October 19, 2024 Issue, Page 17 of 20

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The Elk City News * BREAST CANCER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2024 * 5B Round Two for a Second Look By Sheryl Ponce mogram on one or both breasts, there are areas that voice on the other end that was comforting and seemingly becomes a regular occurrence. show dense fiber that is unclear” The first time a pa- minimalized the situation. It seemed to be routine to Whether it is the first time or the fifth time that When a woman has a mammogram each year, tient gets this letter, panic sets in. look again if something can't be seen or the tissue is this happens, it can be alarming and scary for wom- there are not guarantees that it will come back with ‘The questions about the letter flood the mind. too dense to make sure there are no problems. en, It is a necessary process, but it can still put the a clear report. The hospital or radiologist normally What is it? Is it cancer? How soon do I need to get When the next mammogram is scheduled, the patient on alert that all women are vulnerable to hav- sendsa letter that reports that everything looks good this done? The uncertainty is daunting; therefore, report could be more confident that there is noth- ing a cancer diagnosis. and reminds the patient to have regular mammo- the next phone call is the hospital or place that con- ing wrong. It does say to get regular mammograms “This process proves that screening is necessary, no grams to compare reports each year. ducted the first test. The questions of when and how to make sure there are no problems in the future. matter how scary or inconvenient a mammogram ‘Then there is the letter that a woman receives that soon this needs to be completed are asked. For some women this is an every year event, and as can be. Get it done to appreciate a clear diagnosis. says, “You need to come in to have a second mam- ‘This writer's experience has been a reassuring the patient ages, the likelihood for a second report ook at inherited breast cancer Individuals can make various Whether or not to get genetic test- changes to their lifestyles to help ing is a personal decision. However, reduce their chances of developing learning the outcome may help pro- certain types of cancer, including tect future generations. Someone breast cancer. One thing they can- with a genetic mutation has about not change is their genes, prompt- a 50 percent chance of passing that ing curiosity about the role of trait on to children. family history in relation to breast cancer risk, Additional risk factors Heredity is just one risk factor First-degree connection for breast cancer. The American Parents pass down many things to Cancer Society says White women their children, including hair color, are slightly more likely to develop height, and various other traits. Par- breast cancer than some other races ents also can pass on an increased and ethnicities. Studies have found risk for breast cancer. Cancer Re- that taller women have a higher risk search UK says some people have of breast cancer than shorter wom- a higher risk of developing breast en, although the reasons for that are cancer than the general population not exactly clear, In addition, wom- simply because other members of en with dense breast tissue have a their families have had cancer. The higher risk of breast cancer than organization says having a mother, women with average breast density. sister or daughter (also referred to Women who began menstruating as a first-degree relative) diagnosed carly (especially before age 12) have with breast cancer approximately are related to inheritance of dam- cancer or other cancers, depending discussed with a doctor and family a slightly higher risk of breast can- doubles a woman's risk for breast aged genes, Several genes are asso- on the specific gene and their family members. Genetic counseling can cer. That risk can be attributed to cancer. This risk grows even high- ciated with elevated breast cancer history. look for inherited mutations in the a longer exposure to the hormones er when more close relatives have risk, including BRCA1 and BRCA2. BRCAI and BRCA2 genes, the two estrogen and progesterone. The breast cancer, or if a relative devel- Additional genes associated with most notable for increasing breast same can be said for women who oped breast cancer before reaching an increased risk for breast can- Getting tested cancer risk. A blood test is typically experienced menopause later (typi- the age of 50. Johns Hopkins says individuals cally after age 55). cer include PALB2, ATM, CHEK2, can be tested for genes that put them covered by insurance companies Various factors can increase the CDH1, STK11, PTEN, TP53, and and analysis can take a couple of Inherited damaged genes NF1. People who have inherited a at risk for cancer. That is a decision weeks. More can be learned about risk of developing breast cancer, in- Johns Hopkins Medicine says damaged gene may have a particu- and one that should be carefully genetic counseling and testing at cluding genetic markers and family that merits ample consideration, history of the disease. about 10 percent of breast cancers larly high risk of developing breast www.cancer.org. , October Is (2 Cancey We want to take this time to show our support for the many Breast cancer deaths have been women and men that declining since 1990 thanks to have been diagnosed early detection, better screening, with Breast Cancer. increased awareness, and new treatment options. Check with your doctor tos you are due for a mammogram! PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF OKLAHOMA THRU TUBING An AEP Company BOUNDLESS ENERGY* 20th St, Elk City, OK 73644 - 580-225-6977