100 or www.willow.org. www.twitter.com/MediaplanetCA Seek understanding and our entire lives Finding your new “normal” and support Mediaplanet’s business is to create new maybenecessary.” VIRGINIA YULE customers for our advertisers by providing readers with high-quality content For many breast cancer survivors No one understands the impact a [email protected] thatmotivatesthemtoact. Young women bust DONT’ MISS! breast exam myths Your best breast Iwasjust22whenIlostmy true! health practices momtobreastcancer.My grandmother had also had Targeting a Your breasts change it.Inotherwords,Ibecame younger demographic naturally throughout “aware”ofbreastcancerata Rethink Breast Cancer burst on the your life: very young age. scene 10 years ago with a desire to ■ Growth at puberty. change the face of breast cancer and ■ Swelling, lumpiness or tender- But that didn’t mean make the issues relevant to young ness before menstrual periods. I knew what steps I women. Most women in their 20s and ■ Become larger and firmer dur- should be taking my- 30s are busy building a life, a home, FEEL YOUR WAY ing pregnancy and breastfeeding. You’rethebestjudgeof ■ self to be on top of my a career and aren’t thinking about what feels normal—report Become less firm and dense at breast health. breast cancer. Rethink aims to grab anything out of the menopause. I went looking for young women’s attention and mo- ordinary to your doctor. breast health infor- tivate them to consider their breast Breast changes to look mation in my 20s. health.Our approach is upbeat (some- complicated. thing is to be familiar with how your for include: The brochures I timescheeky)andtriestotakethefear Taking charge of your breast health breasts look and feel normally,so you ■ A breast lump. found had a out of using early detection methods. doesn’thavetobedifficult.Earlydetec- notice changes. ■ Dimpling of the breast. 65-year-old (SeeournewYourManReminderApp: tion starts with being “Breast Aware”, We love a good,chill attitude in life, ■ Changes in breast size. on the cov- Page 8) which simply means knowing your especially in our fast-paced, technol- ■ Changes in the nipple. er and were breasts.Makeitaregularhabit—touch ogy driven world.But,there’s never a ■ Liquid leaking from the nipple. prettydrab—not Teaching proper them,look at them,feel around.If you good reason to take await-and-see ap- ■ Changes in skin (e.g. looks like very inspiring exam technique findanythingunusual,reportittoyour proach when it comes to your health. an orange peel). for a young per- Rethink’s earliest goal was to clear doctor. Whenbreastcancerisfoundearly,you ■ Redness or discolouration that son. My take- the confusion around breast self- have more treatment options and a does not go away. away message: exam.For years,health care providers Youknowyourbodybest better chance of beating it.So,if you ■ Any other unusual changes in breast cancer is pushed an official “breast self-exam” Every woman will have her own way find a change inyour breast,report it your breasts. an older woman’s technique, creating multi-panel of touching and looking for changes; as soon as possible to your doctor. disease and I had pamphlets with medical diagrams there’s no special technique and you BeBreastAware,aWillowPublication lots of time be- outlining all the steps to perform don’t need any training. You might MJ DECOTEAU Available in 10 languages fore I needed to such an exam. Young women were check when you’re dressing or in the Founder and Executive Director, ■ Courtesy of www.willow.org/BBA start thinking intimidated and didn’t bother check- bath or shower.Whether you are lying Rethink Breast Cancer about it. Not ing their breasts because it was too down or standing up, the important [email protected] A SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET NOVEMBER 2011 · 3

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INSPIRATION TIP

SEEK A SECOND 2 OPINION

PHOTO: CHAD ALLEN SMITH

When singer and actress Olivia Newton-John discovered a lump in her breast in 1992, her initial diagnosis was cancer-clear. Knowing inherently that something was wrong,she challenged this—and eventually located breast cancer.Now,she helps women be proactive about their breast health. Trustyourinstincts,winthebattle Conquering fear whole person: body, mind and spirit. ges in the breast.To date more than 1.3 cipes for a Healthy, Happy Life” LEADER TO LEADER The biggest struggle that she faced “I am thrilled,”she announces.“I real- million LivAids have been distributed April 2012 Ittakesenormousstrength subsequent to receiving her diagno- ly want to help people who are going to women around the world and she ■ Movie “A Few Best Men” re- andcouragetofindlightina sis was the fear of dying. With the through cancer and now my dream is continues to promote the importance leased early 2012 world of darkness, but multi- support of loved ones, however, she coming true.” of breast health and how women can ■ Amazon Rain Skin Care line, award winning singer and changed her way of thinking and take control of their bodies.“I am fine available now actress Olivia Newton-John broughtoutthepositivefromanega- today and stronger than before and exemplifiesthatitispos- tive situation. “After my first chemo “IfIhadn’thad I give credit to early detection,” says sible. treatment, instead thinking of a poi- that feeling Newton-John. son going through my body, I im- Since overcoming her battle with agined it as a golden light thatwas go- that something Upcoming projects: PAULEANNA REID breast cancer nearly 20 years ago,she ing to cure the cancer and make me was wrong, ■ Cookbook “LivWise: Easy Re- [email protected] has learned to appreciate life’s sim- better,”states Newton-John.She cred- ple pleasures and has redirected her its yoga, meditation, acupuncture, maybe we energytowardsempoweringandedu- massage and herbal products made wouldn’t have cating women about this disease.Her from rain forest botanicals as a ma- confidence stems from a memorable jor part of her recoveryandwell being. found it.” journey which all started when she Newton-John and her husband run discovered a lump in her breast back a business called the Amazon Herb Turningwoundsintowisdom in 1992. After testing the abnormal- Company, which consists of herb- Newton-John’s ability to openly share ity, she underwent a mammogram al products created from plants that her personal experience with others and needle biopsy,which both came grow in one of the purest and beauti- has allowed her to empower,motivate back negative.However,her instincts fullyrich soils on the planet.The skin- and inspire women around the world. pushed her to continue with more care system uses natural ingredients Two decades later and cancer free,she screening and,after a surgical biopsy, torestorethehealthandvitalityofthe continues to fight for a cure, launch- her cancer was discovered.“If I hadn’t skin. ing LivAid, a breast self-exam device had that feeling that something was that enhances a women’s touch so wrong, maybe we wouldn’t have There’s power in giving that every lump and bump is magni- foundit.SoItellwomenifyoufeelthat “Sinceconqueringcancer,lifeisamaz- fied and it is easier to notice any chan- there is something ing; everything I do is around wrong, follow it health and healing,” she affirms. up. Trust your Newton-John has partnered instincts,” ad- with the Austin hospital in Mel- vises Newton- bourne, Australia to launch John. the Olivia Newton-John Can- cer and Wellness Centre.The healthcare facility is sched- uled to open its doors in June of 2012 and will offer a range of medical treatments, support- ive care and compliment- ary therapies such as: sup- port groups,education- al programs, music and art therapy, nutrition and ex- ADVOCATING FOR EMPOWERMENT ercise. The inspira- Newton-John partnered with the tion behind the full Austin Hospital to launch the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness service cancer cen- Centre. tre is to focus not only Right: Breaking ground. on chemo and radiation, PHOTOS:MICHELLEDAY,RIGHT:OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN CANCER AND WELLNESS CENTRE buttoprovidecareforthe Pink Trucks Deliver A Difference For every litre of propane our Pink Trucks deliver, a portion goes to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

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DON’T MISS! Cancer tops women’s list of health concerns Canadians, particular- percent of men. In terms of per- ly women, are more afraid sonal savings for things like retire- CHECKING IN of cancer than any other ment and unforeseen emergencies, A woman undergoes ABUS health concern, according to womentendtofeellesssecurewith screening, a new detec- 2 tion method that pairs the 2011 Desjardins Financial Se- only 35 percent reporting adequate with mammograms. curity (DFS) Health Survey.At the savings compared with 42 percent PHOTO: U-SYSTEMS INC. same time,these women feel sig- of men. nificantly less financially secure than their male counterparts What we found when it comes to dealing with the maysurpriseyou SCREENING costs of such an illness and tend to Women have more experience rely more on their formal and in- with critical illness and with care- formal support networks. giving: It is also interesting to note that women are more like- Womenfearcancer ly to have had direct experience SAVES LIVES with the critical illness of a close more than men Women are more concerned about friend or relative (78 percent vs. 72 ■ Question: Whyisitso breast cancer screening for women ized program that provides high- cancer: 28 percent of female survey percent of men) and are consider- important for women to be who are at average risk of breast can- quality breast screening services to respondents identified receiving ably more comfortable discussing “breast aware”? cer is mammography.“A mammog- women. Although there are breast a cancer diagnosis as their great- their health (86 percent) than men ■ Answer: Understanding your raphy every two years starting at cancer clinics across Ontario,not all est health fear,compared with on- (76 percent).At the same time, the breasthealthisthefirststepin 50 years of age is recommended for offer the same high quality of ser- ly 20 percent of men surveyed.That women surveyed have more con- preventing cancer. women at average risk.They are al- vice,which is why it is important to is particularly interesting consid- fidence in the healthcare system so eligible to be enrolled in the On- either have a mammogram done at ering that the reality is that more to help them during treatment (58 Breast cancer is the most tario Breast Screening Program (OB- an OBSP site or visit a clinic in the men than women will be diag- percent vs. 49 percent of men) and common cancer among Can- SP) to receive it for free,” states Dr. Canadian Association of Radiolo- nosed with a new cancer in 2011 would be far more likely to turn to adian women above the age Linda Rabeneck, vice president of gists’ Mammography Accreditation (52 percent in men versus 48 per- their families for help (63 percent) of 20, therefore detection Prevention and Cancer Control for Program. “It doesn’t mean that the cent in women) and will die from in the event of a critical illness (vs. and screening for accurate Cancer Care Ontario. For women facilityisn’t doing a good job,butyou cancer (53 percent in men versus 47 52 percent of men).Women are al- and early diagnosis are key with a higher risk,they may require really don’t know for certain.We en- percent in women). so far more likely to be the primary components to improve and a combination of digital mammog- courage physicians to refer their pa- Women are more attuned to caregiver in the household,looking lengthenthequalityoflife. raphy, MRI and breast ultrasound, tients to facilities that are accredit- the financial impact of critical ill- after both their children and their however, no test is 100 percent per- ed because that’s a recognized stan- ness and they are less confident elderly parents. The responsibil- Discovering cancer at the earliest fect.Some results show signs of can- dard,” says Dr. Nancy A.T. Wadden, about their financial situation: ities of this “Sandwich Generation” possible stage provides more treat- cer that are ruled out when further radiologist at St. Clare’s Mercy Hos- The women in the survey are also fall on women a staggering 77 per- ment options, less invasive forms testing is done; this is called a false pital.Women are encouraged to edu- more likely than men to say that cent of the time. of treatment and a better chance at positive. About one in 10 women cate themselves on the various op- they are not prepared to deal with surviving the disease. may be called back for more testing tions available, take their lives into the financial fallout of a critical ill- All statistics, unless otherwise indi- after their mammogram, but most their own hands and prevent cancer ness such as cancer. Only 32.5 per- cated, are taken from the Desjardins Advancements in technology women who require additional test- before it happens. cent of women believed they could Financial Security Health Survey. Over the last 40 years there have ing will not have breast cancer. afford the costs of a critical illness been huge advances in screening not covered by private or govern- COURTESY OF CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY technology,training and equipment. Screening saves lives PAULEANNA REID ment health insurance versus 39.4 [email protected] The most common and effective The OBSP is a province-wide organ- [email protected]

NEW TOOLS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER

Findingbreastcancerasearlyand accurately as possible can save women’slivesandallowforless invasive treatments. New imaging methods, such as digital mammography and breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), are already revolutionizing how breast cancer patients are screened to detect cancer at an early stage. Imaging researchers at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research are now working on the next generation of tools that can accurately detect harmful cancer cells even earlier, so patients can be treated sooner and more effectively.

For more information visit: www.oicr.on.ca

Funding for the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research is provided by the Government of Ontario.

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SUPPORT TIP

REACH OUT FOR DON’T MISS! 3 SUPPORT Driving prevention with ABUS

It is commonly acknow- ledged that one of the keys to survival is early detec- tion. Women between the ages of 50 and 69 are en- couraged to get a mam- mogrameverytwoyearsto aid in early detection, but a new technology, Auto- mated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) helps provide a fuller picture.

Researched and developed by U- Systems,ABUS has been approved for use by both Health Canada as the only ultrasound device for breast screening and by the Food and DrugAdministration (FDA) in the United States. ABUS is a new 3D ultrasound machine that has TAKING CARE been specifically designed and de- TheAngelsgatherata veloped for breast imaging and is group retreat. PHOTO: NANNY ANGEL NETWORK used to help improve the early de- tection of breast cancer. It pro- vides a comfortable and pain-free Being a young mom is hectic enough—battling cancer at breast screening experience for women,in comparison to a mam- the same time can make it feel impossible.The NannyAngel mogram which uses compression Network was created to give such moms some much-needed support. as part of the screening process. A companion to mammograms “The somo-v Automated Breast Ultrasound System is not intend- ed as a replacement for mam- mography,” explains Ron Ho, president and CEO of U-Systems. An angelic “However,there is a growing body of scientific evidence that sup- plementing mammography with ultrasound detects more cancers than mammography alone.” While ABUS does not replace helping hand mammograms, it is meant to be used in conjunction with one in Whether it’s heading off to team of professional, volunteer On Call among others, and relies The Angels come prepared with order to provide a clearer, more doctor’s appointments, go- nannies. The Nanny Angel Net- on the generosity of professional an Angel Activity Bag filled with accurate picture of breast health. ing for treatment, running er- work was founded in 2009 by Aud- nannies who donate their time to books and arts and crafts to en- For women,especially those with randsorsimplylookingfora rey Guth, a mother of four and work with families. The organiz- tertain the children and provide a dense breasts, ABUS can signifi- few minutes by themselves, breast cancer survivor,who during ation currently has 86 Angels and safe, fun and educational experi- cantly increase the detection rate mothers living with cancer her own experience with cancer has helped 94 families since its in- ence for the children while they of breast cancer. When the breast have a different need for sup- realized that there was no child- ception. are there and help out in other tissue is dense there is a high- port when it comes to care care support available for women ways. er risk of cancer going undetect- for their children. during treatment. That’s when she Connecting mothers ed and coupled with the fact that had the idea to create an organiz- and angels Agreatergoal women with dense breasts have Dealing with the everyday stress ation to link professional nannies To participate in the program,moth- Aside from supporting young up to five times a higher risk of of their diagnosis is taxing enough with young mothers undergoing ers must be diagnosed with breast mothers living with cancer, the getting cancer, it makes proper which is where The Nanny Angel treatment for cancer to provide a cancer and be receiving treatment Nanny Angel Network aims to in- screenings very important. Network steps in to provide the type bit of relief. or in the early phases of recovery. crease breast health awareness of support that these mothers need. Currently with chapters in To- They must also have children under within the Nanny Angel com- A different use ronto, Ottawa, Calgary and Van- the age of 12 and not employ a full- munity and also to help improve for ultrasounds Identifying a need couver,The Nanny Angel Network time nanny. Families that partici- the image of nannies in the com- Unlike the handheld probes used The Nanny Angel Network pro- is funded by Rethink Breast Can- pate in the program are often re- munity and highlight the im- for regular ultrasounds, includ- vides free childcare for moth- cer, is sponsored ferred by a family doctor,oncologist portant work that they do daily. ing pregnancy,ABUS uses a large, ers undergoing treatment by Diamond or social worker or have contacted automated probe that minimizes for breast cancer Personnel the organization directly. the chances of human error dur- through a and Nannies The Angels undergo extensive ing the scan,which is often a con- training as part of the Nanny Angel cernwith traditional ultrasounds. Training Program in preparation Read more ABUS is able to capture hun- for their assignments to help ! on the web: dreds of images of the breast in them work compassionately www.nannyangelnetwork.com just a few minutes. In one sweep with children whose moth- of the machine ABUS is able to ers have cancer and are even TONYA FACEY take 600 images of the breast tis- trained in CPR and first-aid. [email protected] sue and captures images approxi- mately every two millimeters. Computerized software renders the images to provide a3Dimageofthe Spreadthenewsaboutbreasthealth breast. For those with Upuntilfouryearsago, beneficial effects on breast health,” breast cancer affecting breast im- women didn’t have access “To some ex- affirms Laidlaw.This supplement is one in nine Canadian plants, post- to a consumable supple- tent, women are distributed throughout Canada and women, we were ex- operative or ment that provided preventa- can easilybe found inyour local drug cited by the clinic- scar tissue, tive measures against breast educated about andhealthfoodstores. al trial results and ABUS is cancer. FemMED’s clinically- preventative and the potential of such a able to pro- tested “Breast Health formu- Research results unique and essential for- vide breast la”wascreatedtoaddress screening meas- break new ground mula,” says Laidlaw. The imaging where mam- this health concern and re- ures, but this “To some extent, women are edu- major outcome of the clinic- mograms fall short. Be- duce risk. cated about preventative and al trial illustrated an alteration cause ABUS is radia- knowledge is not screening measures,but this know- in estrogen metabolism to fa- tion-free,youngwomen With an emergent number of health as widespread as ledge is not as widespread as it vour a reduction in abnor- and women who are issues on the rise, the need to sup- needs to be,” states Laidlaw.In addi- mal breast cell growth pregnant or lac- port gene structure in the breast it needs to be.” tion to self-examination, main- that may be linked to a tating can re- has become a significant concern taining healthy weight, regular ex- lower cancer risk in the ceive a screen- amongst women. The formula helps tor of the Clinical Trials Division at ercise and low alcohol intake, this pre and post menopaus- ing without the PHOTO:U-SYSTEMSINC. to balance estrogen levels and pro- Nutrasource Diagnostics Inc. Other new formula is a positive addition al women who took part.This dis- worry of radia- vides a support system that modi- benefits of taking this supplement to one’s ammunition against can- covery is revolutionary because it tion as often as they’d like. fies a woman’s breast cellular struc- includes: eight hundred IUs of vita- cer.The natural health product sup- means that optimism and persis- ABUS is currently available on- ture. There have been no reported min D3 per daily dose and calcium- plement has undergone scientific tence has led to a possible treatment ly outside of the public health adverse side effects. “Also on the D-glucarate, used not as a specific testing by a controlled clinical trial option for women at risk for breast system in Toronto through VIP positive side,those women who ex- source of calcium but for its anti- at Nutrasource Diagnostics Inc.and cancer. Breast Imaging with national ex- perience breast tenderness during carcinogenic effects.“The product is the protocol was thoroughly exam- pansion plans on the horizon. monthly cycles may experience a not a mineral supplement, but con- ined by both Health Canada and an decrease in this uncomfortable feel- sists of a mixture of herbs chosen independent Research Ethics Board PAULEANNA REID TONYA FACEY ing,” says Dr.Maggie Laidlaw,direc- specifically for their synergistically prior to commencement. “With [email protected] [email protected] A SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET NOVEMBER 2011 · 7 INSIGHT

Catherine TWEET ON THE STREET What do YOU McCormack doforyourown breast health? Has battled: Breast cancer, and currently lives with MS Founder of: KickboxforTheCure INSIGHT Caitlin McHugh, Catherine McCormack was already living dailywith MS.When she was also diag- Mississauga Self examination once a nosed with breast cancer,she didn’t just succumb to illness.With the help of month. I’m also going to some friends and a fighting instinct, she has not only battled the 1 be screened for the disease—she’s kicked its butt. BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes since breast cancer runs in my family.

Notjustasurvivor,butawarrior Jamie Hamilton, Mississauga am an athlete,a wife,a busy mom I get regular breast exams raising two beautiful, energetic “My oncology and I pay attention to any little boys andveryengaged in my team told me to 2 changes in my breasts. I local community and “mommy have fibres in my breast tissue network”. do this would not caused by too much caffeine and IWhen people find out that I have be possible. not enough water.I try my best to been battling both MS and breast drink more water, especially on cancer, most are shocked and don’t Remaining days when I know I have a lot of understand how I can be so high defiant,Itrained.” caffeine. functioning.They are baffled by my energy,fitness and drive.While I cer- sessions became “Pink Fridays” and Cristina Cole, tainly have had my days through myteam of kickboxing mavenswould Keswick both of my respective battles, I be- wear pink and help me kick cancer to I get regular exams, in- lieve that the only way through the curb. Inspired by Pink Fridays, I form myself about family thesechallengesistofacethemhead spearheaded Kickbox for the Cure, a KICKIN’ BUTT 3 history, know my body onwith humour,courage,and a posi- major black tie fundraiser which took What started as a way to and ask questions,even if I think keep fit and connect with tive attitude.I also believe sport has place on September 30, kicking off her friends during treat- they’re dumb. played an important role with my breast cancer awareness month and ment has led McCormack to spearhead Kickbox for MS and cancer journeys. My motto raising a great deal of money for Re- The Cure. Amanda Codrington, has always been that I have MS,but thinkBreastCancer.Allthisgrewfrom PHOTO: JEFF HIGGINS Mississauga it doesn’t have me and I applied this a grassroots gathering of women pull- I get an annual physical motto to my battle with locally ad- ing together to fight this beast of a dis- While my reactions to each chemo Atruewarrior including blood work, as vanced breast cancer as well. ease that a staggering number of us treatment were unpredictable and I’m grateful for the strength sport 4 well as an annual mam- are nowfacing. at times, physically and emotionally has given me to do battle against mogram since I was 38 because of Kicking cancer challenging, I kept sport as my focal both of my diseases. And I thank my family history. where it counts Running from doubt point to retain my strength. Defying the love and support of my family, Join the conversation: Answer this I was determined cancer could not My goals for 2011 included a podium the odds and,in spite of cancer,I quali- friends and the power of a positive question online! and WOULD NOT take away my finish at the CanadianTrack and Field fied for and competed at nationals in attitude for the rest.I’m conquering Twitter: @mediaplanetCA dreams and my goals. Each Friday, Championships. My oncology team Calgary this past June, three weeks MS, was a cancer warrior, and to Facebook: facebook.com/mediaplanetCA after my Thursday chemo sessions, I told me to do this would not be pos- after my eighth and final chemo,pla- quote a dear friend,I’m now happy would kickbox with my friends.These sible. Remaining defiant, I trained. cing fourth. to be a “graduate’”.

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TESTING MADE SIMPLE Tools for your “breast” self-exam!

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Your Man Reminder App Having trouble keeping your breast health in check? Why not let some eye candy lend a hand?This handy app lights up your smart- phone with a verywelcome reminder—from keeping tabs on appoint- ments to a breast exam heads up, it’s amazing how a little sweet talk- ing can get the message across. Made by Rethink Breast Cancer.Free on iTunes. rethinkbreastcancer.com