bravo! breast cancer guide

BRAvo!Breast Cancer

Guide

Facts &Figuresthe story behindthe pink ribbon

PreventionHow to conduct a breast self-exam

Living with Breast cancerDietFoods

that may help

prevent cancer

pal-item.com

3October 2012 Bravo! Breast Cancer Guide

Bra competition raises awareness, money

in fight againstdeadly disease

In the imagination of area residents, there are at least 120 ways to promote mammograms and defeat breast cancer.

The BRAvo! Busting Out Against Breast Cancer initiative’s second annual decorated bra competition has secured 120 bras, each with a different theme.

The advice accompanying the decorated bras includes:

Scout for a cure;Keep your assets safe;Suck it up cupcake! Schedule your

mammogram today;A mammogram is an important piece of

life’s puzzle;Mardi-bra: Live to party on;A BRA CADA BRA: Make the spread of

cancer disappear with early detection;Rocky BRAlboa: Knock out breast cancer.The BRAvo! initiative, organized by the

Reid Foundation, promotes breast cancer awareness and raises money for no-charge mammograms from Reid Hospital & Health Care Services.

In 2011, the initiative inspired more than 100 decorated bras. Some 20,000 votes were cast for favorite bras, and funding was made available for 520 no-charge mammograms for women in need in the Reid Hospital service region. In 2012, 118 bras were decorated and 96,638 votes were cast online by bra fans from near and far.

This year, as in 2011, the top 12 vote-receiving bras will be featured in the 2013 BRAvo! calendar.

New this year was a fundraising component to the competition. The Gem of

Queens bra created by Hoppe Jewelers raised over $1,600. As the top money-raiser, this bra will be featured on the cover of the 2013 BRAvo! calendar.

Jason Troutwine, director of the Reid Foundation, said adding the cash competition for the calendar cover provided a new way to raise money without compromising the the integrity of the voting for the top 12.

“It all goes to the cause,” Troutwine said.“Since we started doing BRAvo! and

since we started talking in a big way about how important it is to get a mammogram, the number of no-cost mammograms has dramatically increased,” Troutwine said.

According to the BRAvo! website, 37 percent of the women age 40 or older in the area have not had a mammogram within the past 12 months and about 53 women in the area die each year from breast cancer.

Mammograms are the primary tool for early detection of breast cancer, and the sooner the disease is discovered, the greater a woman’s chances of surviving breast cancer.

“People who normally would not be getting a mammogram now are, and that’s great,” Troutwine said.

Reid Hospital, through Reid Foundation, has long offered no-cost mammograms to those who qualify, but the use of the program is increasing so much that, for the first time, the hospital is on track to provide 500 no-cost mammograms this year, Troutwine said.

Staff writer Rachel E. Sheeley

4 Bravo! Breast Cancer Guide October 2012

Get the low-down on breast cancerHow many women get breast cancer?The American Cancer Society’s most recent estimates for breast cancer in the United States are for 2012:

• About 226,870 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women• About 63,300 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be found (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer). • About 39,510 deaths from breast cancer (women)Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women

in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.

The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is about 1 in 8. The chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 36. Breast cancer death rates have been going down. This is probably the result of finding the cancer earlier and better treatment. Right now there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

Risk• Most women are older than 60 when diagnosed with breast cancer.• White women are more often diagnosed with breast cancer than any other race.• Physically inactive women have an increased risk for breast cancer.Compiled from CDC.gov, NIH.gov and apps.nccd.cdc.gov/uscs/.

The USCA is produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health in collaboration with the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR).

Risk Factors

Even without any risk factors, every woman is at risk for breast cancer. The most common risk factors are:

• Family and personal history• Certain chromosomal changes• Certain gene changes (BRCA1 and BRCA2)• Race (most commonly diagnosed in white women)• Radiation therapy to the chest• History of taking DES during pregnancy• Large areas of breast density as it appears on mammogram• Over age 40• Early period• Late menopause• Years of menopausal hormone therapy• Late age when having first child• Late age at first full-term pregnancy• Never having a child• Obesity and postmenopausal obesity• Alcohol consumption• Physical inactivityRecent birth control pill use has been linked to

increased breast cancer risk, according to the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute. However, the risk seems to decrease over time and return to normal more than 10 years after use of the pill is stopped.

Researchers are still studying many other lifestyle and genetic factors that might increase breast cancer risk. Taking fish oil supplements, having a fatty diet and hormones in general and

during pregnancy are topics currently under study.However, some proposed causes of breast cancer

have no clear causal relationship, according to the ACS. Currently no scientific evidence supports association between breast cancer and:

• Antiperspirant use• Underwire bras• Breast implants

Tips to reduce your risk of getting breast cancer

While there is no way to eliminate the risk of getting breast cancer altogether, some studies indicate that the following tips could help reduce the risk:

• Be vigilant about breast self-exams, clinical breast exams and mammograms.• Contact your doctor if you notice breast changes, lumps or changes to your skin or nipples.• Use condoms instead of the pill.• Use naturopathic therapies instead of hormone replacement therapy.• Eat right and limit fat in your diet.• Exercise regularly.• Maintain a healthy weight.• Limit alcohol consumption.• Use chemoprevention (Tamoxifen, Raloxifene and other drugs).• Have prophylactic mastectomy and/or oophorectomy.• Participate in a cancer prevention clinical trial.Research is under way to determine the impact of

herbs and dietary supplements on reducing breast cancer.Note that conflicting study results show that

diet and vitamins, active and passive smoking, environmental and chemical factors and oral contraceptive use might or might not impact breast cancer risk, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Steps to breast cancer early detection

Reid Hospital cites the American Cancer Society’s recommendation that women older than 40 get a screening mammogram once a year. Appointments can be made by calling Reid Central Scheduling at (765) 983-3358.

No-cost mammograms are available for some women with financial need. Women with financial need may qualify for a no-cost Community Benefit mammogram, made possible from proceeds of BRAvo!. Ask a scheduling agent to determine if you qualify.

Without doubt, early detection of breast cancer saves lives. Becoming aware of what your breasts look and feel like normally will help you when following these American Cancer Society guidelines to breast cancer early detection:

• Monthly breast self-examinations beginning at age 20.• Clinical breast exams every three years beginning at age 20.• Clinical breast exams every year beginning at age 40.• Mammograms every year beginning at age 40.


• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and mammogram every year beginning at age 40 for women at high risk.

Incidence of breast cancerEvery woman is at risk for breast cancer. Unfortunately,

that’s one factor that so far cannot be changed. Statistics show the following relative to race, age and stage:

• Excluding skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in U.S. women ages 40-49.• In 2006, 2.5 million living women in the United States had a history of breast cancer.• In the United States, more than 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.• Over age 45, white women are more likely than black women to be diagnosed with breast cancer.• Under age 45, black women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer.• Black women at any age are more likely than white women to die from breast cancer due to later detection.• Other ethnic groups have a lower incidence and death rate than either black or white women.• Men also develop breast cancer, but their risk is considerably lower. Each year about 2,000 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States.• The relative survival rate five years after diagnosis is 89 percent.

Survival rate by stage:Stage 5-year Survival Rate0 93%I 88%IIA 81%IIB 74%IIIA 67%IIIB 41%*IIIC 49%*IV 15%

Table source: Cancer.org, last revised 06/20/11

Understanding the stagesStage 0: There are 2 types of stage 0 breast

carcinoma in situ: ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). DCIS is a noninvasive condition in which abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct (a tube that carries milk to the nipple). The abnormal cells have not spread outside the duct to other tissues in the breast. In some cases, DCIS may become invasive cancer and spread to other tissues, although it is not known how to predict which lesions will become invasive cancer. LCIS is a condition in which abnormal cells are found in the lobules (small sections of tissue involved with making milk) of the breast. This condition seldom becomes invasive cancer; however, having LCIS in one breast increases the risk of developing breast cancer in either breast.

Stage I: Stage I breast cancer is divided into stages IA and IB. In stage IA, the tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller and has not spread outside the breast. In stage IB, (1) no tumor is found in the

breast, but small clusters of cancer cells (larger than 0.2 millimeter but not larger than 2 millimeters) are found in the lymph nodes; or (2) the tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller and small clusters of cancer cells (larger than 0.2 millimeter but not larger than 2 millimeters) are found in the lymph nodes.

Stage II: Stage II breast cancer is divided into stages IIA and IIB. In stage IIA, (1) no tumor is found in the breast, but cancer is found in the axillary (under the arm) lymph nodes; or (2) the tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes; or (3) the tumor is larger than 2 centimeters but not larger than 5 centimeters and has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes. In stage IIB, the tumor is (1) larger than 2 centimeters but not larger than 5 centimeters and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes; or (2) larger than 5 centimeters but has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes.

Stage III: Stage III breast cancer is divided into stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. In stage IIIA, (1) no tumor is found in the breast, but cancer is found in axillary (under the arm) lymph nodes that are attached to each other or to other structures, or cancer may be found in lymph nodes near the breastbone; or (2) the tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller and cancer has spread to axillary lymph nodes that are attached to each other or to other structures, or the cancer may have spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone; or (3) the tumor is larger than 2 centimeters but not larger than 5 centimeters and cancer has spread to axillary lymph nodes that are attached to each other or to other structures, or cancer may have spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone; or (4) the tumor is larger than 5 centimeters and cancer has spread to axillary lymph nodes that may be attached to each other or to other structures, or the cancer may have spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone. In stage IIIB, the tumor may be any size and cancer (1) has spread to the chest wall and/or the skin of the breast; and (2) may have spread to axillary lymph nodes that may be attached to each other or to other structures, or the cancer may have spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone. In stage IIIC, there may be no sign of cancer in the breast or the tumor may be any size and may have spread to the chest wall and/or the skin of the breast. Also, cancer (1) has spread to lymph nodes above or below the collarbone, and (2) may have spread to axillary lymph nodes or to lymph nodes near the breastbone. In operable stage IIIC, the cancer is found (1) in ten or more axillary lymph nodes; or (2) in the lymph nodes below the collarbone; or (3) is found in axillary lymph nodes and in lymph nodes near the breastbone. In inoperable stage IIIC, the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes above the collarbone.

Stage IV: cancer has spread to other organs of the body, most often the bones, lungs, liver, or brain.

Stage definitions source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms


How-to conduct a breast self-exam

Early detection of breast cancer can improve survival rates and lessen the severity of treatment options. Routine mammograms are essential to catching signs of breast cancer early on but so can home-based breast exams.

Over the years there has been some debate over the effectiveness of breast self-exams, or BSEs, is effective. Different breast cancer organizations have different views on the subject. Some studies have indicated that a BSE is not effective in reducing breast cancer mortality rates. Some argue that these exams also may put women at risk -- increasing the number of potential lumps found due to uncertainty as to what is being felt in the breast. This can lead to unnecessary biopsies. Others feel that a BSE is a good practice, considering that roughly 20 percent of breast cancers are found by physical examination rather than by mammography, according to BreastCancer.org.

The American Cancer Society takes the position that a BSE is an optional screening tool for breast cancer. For those who are interested in conducting self-exams, here is the proper way to do so.

• Begin with a visual inspection of the breasts. Remove clothing and stand in front of a mirror. Turn and pivot so the breasts can be seen at all angles. Make a note of your breasts’ appearance. Pay special attention to any dimpling, puckering or oddness in the appearance of the skin. Check to see if there is any change in symmetry or size of the breasts.

• Continue the examination with hands placed by the hips and then again with your hands elevated overhead with your palms pressed together.

• Next you will move on to a physical examination. This can be done either by reclining

on a bed or the floor or any flat surface. The exam also can be done in the shower. To begin examining the breasts, place the hand and arm for the breast you will be examining behind your head. Use the pads of your pointer, middle and ring fingers to push and massage at the breast in a clockwise motion. Begin at the outer portion of the breast, slowly working inward in a circular motion 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 differences from one breast to the other.

If you find any abnormalities, mark them down on an illustration that you can bring to the doctor. Or if you can get an appointment immediately, draw a ring around the area with a pen so that you will be able to show the doctor directly where you have concern.

It is a good idea to conduct a BSE once a month and not when menstruating, when breasts may change due to hormone fluctuation. Frequent examinations will better acquaint you with what is normal with your breasts and better help you recognize if something feels abnormal.


Origins of the Pink Ribbon

These days, ribbons are worn for many different causes. Red signifies AIDS awareness. A yellow ribbon has long represented support for armed forces. However, one of the most prominent ribbon colors is pink, which aims to raise awareness of and support for breast cancer.

Pink is a color that is uniquely feminine, and it also represents a person full of health and vibrancy; think of little babies pink with life. Pink is also a color that seems the complete antithesis of cancer, and thusly inspires hope for renewed health and survival.

There is some controversy surrounding the origins of the breast cancer mascot — the pink ribbon. There are also suggestions that the ribbon was intended to be peach and not pink.

In 1992, just about every organization started using ribbons to raise awareness. The New York Times actually dubbed 1992 “The Year of the Ribbon.” Alexandra Penney, the then-editor of Self magazine, wanted to create a ribbon for the publication’s second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month issue. The previous year she had worked with cosmetics giant Estee Lauder. Evelyn Lauder, the senior corporate vice president, was herself a breast cancer survivor. Penney thought a collaboration between the magazine and Lauder could see a ribbon on cosmetic counters across the nation, and help sell a few magazines in the process.

The trouble was Penney had read a story about a 68-year-old woman, Charlotte Haley, who was producing handmade ribbons in her home. Haley had a number of people in her immediate family who had battled breast cancer and her handmade “peach” ribbons intended to raise awareness about the limited government funds being used for breast cancer research. Haley’s message was spreading by word of mouth.

Penney and Lauder contacted Haley and wanted to further collaborate on the peach ribbon theme. However, Haley didn’t want to be involved, saying the effort would be too commercial. She refused to turn over rights to the use of the peach ribbon. As a result, Penney consulted with attorneys who said to come up with another color, and pink was eventually chosen.

Pink had already been associated with breast cancer in the past. Just a few years earlier, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation had given out pink visors to its “Race for the Cure” participants. It had also created a pink ribbon.

The pink ribbon quickly took off by leaps and bounds. Millions were distributed by Estee Lauder. There are many philanthropic and commercial businesses who now use the pink ribbon in their breast cancer marketing plans. Every October, women are urged to don pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One can find the pink ribbon adorning everything from cereal boxes to cans of cleanser.

Many embrace the pink ribbon as a symbol of hope, one that has done its share of work toward spreading the word about the need for more breast cancer awareness and research.


Thank youto all those who donated their

time, creativity and money to decorate the terrific bras


Throughout these pages we’ve shown you the many wonderful bras decorated for BRAvo! You may have

noted twelve bras are designated with a gold star. These are the top vote getters that will be featured in

the 2013 BRAvo! calendar.

You can get your calendar at the Ginkgo Boutique at Reid Hospital starting on November 19. The cost is just $10 and all proceeds benefit

BRAvo! What a great holiday present that will serve to remind your friends

to get their mammograms.


Social support cuts breast cancer

deaths by almost halfBeing loved and feeling loved can help prevent

a recurrence of cancer and reduce fatality rates among those battling the disease, offers a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

A strong social support system can play a large role in how people diagnosed with cancer manage the disease. Those with emotionally satisfying relationships may have prolonged life expectancy or even ward off a relapse of cancer later on.

The study was conducted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Shanghai Institute of Preventative Medicine over the last eight years. Researchers worked with patients enrolled in the Shanghai Breast Cancer Survivor Study who completed a quality of life survey after six months of being diagnosed with cancer. The majority of patients completed a follow-up survey 30 months later. Responses on different physical issues were calculated into a general quality of life score.

Roughly five years later, researchers documented participants who had cancer recurrences or had died from the disease. Compared to women with low scores, women who had the highest quality of life score had a 48 percent reduction in another cancer occurrence and a 38 percent reduction in the risk of death.

The findings of the study indicate that strong emotional and social support early after a diagnosis of breast cancer can be a strong ally in a woman or man’s fight with the disease. Oncologists and therapists can use these study results to help develop a support network for breast cancer patients as part of the course of treatment for the disease. Such social support is especially important in the first year after a cancer diagnosis. Marital satisfaction is also a key factor in the quality of life a person with breast cancer may have.

Should a person be diagnosed with breast cancer, there are a number of things he or she can do to improve the support network.

* Spend considerable time talking and sharing moments with your spouse and children.

* Surround yourself with positive minded people.

* Connect with breast cancer survivors through a local organization in the community or online.

* Participate in events designed to raise money and awareness for the fight against breast cancer.

* Accept help and support from others when it is needed.

* Consider psychological counseling if an added boost is needed.

* Share your experiences with others who may be in similar situations.

* Volunteer your time doing something that has nothing to do with the disease, like a club or activity.

A strong marriage is part of the support system that can help prolong the life of someone diagnosed with breast cancer, and can also reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.


Reluctant for years,reporter gets mammogram

by Rachel E. Sheeley

I’ve been guilty of “Do as I say, not as I do.”Every October since 1996, I’ve written stories for the

Palladium-Item about breast cancer survivors and the importance of mammograms as a tool in early detection as part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Women are encouraged to begin yearly mammograms at 40.

At age 40, the same year my mother died with breast cancer, I had my first mammogram. It was clear. And then, well, I didn’t keep going.

I kept preaching, however.Five years later, I knew it was time to get back to it.

I’ve heard breast cancer survivors say it countless times, “Get your mammogram.”

Deadlines drive me to do my job. If I made a story of getting my mammogram, I’d be sure to do it. Oh, the things I do for my job.

Some of my past reluctance was in my head, a fear that I would follow in my mother’s path and a cancer would be found.

On Thursday, I overcame my fears and had my mammogram. The initial results were good, and my fears were eased.

So what was it like? Not too bad for me, but I realize everyone has their individual experience.

I made an appointment. On the day of the mammogram, I checked into the Breast Center at Reid Hospital in Richmond with ease, waited a few minutes, then met mammogram technician Shelley Sams.

Sams handed me a warmed pink bath robe, escorted me to a changing room and asked that I disrobe from the waist up. I wore a shirt, jacket and slacks to make this easy. I also had been told not to wear deodorant, lotion or powder, which might interfere with the screening.

After securing my clothing and purse in a locker, I spent a few minutes in an interior waiting room, where magazines and a TV were available. I snuggled into the warm robe, thinking I’d like to have a robe warmer at home.

Sams next escorted me into the mammography room. Reid’s mammography is digital and the hospital website promotes it as a state-of-the-art technology that is found in less than 10 percent of similar centers across the nation. Digital mammography, Reid’s website said, provides patients with greater accuracy, making it possible to detect problems in their earliest stages. Digital mammography allows the radiologists to zoom in, sharpen, and even rotate the images when making their diagnosis.

Sams talked to me about what was going to happen and told me to let her know if I experienced any issues during the process.

I stepped up to the mammography machine, slipped out of only the right side of my robe and we did the right breast first. I kept my right arm at my side and held my breath during the compression. Sams worked professionally to position the breast for the best image possible.

The second step was to do a scan at an angle. This, Sams told me, provides a better look at the pectoral muscle and the lymph nodes beneath the arm. Lymph

nodes are part of the immune system and filter foreign particles, such as cancer cells. For this scan, my right arm was positioned across the machine where I grasped a bar, and held my breath.

We repeated the process for the left breast.Some women experience pain and discomfort from

the process, but I was fortunate not to, beyond the position being slightly uncomfortable and stretching some arm and chest muscles.

After my mammogram, Sams and I talked about women’s varied reactions. She said some women do have pain. She said some take an analgesic, such as ibuprofen, before the mammogram to lessen the discomfort.

Sams suggested women talk about their pain level with their physician before the mammogram and follow the physician’s suggestions.

Women with fibrocystic breasts, in which the tissue is more dense, lumpy or include fluid cysts, might experience more pain, according to several cancer-related websites. Those women are not more likely to develop breast cancer.

However, one of the recommendations for women seeking to decrease or eliminate breast pain or fibrocystic breasts is to reduce caffeine intake.

It was suggested that I cease my caffeine intake, including soda and chocolate, for as much as two weeks before the mammogram. Since I had done that in the past, I did it again this time. I have no medical facts on which to base this, but both mammograms were relatively discomfort-free, so I’ll probably follow what suggestion again. I recommend women discuss it with their physician.

After the mammogram, Sams checked the scans to make sure they were of the right quality. If they had not been, we would’ve repeated a scan.

With the screening done, I returned to the waiting room while Sams forwarded the digital scans to the radiologist. The radiologist reviews the images, which he or she can enlarge to see details.

If the radiologist sees something of concern, the technician will return to the patient to either do more scans, arrange an ultrasound to determine the nature of the abnormality in the breast. If there are greater concerns, Reid’s breast center nurse will meet with the patient to discuss more testing and help arrange additional appointments. The objective is to alleviate as much of the waiting and worrying stress as possible.

In most cases, if no concerns are seen by the radiologist, the patient receives that positive information before leaving the breast center and a written follow-up letter by mail.

Since my case was unusual, a reporter getting a mammogram with a photographer following along, the radiologist departed for the day before my appointment was complete. My scans were processed the next day.

Sams was reassuring. She showed me my scans on the computer and explained what we were seeing, the veins, ducts and fatty tissue. I left feeling positive about the experience and, surprisingly, it only took about 20 minutes.

continued on page 14


Mediterranean diet may help fight breast cancer

New research suggests women looking to prevent breast cancer after menopause may want to consider dietary changes, including adopting Mediterranean eating habits, to reduce their risk.

According to information published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Greek post-menopausal women who rated highly in terms of researching scores in their consumption of foods that fit with a Mediterranean diet were 22 percent less likely to develop breast cancer during the study than others. Although the diet is not a cure-all for breast cancer, researchers estimate that if all women in their study population had closely adhered to a traditional Mediterranean diet, about 10 percent of the 127 postmenopausal breast cancers in the group would have been avoided.

It has long been believed that a Mediterranean diet has many positive effects on personal health. Although studies have only been conducted on breast cancer thus far, there is also hopeful evidence

that the diet may reduce the risk for other cancers, including colon and stomach cancer, as well as reduce the chances for heart disease.

What Is a Mediterranean Diet?

Nations in the Mediterranean region, including Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Spain, have historically had lower rates of heart disease and some cancers, including breast cancer, compared with other European countries and the United States. Researchers believe there is a correlation between the foods Mediterranean people eat and the rates of cancer and other illnesses.

A traditional Mediterranean diet is rich in seafood, heart-healthy fish, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil. It is relatively low in dairy and red meat products. According to the Mayo Clinic, most if not all major scientific organizations encourage healthy adults to adopt a


diet similar to the Mediterranean diet to prevent major chronic diseases.

Those who want to follow a Mediterranean diet can consider the following guidelines.

• Base every meal on the consumption of fruits, vegetables, grains, olive oil, beans, nuts, legumes, seeds, herbs, and spices.

• Consume fish and seafood often, at least two times per week.

• Enjoy moderate portions of poultry, eggs, cheese, and yogurt daily to weekly.

• Reduce and limit consumption of meats and sweets.

Experts say that if the Mediterranean diet does have a preventative nature toward breast

cancer and other illnesses, it is likely due to the antioxidant components of the diet. The Mediterranean diet is rich in antioxidants, which protect cells from damage that may

lead to diseases. The diet also helps to promote a health

body weight, which is instrumental in keeping the body in top form and helping with immune system function.

— Metro Creative

To get started on the path of healthy Mediterranean eating, enjoy this recipe for Eggplant Dip.

Eggplant Dip

1 medium eggplant2 tablespoons lemon juice1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil1/2 cup finely chopped red onion1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped1 small chile pepper, such as jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional)2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil1 tablespoon finely chopped flat-leaf parsley1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste1/4 teaspoon salt

Position oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source; preheat broiler.

Line a baking pan with foil. Place eggplant in the pan and poke a few holes all over it to vent steam. Broil the eggplant, turning with tongs every 5 minutes, until the skin is charred and a knife inserted into the dense flesh near the stem goes in easily, 14 to 18 minutes. Cool on a cutting board until ready to handle.

Put lemon juice in a medium bowl. Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise and scrape the flesh into the bowl, tossing with the lemon juice to help prevent discoloring. Add oil and stir with a fork until the oil is absorbed. (It should be a little chunky.) Stir in yogurt, onion, bell pepper, chile pepper (if using), basil, parsley, cayenne and salt.

If the eggplant has a lot of seeds it may be bitter. Add a dash of salt to sweeten the dip.

Serve with whole-wheat crackers, wedges of toasted pita, or fresh vegetable slices.


FamousBreast Cancer

SurvivorsCelebrity may bring a person riches and

fame, but it cannot protect against cancer. There are many famous women who have experienced breast cancer and beat the disease. Here’s a look at some of them.

1. Suzanne Somers. The famous infomercial guru and former star of “Three’s Company” battled breast cancer, facing controversy when she opted for holistic treatment over standard treatment.

2. Olivia Newton John. The Australian singer and star of the wildly popular movie, “Grease,” was diagnosed in 1992. Newton John had a mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

3. Rue McClanahan. The late star of “Golden Girls” found a lump in 1997.

4. Linda Ellerbee. A journalist and 1991 survivor, Ellerbee had a bilateral mastectomy.

5. Lynn Redgrave. The late Ms. Redgrave hailed from a family of actors. She was also a breast cancer survivor.

6. Anastacia. The pop singer was diagnosed in 2003 and now does her part for raising awareness.

7. Christina Applegate. The child and adult star underwent surgery to have both her breasts removed in an operation known as a prophylactic double mastectomy after experiencing cancer and discovering she carries the gene for it. She’s learned from the experiences of her mother, a double breast-cancer survivor.

8. Melissa Etheridge. The singer is doing quite well after a 2004 diagnosis. She is well known for singing bald at a Janis Joplin tribute concert while undergoing treatment.

9. Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith. These two “Charlie’s Angels” both survived breast cancer.

10. Edie Falco. The actress discovered the cancer in 2003 and secretly battled it.

11. Cynthia Nixon. The “Sex and the City” star was diagnosed in 2006 and first kept the news a secret for fear of being hounded by the paparazzi.

12. Sheryl Crow. The singer caught her breast cancer early in 2006 with a routine mammogram.

13. Kylie Minogue. The Australian singer almost missed the diagnosis until her intuition told her to be tested again. A partial mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation followed.

14. Robin Roberts. The news anchor discovered a lump in 2007 after a self-examination.

Sams has been a licensed mammogram technician for several years, and before that she worked in Reid’s emergency room. She said she likes the job.

“I think we’re saving lives,” Sams said.I hope that by “baring my chest” for this article, by continuing to

write about breast cancer and through daily work of Sams and others in the Reid Breast Center, we are saving lives.

Mammogram scheduling• To schedule a mammogram at the Reid Breast Center, call central

scheduling at (765) 983-3358, or use the new online scheduling program at www.bravomammogram.org.

• Anyone who has concerns about the cost of a mammogram should consult with their health care provider or contact Reid Hospital. The Reid Foundation’s annual BRAvo! campaign not only promotes breast cancer awareness, but raises money to pay for mammograms for women who cannot afford them.

• The Reid Breast Center offers a special program on the third Thursday of each month that enables women to schedule a mammogram and PAP during the same appointment. The appointment includes the opportunity to have DEXA osteoporosis screening plus receive complimentary chair massage and a gift bag. Appointments last about two hours, but the number available each month is limited.

Did you know?• Reid Breast Center uses recyclable spongy pads on the equipment

during each mammogram. The pads are shipped to a California company that recycles them into carpet padding.

continued from page 11


• Reid Breast Center, with digital mammography services, in the Outpatient Care Center at 1100 Reid Parkway. Reid offers free mammograms to community members. (765) 983-3358.

• Wayne County Health Department Clinic, 203 E. Main St., Richmond, (765) 973-9294. The clinic offers information about self-exams and basic care, and makes mammogram referrals.

• Cancer Support Group, a spiritual support group for people coping with cancer of any kind, meets on the last Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at West Richmond Friends Meeting, 609 W. Main St. If the last Monday is a holiday, the group meets on the preceding Monday. Contact Peggy Lear at (765) 966-3810. The group also is willing to provide speakers for organization meetings.

• The Indiana Women in Need Foundation (I-Win), which has a Richmond branch, helps women who during breast cancer surgery and treatment with $500 grants for services such as child care, housekeeping, yard maintenance, in-home pet care,

Local Resourcespersonal errands, transportation, meals, professional photographs, massage, exercise and yoga. Each woman undergoing treatment is eligible; there are no income criteria. All administrative details are handled by the Indianapolis headquarters. For more information, visit the foundation’s Website at www.inwinfoundation.org or call the Indianapolis office at (866) 900-4946. Information and referrals also are available by contacting Jackie Vanderpool at (765) 935-1656.

• American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 689, 923 Fourth St., Columbus, IN 47202 or (812) 376-6781; or nationally at (800) 227-2345 or on the Internet at www.cancer.org.

• American Cancer Society, 40 S. Perry St., Suite 120, Dayton, OH 45402 or (888) 227-6446.

• Whitewater Valley Imaging Center, 1475 E. SR 44 in Connersville. (765) 827-8670. Mammograms at this location may also be scheduled at bravomammogram.org.

bravo! breast cancer guide

Documents

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