November 2014 Yes, Breast Cancer Can Strike Inside This Issue Men Too! Male Breast Cancer 1-4 ale breast cancer is cancer that Faith in Pink 5 forms in the breast tissue of Tour de Mercy 6 Mmen. Though breast cancer is most commonly thought of as a woman's Mercy Homecare and Hospice Move 6 disease, male breast cancer does occur. Did You Know? 7 Dates to Remember 8 Male breast cancer is most common in older men, though male breast cancer can occur at any age.
Help is Needed! Men diagnosed with male breast cancer If you have any suggestions for articles at an early stage have a good chance for the quarterly ANGEL Network for a cure. Still, many men delay seeing newsletter, contact Linda Stevens-Butts at their doctors if they notice unusual signs 330-452-6906 or email [email protected]. or symptoms, such as a breast lump. For Articles for the next newsletter are due by this reason, many male breast cancers January 2, 2015. are diagnosed when the disease is more advanced.
E-Newsletter Available Signs and symptoms of male breast Want to receive the ANGEL newsletter cancer can include: electronically? Submit your email address • A painless lump or thickening in to [email protected]. Help your breast tissue us conserve our natural resources and • Changes to the skin covering your breast, such as dimpling, puckering, redness reduce printing and mailing costs. or scaling • Changes to your nipple, such as redness or scaling, or a nipple that begins to turn inward • Discharge from your nipple Supported in part by When to see a doctor Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any persistent signs or symptoms that worry you.
(continued on page 2) Yes, Breast Cancer Can Strike Men Too! (continued from page 1)
Causes It's not clear what causes male breast cancer. Doctors know that male breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin growing abnormally. These cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells do. The accumulating cells form a tumor that may spread (metastasize) to nearby tissue, to the lymph nodes or to other parts of the body.
Where breast cancer begins in men Everyone is born with a small amount of breast tissue. Breast tissue is made up of milk-producing glands (lobules), ducts that carry milk to the nipples and fat. Women begin developing more breast tissue during puberty and men do not. Because men are born with a small amount of breast tissue, they can develop breast cancer.
Types of breast cancer diagnosed in men include: • Cancer that begins in the milk ducts. Ductal carcinoma is the most common type of male breast cancer. Nearly all male breast cancers begin in the milk ducts. • Cancer that begins in the milk-producing glands. Lobular carcinoma is rare in men because men have few • Exposure to estrogen. If you take estrogen-related lobules in their breast tissue. drugs, your risk of breast cancer is increased. Estrogen • Cancer that spreads to the nipple. In some cases, drugs may also be used in hormone therapy for prostate breast cancer can form in the milk ducts and spread to the cancer. nipple, causing crusty, scaly skin around the nipple. This • Family history of breast cancer. If you have a close is called Paget's disease of the nipple. family member with breast cancer, you have a greater chance of developing the disease. Inherited genes that increase breast cancer risk • Klinefelter's syndrome. This genetic syndrome occurs Some men inherit mutated genes from their parents that when a boy is born with more than one copy of the X increase the risk of breast cancer. Mutations in one of several chromosome. Klinefelter's syndrome causes abnormal genes, especially a gene called BRCA2, puts you at greater development of the testicles. As a result, men with this risk of developing breast and prostate cancers. The normal syndrome produce lower levels of certain male hormones function of these genes is to help prevent cancer by making (androgens) and more female hormones (estrogens). proteins that keep cells from growing abnormally. But if they • Liver disease. If you have liver disease, such as cirrhosis have a mutation, the genes aren't as effective at protecting of the liver, your male hormones may be reduced and you from cancer. your female hormones may be increased. This can increase your risk of breast cancer. Meeting with a genetic counselor and undergoing genetic • Obesity. Obesity may be a risk factor for breast cancer testing can determine whether you carry gene mutations that in men because it increases the number of fat cells in the increase your risk of breast cancer. Discuss the benefits and body. Fat cells convert androgens into estrogen, which risks of genetic testing with your doctor. may increase the amount of estrogen in your body and, therefore, your risk of breast cancer. Risk factors • Radiation exposure. If you've received radiation Factors that increase the risk of male breast cancer include: treatments to your chest, such as those used to treat • Older age. Breast cancer is most common in men ages cancers in the chest, you're more likely to develop breast 60 to 70. cancer later in life.
2 Tests and Diagnosis Diagnosing male breast cancer If breast cancer is suspected, your doctor may conduct a number of diagnostic tests and procedures such as: • Clinical breast exam. During this exam, your doctor uses his or her fingertips to examine your breasts and the areas around your armpits and your collarbone for lumps or other changes. Your doctor assesses how large the lumps are, how they feel, and how close they are to your skin and muscles. • Mammogram. A mammogram is an X-ray of your breast tissue. To assess your breast tissue, your breast will be pressed flat as much as possible. During a mammogram, you stand in front of a machine with your shirt off. Two flat plastic plates come together to compress your breast tissue. A radiology technician takes the X-rays. The Treatments and drugs compression of the mammogram can be uncomfortable. To determine your male breast cancer treatment options, your Ask the technician what to expect and speak up if you're doctor considers your cancer's stage, your overall health and feeling pain. your preferences. Male breast cancer treatment often involves • Ultrasound. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create surgery and may also include other treatments. pictures of a suspicious breast mass. Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound in certain situations. Surgery • Using a needle to remove cells for testing. A biopsy The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor and surrounding procedure involves removing a sample of suspicious breast tissue. Surgical procedures used to treat male breast tissue for laboratory testing. A breast biopsy is commonly cancer include: done by inserting a needle into the breast lump and • Surgery to remove breast tissue and surrounding drawing cells or tissue from the area. When analyzed in a lymph nodes. Most men with breast cancer undergo laboratory, your tissue sample reveals whether you have a modified radical mastectomy. In this procedure, a breast cancer and, if so, what type of breast cancer you surgeon removes all of your breast tissue, including the have. nipple and areola, and some underarm (axillary) lymph nodes. Your lymph nodes are tested to see if they contain Determining the extent of the cancer cancer cells. Removing your lymph nodes increases your If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor will risk of serious arm swelling (lymphedema). work to determine the extent (stage) of your cancer. Your • Surgery to remove one lymph node for testing. During cancer's stage helps your doctor determine treatment options. a sentinel lymph node biopsy, your doctor identifies the Staging tests include blood tests and imaging tests, such as lymph node most likely to be the first place your cancer X-ray and computerized tomography (CT). cells would spread. That lymph node is removed and tested for cancer cells. If no cancer cells are found in The stages of male breast cancer are: that lymph node, there is a good chance that your breast • Stage I. The tumor is no more than 2 centimeters (cm) in cancer hasn't spread beyond your breast tissue. diameter (3/4 inch) and hasn't spread to the lymph nodes. • Stage II. The tumor may be up to 5 cm (about 2 inches) Radiation therapy in diameter and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays, Or the tumor may be larger than 5 cm and no cancer cells to kill cancer cells. During radiation therapy for male breast are found in the lymph nodes. cancer, radiation comes from a large machine that moves • Stage III. The tumor may be larger than 5 cm (about around your body, directing the energy beams to precise 2 inches) in diameter and may involve several nearby points on your chest. lymph nodes. Lymph nodes above the collarbone may also contain cancer cells. In male breast cancer, radiation therapy may be used to • Stage IV. Cancer at this stage has spread beyond the breast eliminate any remaining cancer cells in the breast, chest to distant areas, such as the bone, brain, liver or lungs. muscles or armpit after surgery. (continued on page 4)
3 Yes, Breast Cancer Can Strike Men Too! (continued from page 3) Chemotherapy • Relaxation exercises. Relaxation exercises help refocus Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy your mind and help you relax. Relaxation exercises treatment often involves receiving two or more drugs in include guided imagery and progressive muscle different combinations. These may be administered through relaxation. You can do relaxation exercises on your own, a vein in your arm (intravenously), in pill form or by both with an instructor or by listening to a recording that methods. guides you through the exercises.
Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy after surgery Coping and Support to kill any cancer cells that may have spread outside your Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be shocking and upsetting. breast. Chemotherapy may also be an option for men with With time you'll find ways to cope with the stress and advanced breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast. challenges of cancer and cancer treatment. Until then, you might find it helpful to: Hormone therapy • Learn enough about your cancer to feel comfortable Some breast cancers rely on hormones for fuel. If your making treatment decisions. Ask your doctor for the doctor determines that your cancer uses hormones to help it specifics of your cancer, such as the type of cancer grow, you may be offered hormone therapy. Most men with and its stage. Also ask about good sources for reliable male breast cancer have hormone-sensitive tumors. Hormone information. You can also do your own research. Start therapy for male breast cancer often involves the medication with the National Cancer Institute and the American tamoxifen, which is also used in women. Other hormone Cancer Society. Learning about your cancer and your therapy medications used in women with breast cancer treatment options may make you feel more confident as haven't been shown to be effective in men. you make decisions about your future. • Find someone to talk with. Find a close friend or Alternative Medicine family member you can talk with. Talking about your No alternative treatments for male breast cancer are proved fears and hopes as you make important choices about to cure the disease. But some alternative treatments are your treatment might help you feel less stressed. Sometimes, though, you may feel like friends and thought to be helpful when coping with the side effects of family can't understand your situation if they've never cancer and cancer treatment. had cancer. In these situations, you may find the concern and understanding of other men with cancer especially Alternative medicine treatments may help you cope with helpful. Your doctor or a medical social worker may be feelings of anxiety and distress, which many people able to put you in touch with a support group. Or contact diagnosed with cancer experience. You may experience an organization that can connect you with another man anxiety and distress from the shock of your diagnosis and with breast cancer, such as the Y-Me National Breast from worrying about your future. If you have anxiety and Cancer Organization. distress, you may have difficulty concentrating and sleeping. • Take care of yourself. Take care of yourself during your cancer treatment. Get enough sleep so that you To help you cope, you might consider alternative medicine wake feeling rested. Choose a diet full of fruits and treatments, such as: vegetables. Try to exercise most days of the week. Find • Creative activities. Creative activities such as art, dance relaxing activities that help reduce your stress level, and music may help you feel less distressed. Some such as listening to music or meditating. cancer centers have specially trained professionals who can guide you through these activities. • Exercise. Gentle exercise may help boost your mood Prevention and make you feel better. If you haven't been exercising To reduce your risk of male breast cancer you can: regularly, ask your doctor if it's okay. Start slow and work • Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. Limit yourself your way up to more exercise on more days of the week. to a drink or two a day, if you choose to drink alcohol. • Meditation. Meditation is a quiet activity that helps you • Maintain a healthy weight. If your weight is healthy, clear your mind of distracting thoughts. You can meditate work to maintain it by exercising most days of the week. on your own or receive guidance from an instructor. If you're overweight or obese, work to lose weight • Prayer. Many people find strength from a power greater slowly. Ask your doctor about strategies to lose weight. than themselves. You can pray on your own or you can Combine a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables with meet with a chaplain or other religious person who can increased exercise. pray with you. Resource: www.mayoclinic.org/diseases
4 Faith in Pink n October 18, Mercy ANGEL Network’s fifth annual “Faith In Pink” program and luncheon was held at Mercy Medical Center. Dr. Russell Ramey, surgeon, Michael Price, cancer survivor, Diane Wofsey, breast Ohealth nurse navigator, and Gerri Long, ANGEL, shared their experiences with cancer (as caregivers or patients) and how their faith supported them.
A silent auction was held for gift baskets donated by Mercy Boutique, Union Baptist Church-Health & Wellness, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Gethsemane Baptist Church, and Celebration of Life Tea Party. Thanks to proceeds from the silent auction and additional contributions, $347.00 was donated to Susan G. Komen Northeast Ohio Race for the Cure. A heartfelt thank you to all who donated.
5 Tour de Mercy Raises Funds for Cancer Center Mercy Information Services employee Chris Christian says nearly all his family has been touched by cancer. That’s why on September 9 he embarked on a solo bike trek through Italy and France to raise awareness and money for Mercy Cancer Center. Christian paid Great American Smokeout for all trip expenses, so every dollar raised benefitted Mercy Cancer Quit together, win together Center. On November 4, Christian presented a check for $3,690 to Tom merican Cancer Society Great American Cecconi, Mercy president and CEO, and Karen Coughlin, administrative director of Mercy Cancer Smokeout challenges people to stop using Center. The money will support Mercy’s complementary therapy Atobacco and helps people know about the programs for cancer patients. many tools available to help them quit. Research To read more about Christian’s journey and view photos, visit shows that smokers are most successful in quitting cantonmercy.org/tourdemercy. tobacco products when they have support. Lacey Ossler, RRT, tobacco treatment specialist at Mercy, Mercy Homecare and will be in Mercy Cafeteria on Thursday, Nov. 20 with tips and resources to help you quit. Hospice Move A blessing and dedication service was held on September 30 for Mercy Hospice and Homecare Adopt a Duck at their new facility. Father Jo Witmer officiated and harpist Promotion Supports sue Wheeler, a Mercy volunteer, Breast Cancer played special music. Prevention Make note of their new address and phone numbers. Mercy partnered with My 101.7 and their Adopt a Duck Mercy Homecare and Hospice Mercy Homecare promotion. My 101.7 staff conducted one-hour duck 4369 Whipple Ave., N.W. 234-203-3211 stop appearances at different locations, including Mercy Canton, OH 44718 Mercy Hospice Medical Center, to sell ducks for $5 to benefit cancer 234-203-3223 prevention in Stark County. Approximately 234 ducks were sold at Mercy, which raised $1,170!
Mercy Homecare and Hospice employees pictured (left to right) are Jane Surmitis, chaplain, Ronald Crock, M.D., medical director, Denise Proffitt, secretary, Donna Indovina, home health aide coordinator, and Sr. Suzanne Skorich, chaplain. 6 Did You Know? Ten Ways to Have a Better Day Today
1. Wake up 30 Minutes Early 7. Always Remember that People are Listening. Get up 30 minutes before the alarm goes off and Make a point of talking well of others. Wish others take the first half hour for yourself. Once you get the best in life. What goes around does come around. busy and into the day there never seems to be the Don’t talk negative about anyone. Try to understand time for yourself. Take this time to plan getting the their circumstances. Practice being a support system most from the day. to your friends and family. They need you. 2. Read, Listen, or Watch Something Uplifting. 8. Be Honest and Faith to Others. Make this a daily habit. Get out of starting the day It does make a difference. What you give to others is with no mental food. A great day does not begin usually what you get from others. Practice integrity with the news or the paper; it begins with ideas or that people can see and feel. Be aware of what you energy that will propel you through the day. What say. Learn to walk your talk at all times. The more you first hear will stay with you throughout the people trust you, the more of their time they will trust day. with you. 3. Eat a Good Breakfast to Start You Off Right. 9. Pace Your Energy to Last All Day. Get something good into your body to wake it up Be careful of bursts of energy. Pace your energy and get it going. Think about the energy you will throughout the day. If you get to crazy early in the need to perform. Every day we run a marathon. day, you will reach a point of exhaustion before the What would you need to eat and drink to win? day is over. By planning your entire day before you begin, you will have what you need. You’ve heard the 4. Choose Your Winning Attitude. old saying “look alive.” There is enough to go wrong without sabotaging yourself. Your attitude is a choice you make. Don’t 10. Get in Bed Early and Study for the Future. let it come between you and your success. Be I have friend who keeps a journal at his bedside. careful to keep it positive all day long. Every night he writes what he learned new on that day. The only way to keep one step above the masses 5. Be Aware of What They are Telling You. is to learn new ways to do things. Develop the habit The people around us have a profound effect on of reading a work or personal development book hoe we get through life. Our closest friends and before you to sleep. Reading 30 minutes a day is like family are our greatest environmental influences. a year of college. You can’t succeed if you don’t read. Make sure you have the best advisors you can find. Remember throughout your day that life is what we 6. Make the Most of What You Do. make it, day by day. Practice having the best day ever. When you get to your work, make it the best place It adds up to a great life. to be. Most people go to work and never think By Geno Stampora about work while they are there. Focus on your contribution. What would it be like if you were not around. Strive to give a 100% each and every day.
7 Upcoming Dates to THE ANGEL Events Remember NETWORK & he ANGEL Network mission is Please mark your calendars! to reduce the number of deaths Twithin the African American female population by offering 2014-2015 ANGEL Network Meeting Dates early detection programs, access to Mercy Hall Auditorium screening, and empowering African American women on breast health • November 17, 2014 • 5:30 p.m. practices so that they will take an • February 16, 2015 • 5:30 p.m. active part in their own health care. • May 18, 2015 • 5:30 p.m. All women are at risk for • August 17, 2015 • 5:30 p.m. breast cancer. • November 16, 2015 • 5:30 p.m. But statistics show that although there is a lower incidence of breast cancer Mandatory Recertification Training For in African American women, there The Angel Network is a much higher mortality rate as compared to women of other races. March 28, 2015 8:30 a.m. – noon What is an ANGEL? Mercy Hall Watch for more information! • One Voice At A Time – Women raising awareness in our community about the ANGEL Network and Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Northeast Ohio Race for the Cure. • Certified breast health advocates provide education and guidelines on good breast health to women of all ages, but especially those 40 and older. • ANGELS are breast health advocates teaching instructional breast exams to fellow women. • ANGELS help women navigate the health care system so they have easy access to mammograms, breast exams and pelvic exams. • ANGELS identify fellow women who need breast exams, mammograms, transportation and sometimes just a comforting and understanding ear. • ANGELS help with the ANGEL education booth at health fairs and community events.
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