Friends and Sisters

Local breast cancer organizations do make a difference

compiled by JAMIE MENAKER

Breast Awareness Month If you or anyone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you know the sinking feeling in your stomach that goes along with this particular moment in time. You wonder why me, what am I going to do now, and why can’t I pretend like this never happened. It will never be easy to hear this news, but as the incidences of breast cancer continue to rise, so do the many organizations centered around support, help, and breast cancer research.

As it stands today, breast cancer is the number two cancer in women, preceded by non-melanoma skin cancer. The chance of a woman developing breast cancer at some point in her life is 1 in 8, or 12 percent. It was estimated at the start of 2009 that 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer would be diagnosed among women in the United States. There is no mistaking that this is a common affliction. A woman’s likeliness to develop breast cancer is mainly determined by family history, genetics, and race, all factors that are out of our control.

What women can do, however, is be extremely conscientious about checking for early signs of the disease. Do self breast exams once a month. If you are under age 40, have a clinical breast exam every three years; if you are over age 40, have both a clinical breast exam and mammogram done every year. The best way to dodge the harmful effects of this disease is to catch it early. The earlier you catch it, the easier it is to rid the body of the cancer, and the less likely it is to spread to other parts of the body.

With all that said, if you or someone you love has already been diagnosed with breast cancer, what now? Luckily, you are not alone. Here in San Joaquin, we have a network of breast cancer organizations that can help—anything from assistance with meals and transportation, to getting information about breast cancer, to offering survivor stories, to simply lending a waiting ear to someone who’s having a particularly tough day dealing with the disease. Hospitals, national organizations, locally started groups—they all offer a support system that can help beat the disease. Most of these organizations are also working tirelessly and donating funds behind the scenes to work towards a cure for cancer.

For those living in San Joaquin, there are quite a few organizations in the area to turn to that are making a positive impact. Following is our resource guide featuring some of these helpful organizations—if it’s up to us, we hope you never have to use it.

San Joaquin Resources

American Cancer Society, Stockton
(209) 941-2737, www.cancer.org
Located right here in the middle of San Joaquin is the Stockton branch of the American Cancer Society. This is one of the best resources around for any type of cancer. The office has statistics, suggestions, referrals, and experience in everything to do with the disease in all its forms. This is where you go to find events that support and raise funds for breast cancer, as well as to peruse their selection of hundreds of local resources (the list is on the website as well). Other website highlights include a message board offering a forum for anyone with concerns or questions, as well as stories of hope and the latest cancer research.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Sacramento Valley
(916) 492-6474, www.komensacramento.org
The Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization is one of the biggest supporters of breast cancer research and support across the nation, thanks to “the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists.” The organization plans walks and rallies in 125 cities all over America to raise money and create an atmosphere of solidarity among breast cancer survivors, sufferers, and friends and family of both. This is also one of the major charities where breast cancer advocates donate funds. The website offers customized mammogram and self breast check reminders that come straight to your phone or computer, and you can order all sorts of breast cancer literature, titles like What’s Happening to Mom and What’s Happening to the Woman I Love, both in English and Spanish.

St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Stockton
(209) 943-2000, www.stjosephscares.org
As a not-for-profit regional hospital, St. Joseph’s benefits from its smaller size and more intimate atmosphere. Here the cancer resources are in plenty at their specialized Cancer Center. Right beside the Cancer Center, the Cancer Resource Library features hundreds of books, tapes, videos, and information items to help patients and families dealing with cancer, with most items available to check-out and take home. Other resources at the Cancer Center include their free, one-on-one Cancer Navigator service with someone from the Center to help support you through the disease, the Cancer Quarterly newsletter published four times a year with information both educational and inspirational, as well as events, support groups, and seminars.

Going a little further

Breast Cancer Fund (BCF), San Francisco
(415) 346-8223, www.breastcancerfund.org
BCF’s focus is on stopping cancer at its source, and the grassroots organization places emphasis on prevention, education, and outreach, as well as advocacy and public policy. For example, BCF was integral in efforts to prompt three major nail polish manufacturers to remove some chemicals linked to cancer from their products. They also organize several fundraising events annually for survivors and supporters, including Climb Against the Odds and Bike Against the Odds.

Women’s Cancer Resource Center (WCRC), Oakland
(510) 420-7900, www.wcrc.org
Oakland-based WCRC is an invaluable information resource for women facing a diagnosis, or in need of ongoing support. In addition to well-attended support groups and free workshops, the information and referral help-line is there when you have a quick question, need to be pointed in the right direction, or simply need a kind ear to listen. For do-it-yourself fact-finding, there is a three thousand-volume resource library with clippings, pamphlets, and an abundance of Spanish printed materials. All services are provided free of charge.

The Wellness Community, Pleasanton
(925) 933-0107, www.thewellnesscommunity.org
Although the Wellness Community doesn’t offer medical services, their support groups for cancer patients and their family and friends are led by trained and licensed psychotherapists. They also offer off-site educational programs on topics like employment and disability rights for people with cancer, and complementary medicine and cancer. All services are provided free of charge.

The Wall of Hope Breast Cancer
Survivors’ Project, Danville
(925) 736-7100, www.wallofhope.org
Born in 1994 from a local survivor’s commitment to developing programs around awareness of the causes of breast cancer, the California Wall measures two hundred feet in length and features seven hundred fifty portraits of Northern California survivors, along with photos from other areas of the country. The project has also produced a four-hour seminar called, “Telling the Truth About Breast and Other Cancers,” as well as the film Exposure: The Environmental Links to Breast Cancer, which explores the links between environmental toxins and cancer.

Taking the exam Breast Self-Examinations (BSE)

If you’re a woman 21 years old or older, you should be routinely examining your breasts once a month for any unusual changes or lumps. Women who regularly examine their own breasts are more likely to notice any changes that occur. Not all lumps are cancerous, but all lumps should be checked by a health care provider. Women who are pregnant, breast-feeding, or who have breast implants also need to do regular breast self-examinations (BSE). In addition to performing monthly self-exams, make an appointment with your health care provider if you:

notice any abnormal symptoms or changes in breast health
are a woman, 40 years or older, and have not had a mammogram in the last year
are a woman, 35 years or older, and have a mother or sister with breast cancer, or have already had cancer of the breast, uterus, ovary or colon
are a woman, 20 years or older, and do not know how or need help learning how to perform a breast self-examination

When to perform a Breast self-exam

Menstruating women experience hormonal changes that may make the breasts more lumpy or swollen. Therefore, women who are menstruating should perform a BSE from four to seven days after menstruation (their period) has started, when breasts are usually less tender or swollen.

Women who are no longer menstruating should do their BSE on the same day every month—try to pick a day that is easy to remember, such as the first or fifteenth of every month, and set aside that day for your BSE.
Women using oral contraceptives are encouraged to do their BSE each month on the day they begin their new package of pills.

How to perform a Breast self-exam

There are several techniques used to perform a BSE, and it only takes a few minutes once a month. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends the following techniques:

Lie down with a pillow under your right shoulder and place your right arm behind your head.
Use the finger pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast.
Press firmly enough to know how your breast feels. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal. If you’re not sure how hard to press, talk with your doctor or nurse.
Move around the breast in a circular, up-and- down line, or wedge pattern. Be sure to do it the same way every time, check the entire breast area, and remember how your breast feels from month to month.
Repeat the exam on your left breast, using the finger pads of the right hand. (Move the pillow to under your left shoulder.)
Repeat the examination of both breasts while standing, with one arm behind your head. The upright position makes it easier to check the upper and outer part of the breasts (toward your armpit); this area is where about half of breast cancers are found. You may want to do the standing part of the BSE while you’re in the shower, as some breast changes can be felt more easily when your skin is wet and soapy.

As an added precaution, while standing in front of a mirror right after your BSE each month, visually check your breasts for any dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple, redness, or swelling. If you find any changes, see your doctor right away. [SJM]

Local Book: Living With Cancer

Living with Cancer, A Collection of Observations and Suggestions for Families and Friends is a publication provided by the Northern California Cancer Center (www.nccc.org) either in digital or hard copy format. The guide is designed to help individuals make informed decisions and take charge of their health.
Northern California Cancer Center, Fremont, (510) 608-5000, www.nccc.org

Cancer Support Group

St. Joseph’s Medical Center, with their dedicated Cancer Center has many support groups. Here’s one to check out. The first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., held in the Sister Mary Pia Cancer Center, visit the St. Joseph’s Cancer Support Group. Open to anyone dealing with cancer, including patients, family, and friends, this group led by medical social worker Sue Winslow visits topics relating to both breast cancer and general cancer, in a safe and intimate environment.

St. Joseph’s Cancer Center, Stockton, (209) 943-2000, www.stjosephscares.org

For a complete list of Women’s Wellness Resources in San Joaquin County, please see the October issue of San Joaquin Magazine.