Think Pink

Breast CancerAwareness Month:celebratingbrave womenfighting thegood fight

Sunday, October 7, 2012

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2012

Breast cancer is a universal termto describe several differentcancers that form in and aroundthe breast. Breast cancer types aregenerally categorized based onwhere the illness begins, most oftenin the ducts or lobules, the parts ofthe female anatomy responsible forproducing breast milk.About 226,870 new cases ofinvasive breast cancer in Americanwomenwill be diagnosed in 2012,while more than 22,000 Canadianwomenwill be diagnosed withbreast cancer over that same timeperiod.The National Breast CancerFoundation lists seven differenttypes of breast cancer. Here’s alook at them.

� DDuuccttaall ccaarrcciinnoommaa iinn--ssiittuu((DDCCIISS)):: This is an early form ofbreast cancer that refers to thepresence of abnormal cells inside amilk duct in the breast. This type ofcancer is generally found duringmammograms and is considerednon-invasive. This means it hasn’tspread yet. This makes treatmentfor DCIS easier than for otherforms of breast cancer.

� IInnffiillttrraattiinngg dduuccttaall ccaarrcciinnoommaa

((IIDDCC)):: Also known as invasive ductal carcinoma, this is the mostcommon type of breast cancer.According to BreastCancer.org,roughly 80 percent of all breastcancer cases are IDC. This cancerstarts in the ducts, but “infiltrating”means that it spreads to the surrounding breast tissue. Overtime, IDC can spread to the lymphnodes and possibly to other areas ofthe body.

� MMeedduullllaarryy ccaarrcciinnoommaa:: This is aless common form of breast cancer.It is a type of IDC, but it gets itsname from the color of the tumors,which are close to the color ofbrain tissue, or medulla. Medullarycarcinoma is quite visible duringmammograms because the cancercells are large and form a barrierbetween healthy tissue and tumors.

� IInnffiillttrraattiinngg lloobbuullaarr ccaarrcciinnoommaa((IILLCC)):: The American CancerSociety says that one in 10 womenwill be diagnosed with ILC, whichoriginates in the milk-producingglands of the breast. In ILC, abnormal cells inside the lobulebegin to divide and break throughthe wall of the lobule to invade thesurrounding connecting tissues.

� TTuubbuullaarr ccaarrcciinnoommaa:: This is acommon cancer for women ages 50and older. When viewed under themicroscope, tubular carcinomacells have a distinctive tubularstructure. There is a 95 percentsurvival rate for tubular carcinoma.

� MMuucciinnoouuss ccaarrcciinnoommaa ((CCoollllooiidd))::This is a rare condition in whichthe breast cancer cells within thebreast produce mucus. The mucusand the cancer cells join together toform a jelly-like tumor. The tumorsmay feel like bumpy water balloons, but some are too small todetect with the fingers.

� IInnffllaammmmaattoorryy bbrreeaasstt ccaanncceerr((IIBBCC)):: This is a rare and veryaggressive type of breast cancerthat causes the lymph vessels inthe skin around the breast tobecome blocked. The cancer getsits name from the appearance of aswollen, red and inflamed breast.Women are advised to get a baseline mammogram in their mid-30s and then annual mammogramsstarting at age 40. Early detectionis generally vital for any form ofcancer and is especially so forbreast cancer.

Exploring the Different TypesOf Breast Cancer

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2012 THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. PAGE 3

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Breast cancer is a disease that claims thelives of so many people. Although manydeaths cannot be prevented due to theseverity and late stage of breast cancer,early diagnosis goes a long way towardimproving mortality rates and sendingindividuals into remission faster.Knowing the symptoms of breast cancercan help women and men improve theirchances of surviving the disease afterdiagnosis, as the earlier the disease isdiagnosed, the better a person’s chances forsurvival.Not every person experiences symptomsof breast cancer. That’s because, in its veryearly stages, breast cancer may not exhibitany symptoms or, if a tumor is present, itmay be too small to detect during a breastself-exam.Furthermore, there are different types ofbreast cancer, each of which may have itsown distinct symptoms. Some of these

symptoms may mimic symptoms of morebenign conditions as well, making itdifficult to determine if symptoms areindicative of breast cancer or anotherailment.But even though the following symptomswill not necessarily lead to a breast cancerdiagnosis, it’s still important to visit yourdoctor for further clarification if any ofthem appear.

� swelling of all or part of the breast� skin irritation or dimpling� breast pain� nipple pain or the nipple turning inward� redness, scaliness or thickening of thenipple or breast skin

� a nipple discharge other than breastmilk

� a lump in the underarm area� changes in the size or symmetry ofbreasts

� presence of unusual lumps

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:Symptoms of Breast Cancer

About This Issue:Supplement and Cover

Design/LayoutMartha J. Henderson,Special Sections Editor

Photography:Hannah Sharpe and

John Eastman

Contributing WritersTed M. Natt Jr.,

Deborah Salomon andJohn Eastman

For advertising information,contact Pat Taylor at(910) 693-2505 or

email [email protected]

Breast CancerAwareness Month:celebratingbrave womenfighting thegood fight

Sunday, October 7, 2012

145 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines, NC 28387(910) 692-7271 • thepilot.com

This article was originally published in the Oct. 23,2011, edition of The Pilot.

BY DEBORAH SALOMONFeature Writer

Breast cancer changes the lives of women.Breast and other cancers are the life of Dr.

Ellen Willard, the oncologist whose practice atFirstHealth Cancer Center in Pinehurst includes a sig-nificant number of women diagnosed with the disease.Willard is the only female oncologist in Moore County

— and probably the world’s only oncologist to win astatewide 4-H sewing contest.Her entry: a pin-tucked, ruffled, two-piece flowered

cotton dress, a country mile from starched white labcoats. She is high-energy, breezy, opinionated, plain-spoken — a humanist with short, spiky hair.You know when Ellen Willard’s in the room, a col-

league said.

And while a patient should not choose her doctor bygender, sometimes the comfort zone matters.“This is a sensitive area,” says Courtney Williams,

RN/oncology case manager at FirstHealth MooreRegional Hospital. “If I had breast cancer, I’drather talk to someone who knows how it feels, toexplain why it’s breaking my heart. They’re notjust boobs, you know. They are about feeding ourbabies, about loving our husbands. Dr. Willard isawesome.”Willard shrugs off the praise.“I’m a farm girl, from down a dirt road,” she says

with a Piedmont twang.Willard’s father raised tobacco and hogs in Davidson

County, near High Point.“My sister and I did some field work and chased

pigs,” she says.Willard participated enthusiastically in 4-H activities,

including quilting and sewing — not only the prize-win-

ning ensemble but, years later, her own wedding dress.The medical bent originated with Willard’s mother, a

nurse.“She was my patient care model,” Willard says. “I

loved science from junior high school, seeing struc-tures and how they relate.”Medicine became her goal, early on. The UNC

zoology major chose Wake Forest University School ofMedicine in part because of a smaller class, and alsobecause of “how they treated people.”An internal medicine residency led to hematology,

gateway to oncology. She is board certified ininternal medicine, hematology, medical oncology,hospice and palliative care, which qualifies her asmedical director of the new FirstHealth HospiceHouse in Pinehurst.

PAGE 4 THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2012

see WILLARD, page 5

HANNAH SHARPE/The Pilot

Dr. Ellen Willard says treating cancer is all about a “team effort” that stems from the nurses and social work-ers at the Cancer Outpatient Center at the Pinehurst Medical Clinic. Willard (center) looks over a patient chartwith Angel Swann, LPN (right) and Barry Baber, RN (left).

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Dealing With CancerCancer, that dreaded beast, fascinated Willard,

beginning with blood cancers (lymphomas). “You don’tjust treat a single organ system,” since cancer attacksthroughout the body. Medical oncology, she discovered, ispure whole-patient care using a team approach.Lay people still equate cancer with death. What kind of

physician wants to toil in that vineyard?Willard protests.“The stories that make the newspaper are the true

tragedies,” she says. “People who look at only the depres-sing miss the patient interaction, the success stories.”Some days, she says, resemble the thrill of victory,

others the agony of defeat.Because, Willard continues, “Medicine is all about

curing and healing and victory. But there are still thingswe can’t cure. As we make progress, cancer patients livemuch longer. We’ve made strides in understanding whoneeds to be treated aggressively.”Some strides are societal. In the mid-1950s, The New

York Times refused to print the words breast and cancer.Now they appear on cereal boxes, T-shirts, kitchen

implements, magazine covers. They are the subject offilms, plays, books, TV specials, athletic events. October,once black and orange, has turned National Breast

Cancer Awareness Month pink, a noble and successfuleffort that elicits varying opinions.Willard calls the effort a mixed bag: “Increased aware-

ness prompts patients to be screened.” Yet, she contin-ues, “Other cancers get the shortshrift (money-wise). They don’t havewhole months. Lost in the dynamic isthat lung, not breast cancer, is themost common cause of cancer death.”Willard provides these statistics:

Breast cancer is responsible for 30percent of cancers in women, but only15 percent of cancer deaths.Conversely, lung cancer is responsiblefor 14 percent of cancers in women,but 26 percent of cancer deaths.According to the U.S. Department ofHealth and Human Services, heartdisease is still the No. 1 cause of deathamong women.“If people really want to do some-

thing for breast cancer patients, try tobe intentional about it. Find out whatthe money is going for,” Willard says.She mentions FirstHealth

Foundation CareNet, which addresses practical needslike wigs for women undergoing chemotherapy.

Treating the DiseaseBreast cancer assumes many forms. Treatment may

last for months or years and involve the family, increas-

ing the importance of a good doctor-patient match.“The toughest part of my job is when family dysfunc-

tion plays out in the lives of my patients,” Willard says.She has witnessed extreme situations, like stealing pain

medication and bickering about aninheritance. When family membersdisagree over treatment, she, aspatient-advocate, gathers them in aroom and talks it out.“But when families are united

around a patient, they are wonderful,”she says.Willard recognizes why some

women prefer a female providerwhen discussion turns to body image,reconstruction and intimacy.Patients have already been

diagnosed when she sees them. Someare fearful, others in fight mode, afew resigned. Most come armed withinformation, not always complete orappropriate.“The biggest problem with the glut

is sorting it out, where it comes from,what is relevant to the patient’s

situation,” Willard says, then shakes her head. “Theyexpect me to have heard what was on TV that day.”Her method is to look a woman in the eye and tell the

truth.

WillardFrom Page 4

see WILLARD, page 7


Dr. Ellen Willard is the only femaleoncologist in Moore County.


Early detection of breast cancer canimprove survival rates and lessen theseverity of treatment options. Routinemammograms are essential tocatching signs of breast cancer earlyon but so can home-based breastexams.Over the years there has been

some debate over whether a breastself-exams, or BSE, iseffective. Different breastcancer organizations havedifferent views on the subject.Some studies have indicated

that a BSE is not effective inreducing breast cancermortality rates. Some arguethat these exams also may putwomen at risk — increasing thenumber of potential lumpsfound due to uncertainty as towhat is being felt in the breast.This can lead to unnecessarybiopsies.Others feel that a BSE is a

good practice, considering thatroughly 20 percent of breastcancers are found by physicalexamination rather than bymammography, according toBreastCancer.org.The American Cancer Society

takes the position that a BSE is anoptional screening tool for breastcancer.For those who are interested in

conducting self-exams, here is theproper way to do so.

� Begin with a visual inspection ofthe breasts. Remove clothing andstand in front of a mirror. Turn andpivot so the breasts can be seen atall angles. Make a note of yourbreasts’ appearance.Pay special attention to any

dimpling, puckering or oddness inthe appearance of the skin. Checkto see if there is any change insymmetry or size of the breasts.

� Continue the examination withhands placed by the hips and thenagain with your hands elevatedoverhead with your palms pressedtogether.

� Next you will move on to a physicalexamination. This can be done either byreclining on a bed or the floor or any flatsurface. The exam also can be done inthe shower.To begin examining the breasts, place

the hand and arm for the breast you willbe examining behind your head.Use the pads of your pointer, middle

and ring fingers to push and massage atthe breast in a clockwise motion.Begin at the outer portion of the breast,

slowly working inward in a circularmotion until you are at the nipple.Be sure to also check the tissue under

the breast and by the armpit.� Do the same process on the opposite

breast. Note if there are any differencesfrom one breast to the other.If you find any abnormalities, mark

them down on an illustration that you canbring to the doctor. Or if you can get anappointment immediately, draw a ringaround the area with a pen so that youwill be able to show the doctor directlywhere you have concern.It is a good idea to conduct a BSE once

a month and not when you aremenstruating, when breasts may changedue to hormone fluctuation.Frequent examinations will better

acquaint you with what is normal withyour breasts and better help yourecognize if something feels abnormal.

DO-IT-YOURSELF

HOW TO CONDUCTA BREAST SELF-EXAM

October is Breast Cancer AwarenessMonth.Digital mammography is the most effective method for the detection, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. FirstHealth encourages you to take advantage of this lifesaving measure.

Schedule your digital mammogram as a self-requesting patient or with a referral from your provider by calling 715-2778.

Saturday appointments are available.

Soft touch Mammopads® are available for a more comfortable mammogram.

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“She’s amazing with spot-onimpressions of who might needcounseling during cancer care,” says BethDietrich, a licensed clinical social workerat FirstHealth Cancer Center. “Sheassesses a patient’s coping skills duringthe consultation.”“This is a patient-intensive business.You can’t do this job if all you think aboutis the science,” Willard says. “By the timeI retire, I’ll be a qualified minister andsocial worker. As you talk to patients, youget a sense how they will handleinformation. We all say cancer is not acurable illness. But breast cancer isextremely variable; women can live foryears with Stage 4 disease. It has to be thefastest changing medical sub-specialty.Some patients bond with a nurse; otherswill only talk to their physician. Everyoneneeds reinforcement.”And compassion. Willard’s empathy iscolored by personal experience. Hergrandmother was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer at the age of 80.

Surgery halted its spread. Her father,however, died of lung cancer threemonths after diagnosis.“He was a smoker. I knew what the out-come would be from the first phonecall. That’s hard — knowing toomuch,” Willard says, visibly moved.

‘Do the Best You Can’Rachel Yates has experiencedcancer and Dr. Ellen Willard fromboth sides.Yates, a retired RN/surgicalassistant, is a breast cancersurvivor, owner of Hope Cottage inAberdeen (a boutique for cancerpatients) and has been Willard’spatient for eight years.“Ellen is direct but compassionate.She tells you the truth and thenhelps you handle it your way. Sherespects and listens to your ideas;she’s willing to explore otherthings,” Yates says. “She is the mostintelligent woman and doctor I haveever known.”Beth Dietrich adds, “It’s an honorto work with her.”After 20 years in practice, Willardretains a freshman enthusiasm for

science and people, undiluted by theresponsibilities children might present.Her work consumes up to 12 hours a day.“I don’t even have time for a dog,” the

fit, youthful doctor says. “People aresurprised to see me in the grocery store,but I have to eat, like everybody else.”Exercise, cooking, sewing and the

outdoors relieve stress.“My husband, Ken, is a huge part of howI can do my job,” Willard says. “He makesme laugh.”

Death comes hard to thesephysician-warriors, male andfemale, old-school and contempo-rary, whose final service is tosupport cancer patients whentreat-ment has run its course.“You do the best you can. Youalways see patients as people andyou’re faithful to them,” Willardsays. “Death is a process, not anevent. Patients decline — there’s anelement of anticipatory grief. Somedeaths hit harder than others.Certain days are awful; you don’tfeel defeated, just sad. But I canhandle it.”Looking back, Willard half-heart-edly wishes she had been attractedby another specialty.“Now I can’t imagine doinganything else,” she says.Ellen Willard, MD: Carolina girl,born and educated. Not your old-

time hen medic. A real piece of work.

Contact Deborah Salomon [email protected].


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WillardFrom Page 5


During a break in her day, Dr. Willard stops to catch upwith Beth Dietrich, a licensed clinical social worker at theCancer Outpatient Clinic at Pinehurst Medical Center.


This article was originally published in the Sept. 5,2012, edition of The Pilot.

BY TED M. NATT JR.Business Writer

Cancer survivor Rachel Yates knew there had to be abetter way after she was fitted in a stock room for a breastprosthesis right out of a box.“It’s a very traumatic thing for a woman to have a breast,

or both, removed,” said Yates, 73, who had amastectomynine years ago. “It’s very hard for women to adjust to it.They just need a little tender loving care. I know I did.”So, four years ago, Yates openedHope Cottage, in 1,400

square feet of space atMagnolia Square in Aberdeen. Thespecialty shop has products and services dedicated tohelping women on their journey through cancer treatmentand recovery.“There was nothing here like this,” Yates said. “We’re the

only free-standing cancer boutique formany, manymiles.The closest one is in Greensboro. We have everything awoman needs to get through this journey.“We needed somethingmore dignified, more private. I’ve

been there, so I knowwhat women need.”

But perhapsmore important than the products andservices is the compassion Yates brings to the job.“Many customers walk into the store angry at their

situation and often project that anger on Rachel,” said herhusband, Bob, who runs the back of the house. “But Rachelturns them around completely by listening to their storyand empathizing. When the customers leave, they’re givingher all kinds of hugs and kisses.”Yates, a retired nurse, said listening to customer stories

helps her assess their needs.“Most women diagnosed with cancer are initially

terrified and can become paralyzed,” she said. “You’rewondering, ‘What’s going to happen? Am I going to die?’So, it’s verymuch a step forward whenwomen come here.They’re looking ahead.”Hope Cottage carries a wide variety of breast prostheses

andmastectomy bras, as well as post-surgery camisoles.There are also plenty of hair-loss alternatives, includingwigs, scarves, hats, caps and turbans.“We are sensitive to each person’s feeling about changes

in body image and hair loss, and know how to addressthose changes,” Yates said. “Wewant to improve theirquality of life by providing exceptional service and qualityproducts tomeet their personal needs.”While Yates relies on a couple of large suppliers for

many of her products, she also sells specialty productsmade by fellow cancer survivors. Jackie Lawson, ofPinebluff, makes reading pillows and does other sewingfor Yates.“Being a survivor, you really need someone who can

understand what you’re going through. Rachel makes youfeel very comfortable when you go into her shop,” Lawsonsaid. “It’s relaxing, and you can’t find that anywhere elsearound here. She just has a true passion for what she does.”Lawson, who also sells her pillows at craft fairs, said she

doesn’t keep track of annual production.“I have no clue. I just make them and sell them,” she

said. “It’s just enjoyable forme to be in the sewing room.”Yates and her husband bankrolled the start-up of Hope

Cottage and have never taken a salary.“It all goes back into the business so we have all that we

need for our customers,” Yates said.Added Bob, “The best way to stay in business is to take

care of your customers first, not yourself.”Hope Cottage currently hasmore than 800 customers

between the ages of 11 and 94, most of whom come fromabout a dozen counties in North Carolina and SouthCarolina within a 60-mile radius of Aberdeen.“My customers have taughtme an awful lot about

survival,” Yates said. “Opening this shop has been one ofthemost rewarding things I’ve ever done. I’ve enjoyedeveryminute of it.”Hope Cottage recently received its second three-year

accreditation from the American Board for Certification inOrthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, an independent,nonprofit organization that has been providing facilityaccreditation since 1948.The store was recognized for achievements in

organizational management, patient care standards, qualityassurance, supplier compliance, and facility and safetymanagement.“We are extremely pleased to have achieved this

designation for the second time,” Yates said. “Accreditationis a rigorous process, but one that wewelcome as acontinual quality improvementmechanism.”

Contact TedM. Natt Jr. at (910) 693-2474 or [email protected].

At Hope Cottage,Empathy and

Service Abound


Rachel Yates helps Anne Steidinger, one of her regularcustomers, try on a head scarf.


Rachel Yates opened her shop, Hope Cottage, in Aberdeen, four years ago.


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Manymothers subscribe to the beliefthat breastfeeding is healthy for theirchildren. Medical experts encouragebreastfeeding for a period of at least oneyear so that the infant receives optimalnutrition and the antibodies necessary tostart off life on a healthy track.But what of the mothers who have

recently been diagnosed with breastcancer or previously undergonetreatment? Although it may bechallenging, breastfeeding might still bepossible for women in such situations.Even under the best circumstances,

many women find breastfeeding ischallenging. Some babies do not take to itas easily, having difficulties latching on.As a mother, it may take a while to growaccustomed to breastfeeding or even foryour milk to come in full force. Havingbreast cancer may make the process evenharder. Stress can take its toll on the body,including causing physiological symptomsthat can inhibit the production of milk oreven make mothers feel less confident intheir ability to breastfeed.

It is advisable for any woman thinkingabout breastfeeding to enlist the help of alactation coach or consultant. Thiscan be especially beneficial towomen with breast cancer, aslactation coaches are knowledgeablein how to express and store milk.Once a woman has started

breastfeeding, she will need tomaintain her milk supply, which canbe problematic if she has to stopbreastfeeding for a period of timedue to cancer treatment. Theconsultant can guide you throughthe proper procedures, which mayinclude a “pump and dump”process. This will keep the milkcoming, but you will be discardingmilk that may have beencompromised by treatment.Women with a current cancer

diagnosis or those who have hadtreatment in the past should consult withtheir obstetricians and oncologists as towhether breastfeeding is advisable. Thedoctors may be able to work together on a

plan that is acceptable to all parties. Ifbreast cancer is detected in lactatingbreasts, there may be a temporary

interruption in the breastfeedingschedule.Although needle biopsies and other

methods of detection can be used tocircumvent radiation-based methods ofdiagnosis, many of the treatments forcancer involve cocktails of medications,

chemotherapy or even surgery —all of which could affect breast milk.It is important to discuss with your

physicians when your milk will besafe again before returning tobreastfeeding. Chemotherapy andsome types of radiation can leaveresidual harmful chemicals in thebody and breast milk. Surgery maydamage milk ducts, causing acompromised supply. Each casevaries and will have to be assessed bythe health professionals involved.The good news is that although

breast cancer can temporarily derailbreastfeeding plans, it doesn’t alwayshave to mean weaning a baby frombreast milk. Also, there is no evidencethat breast milk from a cancer survivorposes any risk to the infant. Many

women go on to survive breast cancer andsuccessfully breastfeed.

Breastfeeding With Breast Cancer? It Is Possible

COURTESY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTIONDespite a breast cancer diagnosis, some women goon to successfully breastfeed after treatment.


BY JOHN EASTMANSpecial to The Pilot

On Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, the 1 in 8k Moore for the Curewas held in the village of Pinehurst.The 1 in 8k Moore for the Cure is a benefit run/walk that

exists to raise funds to fight breast cancer, increase publicawareness, and allow individuals to honor and supportthose who battle breast cancer. It is also the first featureevent in the Fall Series of the Sandhills Race Series.Events included an 8k Run/Walk, a 1k Fun Run/Walk, a

live concert by the band Ad Nauseam, and educationaldisplays on breast health.This was the second year that the 1 in 8k was held. More

than 500 people participated, and approximately 600people were on hand for the events. The 1 in 8k Moore forthe Cure raised more than $32,000 to benefit breast cancertreatment and research through Susan G. Komen for theCure — North Carolina Triangle to the Coast affiliate.Many breast cancer survivors and their family and

friends participated in this event.Businesses in the village of Pinehurst also participated in

raising awareness and funds for breast cancer through the

Wine Walk that was held on the same day in the afternoon.Many businesses “Turned Pinehurst Pink” by offering avariety of items that were pink at a discount.Why an 8k? Sadly, statistics show that one out of every

eight women will develop invasive breast cancer at sometime in their lives. The 1 in 8k Moore for the Cure supportsbreast cancer awareness, screening and research bybenefiting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure – NorthCarolina Triangle affiliate.All of the 1 in 8k proceeds go directly to the Triangle to

the Coast affiliate, to which Moore County belongs.Within the past year, Moore County received a grant

from the local Komen affiliate in the amount of $68,000 toprovide free screening mammograms and follow-uptreatment to women in Moore County who cannot affordsuch care.The 1 in 8k Moore for the Cure is a part of the Sandhills

Race Series (www.sandhillsraceseries.com) and is anannual event that will be held again next year on theSaturday following Labor Day.For more information on the race or the cause, go to the

race website www.1in8k.org.

PICTURES COURTESY OF JOHN EASTMAN

More than 500 people participated in this year’s second annual 1 in 8K Moore for the Cure event.

Run/Walk Raises More Than$32,000 for Breast Cancer

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2012 PAGE 11

Women’s Care Center910-295-0290

Plastic Surgery Center910-235-2949

1-855-294-BODY(2639)

General and Bariatric Center910-295-0260

Don’t Forget

...to see us for an annual exam. It’s one of your best defenses

against breast cancer.

5 FirstVillage Drive, Pinehurst www.pinehurstsurgical.com

Our Women’s Care Center, our General and Bariatric Surgery Center and our Plastic Surgery Center are all in one convenient location. Together, they provide everything you need for comprehensive care of breast and breast diseases.

Concerns

Conditions

There are many people —male andfemale — who are completely unawarethat men are susceptible to breast cancer.With preventive mammograms and

messaging largely geared toward women,men may not even think about the breastcancer risk to themselves.Although less prevalent among men,

breast cancer is not exclusive to women.The American CancerSociety estimates thatabout 2,000 new casesof invasive breastcancer are diagnosedin men each year, andapproximately 450men die from breastcancer annually. Malebreast cancersaccount forapproximately 1percent of all breastcancer cases.The Canadian

Cancer Societyreports that less than1 percent of Canadianmen develop breastcancer, and men overthe age of 60 are mostlikely to be diagnosed.To understand how

men get breast cancer, one must firstknow about the physical makeup of themale body.Like women, men have breast tissue.

Before boys or girls enter puberty, theyhave similar breast structures, includingbreast tissue and a few ducts under thenipple and areola.During puberty, female hormones

further develop the milk ducts andlobules, or milk-producing glands. Formales, testosterone levels increase duringpuberty, stalling further growth of breasttissue. However, what was already thereremains, and in that tissue, cancerouscells can grow and multiply.

There also are lymph nodes in thebreast region and under the arms. Cancercells can travel through the lymph nodesto other areas of the body.Because men have considerably less

breast tissue than women, diagnosis ofcancer can be easier. A lump in the breastis more noticeable on a man than on awoman. The American Cancer Society

also lists a few othersymptoms that couldbe indicative of breastcancer:

� lumps in thenipples or chestmuscle

� nipples turninginward

� skin dimpling orpuckering around thenipple

� redness or scalingof the nipple or breastskin

� discharge fromthe nippleBenign growths can

be mistaken for breastcancer. Also, men canhave a condition calledgynecomastia, whichis a noncancerous

breast tissue growth that may bemistaken for cancer. If any symptoms arepresent, they should be brought to theattention of a doctor for furtherinvestigation.If it is breast cancer, treatment methods

are largely the same among men andwomen. A combination of chemotherapy,radiation and surgery may berecommended depending on the stage andpositioning of the cancerous tumors.Although it is rare, breast cancer does

occur in men. Therefore, guys should beaware of their bodies and the breast area,and be on the lookout for any changes thatcould lead to problems.

Hey, Guys.Listen Up

Breast Cancer Is NotExclusive to Women

COURTESY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Although rare, breast cancer canaffect men.

Breast Cancer affects 1 out of every 8 Breast Cancer affects 1 out of every 8 Breast Cancer affects 1 out of every 8

Schedule your Mammogram todaySchedule your Mammogram todaySchedule your Mammogram today

The Sandhills Choice for Mammography PinehurstRadiology.com 991100--229955--44440000 30 Memorial Drive, Pinehurst

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