innovations in blood cancer treatment september 2012 cancer:...
TRANSCRIPT
CanCer: autumn awareness
Learn more about breast, blood, and ovarian cancer to take your first step towards prevention and treatment.
Education is our most powErful tool
AN iNdepeNdeNt SUppLeMeNt froM MediApLANet to tHe NAtioNAL poSt
A doctor’s visioninnovations in blood cancer treatment
preventing cancerJoin a study to save a life
September 2012
00StepS/tipS
you Should know about
cancer
00StepS/S/S tipS
you Should
3factS
AN iNdepeNdeNt SUppLeMeNt by MediApLANet tO tHe NAtiONAL pOSt2 · SepteMber 2012
Challenges
nobody has to fight or fear cancer alone
It is estimated 186,400 Canadian will be faced with a diagnosis of cancer in 2012. together, let’s change cancer forever.
It has been said, “Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
It is estimated 186,400 Can-adian will be faced with a diag-nosis of cancer in 2012. The
Canadian Cancer Society knows that we have to attack cancer at a number of levels if we want to have an impact. Each year we fight more than 200 different types of cancer on numerous fronts, from funding ground-breaking research, cancer prevention activities to advocating for healthy public policy and deliv-ering programs to communities, cancer patients and their families. Due in great part to Canadian Can-cer Society funded research, today 62 percent of people diagnosed with cancer will survive compared to 25 percent in the 1940s.
taking controlAs you review the new studies, research progress, programs and survivor stories featured in this special cancer awareness section, questions surrounding cancer pre-vention, your own family history, or the risks of cancer for you or a
loved one may emerge. As the nation’s largest and lead-
ing cancer charity, I encourage you to reach out to the Canadian Cancer Society. For nearly 75 years, Canadians have turned to us for information, support and resour-ces.. In fact our Cancer Informa-tion Service has answered more than one million calls since the service began in 1996.
available resourcesThis service is available free to patients, their caregivers, family members, friends and the general
public and is confidential and accessible in more than 100 lan-guages.
Services offered include:■■ The Cancer Information Ser-
vice offers up-to-date information on all types of cancer, diagnostic tests, treatments, side effects, and clinical trials. Teams of highly trained cancer information spe-cialists answer questions and are experts at listening and empathiz-ing.
■■ Cancer.ca is the Society’s web-site offers reliable information that is easy-to-read. A wide-range of brochures and booklets can be downloaded. Cancer.ca also has an online cancer encyclopedia for those looking for more in-depth information and a Community Services Locator that can help people find cancer-related services in their community or one nearby.
■■ Peer Support connects patients and caregivers with fully screened and trained volunteers who’ve had cancer or cared for someone with cancer. These volunteers listen, provide hope, offer encouragement and share ideas for coping – all from their unique perspective as
“someone who’s been there”.■■ CancerConnection.ca is an
online community for patients, survivors and caregivers. This community is managed by trained moderators and enables members to offer support, ideas and advice.
■■ Smokers’ Helpline has proven tips and tools to help people quit successfully. This service offers personalized and non-judgmental support, advice and information over the phone, online and via text messaging.
working togetherWith the strength and courage of our supporters nationwide, the Canadian Cancer Society has had more impact against more cancers in more communities than any other cancer charity in Canada. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of more than 170,000 Society vol-unteers and fundraising efforts nationwide, no one has to fight or fear cancer alone.
“there are at least three things worth noting about ovarian cancer screening.”
ovarian cancerLearning about the future of cancer development
We recommend
pAge 7
breast reconstruction p. 4How one foundation is educating breast cancer survivors on their options.
personalizing cancer p. 6Learn how cancer treatment affected these three people.
CANCer: AUtUMN AwAreNeSS3rd editioN, SepteMber 2012
responsible for this issue:publisher: madisyn [email protected]: miguel Van den [email protected]: Laura [email protected] contributors: canadian cancer Society, canadian breast cancer Foundation, Partnership Against cancer, Joe rosengarten, dr. Aaron d. Schimmer, marlene macpherson, Kyla mcmullin, Anita Portier, dr. Barbara Vanderhyden, canadian Association of radiologists, Paula reid, Heather Gibson, care Path
photo credit: All images are from iStock.com unless otherwise accredited.
Managing director: chris [email protected] developer: Jessica [email protected]
distributed within:national Post, SePTemBer 2012This section was created by mediaplanet and did not involve the national Post or its editorial departments.
Mediaplanet’s business is to create new cus-tomers for our advertisers by providing read-ers with high quality editorial contentthat motivates them to act.
The chance of a woman getting breast cancer in her lifetime is not changing. In 2012, breast cancer continues to be the most common cancer in Canadian women over the age of 20, representing 26 percent of all cancer cases in Can-adian women.
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foun-dation encourages Canadians to learn more about their breast health. Being breast healthy means being breast aware; knowing about breast cancer risk factors and proactive ways to help reduce your personal risk of breast can-cer; and being informed about screen-ing for the earlier detection of breast cancer. These are important aspects of preventive healthcare.
reducing your risk Breast cancer is a complex disease with no known single cause but the more we
know about breast cancer risk reduc-tion, the better equipped we are to make healthier choices. Making healthy choices is not always easy, as we juggle the tasks in our busy lives, our health and well being are often forgotten.
Our lifestyle choices are also shaped by many factors, including our income, where we live and work, the standard of housing we live in, and our proximity to public transport, grocery stores, safe parks and public spaces, health clinics, and other amenities that support our wellness. These factors shape our health and the choices we are able to make.
little change, big differenceIt’s never too late to start making small changes in your everyday life to benefit your long-term breast health.
■■ enjoy a balanced diet—with smaller portions for a healthier body weight.
■■ Get active. Start small and work your way up to 30 minutes a day.
■■ limit alcohol to one drink or less per day.
■■ eliminate and avoid smoking. Try to avoid second-hand smoke.
■■ reduce your exposure to harm-ful chemicals at work and at home.
earlier detection and breast cancer screeningThe goal of breast cancer screening is to find breast cancer as early as pos-sible—before a woman or her health care provider notice symptoms like finding a lump or other breast changes. Screening is usually done using mam-mography, a tool that takes images of the inside of the breasts. In most cases, finding breast cancer earlier leads to more treatment options and a better chance of survival.
A regular check-up with a health care provider can be a good time for you to discuss your breast health, including any unusual breast changes, your risk of breast cancer, being breast aware and screening for the earlier detection of breast cancer.
Being breast healthy is being breast awareadvances in earlier detection, diagnosis and treatment are saving the lives of women with breast cancer, helping many to live longer and with a better quality of life.
Source: the canadian breaSt
cancer foundation,
Martin Kabat
FoLLoW US on FAceBooK And TWITTer!www.facebook.com/Mediaplanetcawww.twitter.com/Mediaplanetca
Join your local cibc run for the cure this year, the run occurs in major cities all over canada on Sunday, September 30th Photo: the canadian breast cancer foundation
62 canadian woMen are diaGnoSed
with breaSt cancer every
day. 14 of thoSe woMen will Suffer
fatally
62 canadian canadian c
1tip/Step
Martin kabatChief executive officer, ontario divisionCanadian Cancer Society
AN iNdepeNdeNt SUppLeMeNt by MediApLANet tO tHe NAtiONAL pOStAN iNdepeNdeNt SUppLeMeNt by MediApLANet tO tHe NAtiONAL pOSt SepteMber 2012 · 3
Challenges
■■ reduce your exposure to harm-ful chemicals at work and at home.
earlier detection and breast cancer screeningThe goal of breast cancer screening is to find breast cancer as early as pos-sible—before a woman or her health care provider notice symptoms like finding a lump or other breast changes. Screening is usually done using mam-mography, a tool that takes images of the inside of the breasts. In most cases, finding breast cancer earlier leads to more treatment options and a better chance of survival.
A regular check-up with a health care provider can be a good time for you to discuss your breast health, including any unusual breast changes, your risk of breast cancer, being breast aware and screening for the earlier detection of breast cancer.
Being breast healthy is being breast aware
Source: the canadian breaSt
cancer foundation,
news
GeT InVoLVed
why do some people get cancer while others don’t?
■■ With an estimated one in two Canadians developing cancer in their lifetimes, most of us want to know how to prevent cancer in the first place.
A long-term Canadian popula-tion health study is aiming to do just that by helping researchers better understand the causes of cancer and related diseases—and Canadians are playing a critical role in being part of the solution.
The Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project involves the participation of ordinary Can-adians who agree to share their health and lifestyle information at points over their adult lives.
Col lected anonymously, this data will over time enable researchers to explore and understand patterns and trends that may help to answer some of their most challenging ques-
tions about the causes of cancer and other chronic diseases.
Canadian adults can partici-pate in the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project through studies underway in many parts of the country.
To find out more, visit www.partnershipfortomorrow.ca.
With more than 250,000 participants already enrolled, the study is an easy way for Canadians to contribute to important research.
Source: partnerShip
againSt cancer
AN iNdepeNdeNt SUppLeMeNt by MediApLANet tO tHe NAtiONAL pOSt4 · SepteMber 2012
Canada spearheading worldwide educationbra day (breast reconstruction awareness day), now in its 2nd year, is an initiative that has been designed to promote education and awareness of the benefits of breast reconstruction following mastectomy.
Founded in 2011, BRA Day is the brainchild of Plastic and Recon-structive Surgeon, Dr. Mitchell Brown, from the beginning he has been assisted by a handpicked and highly knowledgeable group of experts in breast reconstruction and plastic surgery.
at the forefrontThe founders of the campaign have partnered with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and the Canadian Society of Plastic Sur-geons to ensure that it is at fore-front of Breast Reconstruction Awareness.
Dr. Brown said, “There was a real need to create a movement. Women would come and see me having had a mastectomy five or six years previously and I would say, ‘Why are you only coming to see me now?’ They would all reply that they never knew about recon-structive surgery and that they did not think that it was a possibility.”
The team behind BRA Day knows all of the positive effects that reconstructive breast surgery can have and have developed a national breast reconstruction day to pro-mote awareness of this. It takes place annually on the third Wed-nesday of October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, falling this year on October 17th.
addressing a needThe vision behind BRA Day is clear. Brown and his cohorts believe that all women who are candidates for breast reconstruction have the
right to be treated in a safe and timely manner and that, more than anything, they deserve to be made aware of each and every option that is available to them.
advocating for a causePing Mah, an advocate for BRA Day, had breast reconstructive surgery in August of 2010. She describes BRA Day as, “a special day, a great day for awareness. Women should feel like they deserve to have reconstructive surgery.” Ping, who works in sales, says that confi-dence and personal image are very important in her line of work and that she feels great after the recon-structive surgery. “I feel just like I did before, and now, if I have some-thing to say, I say it.”
Ping is a strong advocate of sup-port groups and says that a support group she attended, Connecting Rainbows, was extremely help-ful to her: “I spoke to the support
group and I gave myself permis-sion to have the reconstructive surgery. It is all about awareness. I knew that I didn’t need to feel alone.”
It is fair to say that, in 2012, the initiative has grown exponen-tially and on October 17th special events are taking place in over 25 countries. These events have been important in bringing people together who have been affected by breast cancer and who have been through breast reconstruc-tion surgery.
worldwide recognitionThe initiative has gained support from far and wide, including Amer-ican singer Jewel who has recently lent her support to Breast Recon-struction Awareness Day. She has signed up to be a national spokes-person on October 17th for BRA Day USA. Jewel has also recorded a commemorative song in honor of
BRA Day, called Flower.Dr Brown is not surprised by how
quickly the movement has taken off, he said, “I am thrilled by how things have developed but it has taken a lot of hard work, so many people have volunteered their time and resources.” He cites how the development in places right across the globe has been amaz-ing. Dr Brown thinks that the initiative will grow even faster in 2013, stating that “a bigger, more international strategy is required, with Canada at the centre of that strategy.”
You can find more information on BRA day by going to their web-site, www.braday.com
InspIratIon
Joe roSengarten
THE CANCER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
AN iNdepeNdeNt SUppLeMeNt by MediApLANet tO tHe NAtiONAL pOStAN iNdepeNdeNt SUppLeMeNt by MediApLANet tO tHe NAtiONAL pOSt SepteMber 2012 · 5
what is the difference between aMl and leukemia and how is it diagnosed?Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells. AML (acute myeloid leukemia) is a form of leukemia. Leukemias are classified as acute when they start suddenly and progress quickly within days or weeks. Acute leukemia is a life threatening condition and patients require urgent treatment. In contrast, leukemias that develop more slowly over months or years are classified as chronic. Leukemias are also classified as myeloid and lymphoid depending on the type of cell that has become cancerous.
Leukemias are diagnosed by exam-ining the blood and the bone mar-
row (the site where blood cells are produced in the body). Advanced bio-chemical, genetic and molecular test-
ing is used to profile the leukemia and determine the best treatment options.
how has treatment advanced in the last decade and where do you see it going?Over the last decade, scientific advan-ces have improved our understand-ing of the spontaneous DNA changes that occur in the leukemia cells. We can now use advanced molecular and genetic tests to determine which DNA mutations are present in the leukemia cells of a given patient. We then use this information to tailor the treatment for the individual patient.
what are the major challenges in treating aMl?Despite our best available therapies, most patients with AML will not be cured of their disease. We can usually
get rid of the leukemia temporarily using aggressive intravenous chemo-therapy, but in many cases, the disease returns.
We now understand that patients often relapse because leukemia stem cells persist in the bone marrow after chemotherapy. These cells lie quietly in the bone marrow but later regrow causing relapsed disease.
Using advanced genetic and molecu-lar testing, we can better identify these stem cells and also understand how they differ from normal stem cells. Now the challenge is to translate our understanding of the biology of leuk-emia stem cells into new treatment strategies for this disease.
how is your research addressing these challenges?In my research laboratory we are
developing new treatments for AML that also target the leukemia stem cell.
We are identifying biological weak-ness in the AML cells and then devising strategies to attack these vulnerabil-ities. For example, we demonstrated that AML cells including the rare stem cell fraction have unique energy requirements.
We then developed a strategy to selectively shut down this energy sup-ply and selectively kill the AML cells. Recently, we advanced this strategy from the lab to the clinic as we initiated an early phase clinical trial of this ther-apy in patients with relapsed AML.
QUeSTIon And AnSWer
InspIratIon
dr. aaron d. SchiMMer
dr. aaron d. Schimmer, M.d., ph.d., frcpcStaff physician, division of Medical oncology and Hematology, princess Margaret Hospi-tal; Senior Scientist, ontario Cancer institute; Associate professor, University of toronto
pushing thE EnvElopE on blood cancEr rEsEarch
reSearch in actionleft: recently, dr. Schimmer initiated an early phase clinical trial in patients with relapsed aMl. right: leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells and are diagnosed by examining the blood and the bone marrow.
5,600 new caSeS of
leukeMia are diaGnoSed every year
5,600 new
2
AN iNdepeNdeNt SUppLeMeNt by MediApLANet tO tHe NAtiONAL pOSt6 · SepteMber 2012
sharIng theIr storIes
I went from a position as a Vice President in the banking community to unemployed. I made a choice to become an entrepreneur and decided to seek support from corporations in our community. I gained sponsorship to assist with launching our business. There are many grants and programs to assist but my best advice is to ask community groups who can offer suggestions and many are in the resource centres of the cancer clinics.
I was lucky enough that I didn’t require financial assistance, but patients who face that added difficulty can turn to their hospital social worker—they are a great source of information and help.
At the moment of a diagnosis, you need to initiate steps to eliminate stress on yourself so that you can focus on your health. From that moment forward, identify what financial resources are available. Contact your employer, your bank, locate the social services department at your cancer treatment facility, and ask questions to determine your options.
My relationships really changed for me mainly from my friends than from my spouse and immediate family. Some of my friends struggled to find a way to approach us so they just never came by and others did not want to face me. I think the issue was the stigma of how I would look or how I would be responding to the disease. This was hard to accept and still is, but I gained a better understanding of the word “friend”!
It seems that my having cancer only brought the best in everyone around me. All rallied in some way and were very supportive. I had decided early on that I had to stay as positive as possible, in spite of my ‘Metastatic Ovarian Cancer Stage IV’ original diagnosis, so I avoided people who would pity me, complain, or tell me terrible stories about people they knew. I would say that cancer has simplified my outlook on relationships: I try to avoid poisonous relationships, as they are stressful, and stress is the enemy, and to nurture positive relationships.
Cancer changes you, and cancer changes the people that surround you. I learned that the relationships that were meant to strengthen, did strengthen. Cancer defined my healthy relationships, and I chose to walk away from the unhealthy ones. Cancer taught me that my husband, daughter, and I can conquer the world.
Nutrition was at the top of my list during and after treatment, not only for myself but for my young daughter as well. I decided to makeover our entire kitchen and improve our recipes; my goal was to remove things like refined sugar and then improve the way we prepared recipes.
I had to gain back some weight and I had learned about ‘food against cancer’ (Dr. Beliveau, Dr. Servan-Schreiber)—more cruciferous vegetable, garlic, kefir, tumeric mixed with olive oil and black pepper, green tea, berries, etc., so I ajusted my nutrition accordingly. I tried to stay away from others foods, like sugar, corn, potatoe, sunflower oil. And on the advice of my homeopath/naturopath, I also took some supplements called Greens to help regenerate what chemo destroyed on its way and to regain energy.
Although I knew the importance of keeping my strength up, focusing on nutrition became difficult. Eating became a huge obstacle due to a poor appetite and sickness. With much support from my husband, I focused on eating as much protein as possible. On the days that I could not eat, I would try to get nourishment through meal replacement drinks.
anita portierovarian cancer survivor
kyla McMullinLymphoma survivor
Marlene MacphersonBreast cancer survivor
Question 1:As you were recovering, how did your nutritional needs change? How did you deal with them?
Question 2:What’s your advice for people who require financial assistance?
Question 3:How did cancer affect your relationships?
Spend time with yourself and take the time to understand how you really feel. In the silence of my days during and after treatment I realized how I would begin to move forward in this world, regardless of how much time was left. I am a different girl now, a different Mom and especially a different wife and daughter. I am on a different path and glad I took the time to find positivity in this disease, it just took time!
It’s always a shock when you hear the big C word. I would say trust your medical team, ask if you can talk with someone who has had the same diagnosis/treatment, find a support group—Cancer Centres offer several, get in touch with the CCS if you think you’ll need help with transportation or wish to speak to a peer, for example. tell people you trust. Anti-Cancer is a great read, but there are many other books and great web sites too to research nutrition, relaxation techniques, treatment options, etc.
Cancer does not define you, but it is, and always will be, a piece of you. Stay informed, accept the facts. Remember that knowledge is power, and that you have the power of choice. Channel your energy, and remain focused and strong. Remember that even the hardest days turn to night. And always, you must always, stay positive.
The biggest change for me has been my role as a Mom. I realized that my daughter will now carry this cancer stigma from me. My cancer has returned and metastasized into my bones. liver and ovaries so my focus is always about my daughter, my legacy for her. I love every single moment with her and I am not certain I really understood this before.
Strangely enough, cancer has made it easier to face life and problems. I’ve been in remission for almost 4 years. The first couple of years, I just couldn’t plan more than a couple of months ahead, for fear of recurrence. I keep in mind that my disease is considered chronic and I do what I can do now: participate in half marathons, go to the gym, to the movies, travel, spend more time with friends and family, and when I miss something I was looking forward to, like an exhibition, it doesn’t matter that much. More importantly, I make a point of giving back, or paying forward; I volunteer with Ovarian Cancer Canada, with the CCS, and I talk with patients.
Cancer has taught me what strength is, what courage is, and what hope is. Cancer has forced me to acknowledge that all of our time is limited, and that no matter how much time I have left, it will never be enough. I now live for the moment, for the love of my daughter and husband.
I struggled to be in support groups with other cancer patients/survivors and I think this was because i felt their pain and it reflected how I felt. In order to begin moving forward was to turn my anger and frustration into a way to help others by changing my career and begin volunteering. I believe that we “teach what we need to learn” and this makes me feel better about my own journey with this disease.
it is crucial. Of course, you can turn to family and friends, but when you are diagnosed with cancer, have to go through treatment and surgery, are uncertain about the outcome, don’t know whom to turn to for questions you can’t ask them, people who have experienced what you are experiencing are your best recourse. Personally, I attended the weekly gyne-oncology support group meetings for a long time and it helped my tremendously. I know that the Canadian Cancer Society has a Peer Support Program too and I don’t doubt that it helps patients, as they can voice their fears, questions, sadness and know that they’ll be heard.
When you are given the devastating news that you have cancer, it is important to find a place where you can begin to bridge the emotional challenges. Support is different for everybody. I gained support through journaling and posting to an online blog. In writing to myself, I shared with the world the words that I could not speak.
Question 4:How important is getting proper emotional support? What strategies did you use?
Question 5:What’s your advice for people who have been recently diagnosed?
Question 6:How has cancer changed your outlook on life?
AN iNdepeNdeNt SUppLeMeNt by MediApLANet tO tHe NAtiONAL pOStAN iNdepeNdeNt SUppLeMeNt by MediApLANet tO tHe NAtiONAL pOSt SepteMber 2012 · 7
The reaction to this article suggests that many now doubt that ovarian cancer researchers are doing anything pro-ductive to change this situation. Noth-ing could be further from the truth.
approach to prevention There are three things worth noting about ovarian cancer screening, which
were not mentioned in the NY Times article. First, in the past five years, there have been new mutations identified that increase risk for ovarian cancer. We have known for 20 years that muta-tions in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 increase the risk of ovarian cancer, but researchers have recently discovered several new mutations that increase risk. They are less frequent, but when you add up all the mutations that we now know put women at higher risk, they account for almost 25 percent of all ovarian cancers. Those discoveries are very important, as women at higher risk are now identifiable and may bene-fit from the current screening methods for high-risk women.
Second, the last five years has yielded a lot of evidence that many of the can-cers that were called “ovarian” actually seem to be arising from the fallopian tube (especially from women at high risk). This is a critical piece of evidence and could change dramatically how pre-ventive surgeries are done. Canadians are at the forefront of these studies, particularly in British Columbia, which has made new recommendations for women having hysterectomies. It is anticipated that, by removing the fal-lopian tubes during hysterectomies performed for any reason, the incidence of ovarian cancer will be reduced. This is not screening, but actual prevention.
new screening methodsThird, there has been a lot of research on screening and early detection in the past decade and there are several methods currently being tested in pilot studies. These include testing of samples of blood and urine, which are the two least invasive routes to obtain samples if the long-term plan is to screen every woman over a certain age. If the pilot studies yield positive results, the next step would be to test the method in a large study with thou-sands of women. That kind of study takes years to organize and perform,
so it is unlikely that a new screening method will be approved and accepted into general use (i.e. for screening all women) for at least the next five years. But they are in the works.
Personally, I think the effort to iden-tify women who are at higher risk is a superb way to get those women into screening programs that will help them. And knowing that at least a subset of ovarian cancers come from the fallopian tube will make for more successful preventive surgeries. But screening programs are not the be-all-and-end-all. Look at the very popular use of PSA for prostate cancer screen-ing—whose value is now being ser-iously questioned. The ability to detect a fast growing cancer with an annual blood test is not likely to be very suc-cessful with ovarian cancer. As much, if not more, effort needs to be put into understanding the risk factors, how the disease starts and how to stop it or at least slow down its progression once it is detected—all areas under very active investigation and where lots of progress has been made.
sharIng theIr storIes
abuS technologiesThose diagnosed with breast cancer often describe an ethereal out of body feeling upon hearing the news. When facing this difficult time in your life, knowing that your diagnoses is cor-rect and that you are in the best hands can erase all fears and doubts.
Breast Cancer has become the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women. “This year an estimated 226,870 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 39,510 will die from the disease,” says Ward Sullivan, CEO of VIP Breast Imaging, the exclusive distributer and user of the U-systems Automated Breast Ultrasound system in Canada (ABUS).
This new 3D ultrasound technology has attracted many women because of the benefits that ABUS offers. “It’s effective at scanning dense breast tis-sue, implants, and post operative scar tissue. It’s comfortable and radiation free,” states Sullivan. ABUS provides accurate results and eliminates the risks of human error. Not to mention, safe scanning can be done during pregnancy and lactating.
accurate results in the right handsVIP Breast Imaging’s mission is to save lives through early detection of breast cancer, and their cutting edge technology is making great strides. Sullivan explains, “During an ultra-sound exam, a device called a trans-ducer directs high-frequency sound waves at the portion of the body being examined. Software analyzes the dif-ferences in how the sound waves are reflected off different tissues and back to the transducer to create an image a physician can review for abnormalities.” This harmless pro-cedure is the reason women return for routine check-ups.
exploring your optionsNeglecting breast examination can be detrimental to your health and is not recommended. Women usually turn to their doctor once a painless, one-sided lump is found from a self-exam. However, self-exams won’t find lumps located deeper within the breast until they have increased in size. Doctors often direct their patients towards the mammogram option, which is painful, involves radiation and gives inaccurate results for women with dense breast tissue. ABUS solves all of these problems, ensuring painless and accurate screening. Breast examinations should become part of every woman’s lifestyle. Ward advises that, “Screen early. It could be a matter of life or death.”
USInG TecHnoLoGy To SAVe LIVeS
news
over 2600 canadian
woMen are diaGnoSed every year
with ovarian cancer
over 2600 over 2600 o
3tip/Step
ovarian cancEr scrEEning
“i know that it never seems fast enough, but i can assure you that there is progress.”dr. barbara vanderhyden, ph.d. Corinne boyer Chair in ovarian Cancer research; professor, dept. of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of ottawa; Senior Scientist, Centre for Cancer therapeutics, ottawa Hospital research institute
dr. barbara Vanderhyden, ph.d.
pauLa reid
a recent article in the new york times left one with the disturbing impression that research on the screening of late stage ovarian cancer is no different, and just as imprecise, as it was twenty years ago.
Instituted almost twenty years ago by the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR), the Mammog-raphy Accreditation Program (MAP) is one such initiative which offers radiologists an impartial evalua-tion of their facility’s staff qualifi-cations, equipment performance, and image quality. This, in turn ensures patient safety.
is accreditation mandatory in canada?The MAP is a voluntary program in all provinces and territories
except for Quebec, where centres are required by law to maintain an accredited status for all of their units.
why do centres choose to become accredited?The accreditation program was created out of concerns raised by radiologists, other national med-ical organizations, and the general public. Their thoughts were that only qualified personnel should perform and interpret mammo-grams. Additionally, they believed that accreditation would maintain dedicated mammography equip-ment, remaining optimally oper-ational.
This ensures that women receive high quality mammography exam-inations with the lowest possible dose and risk. Accreditation offers the public assurance that the mammography service they are receiving is of the utmost quality.
what does the Map evaluate
when reviewing a centre’s accreditation application?Equipment performance, quality control activities of the centre, continuing technologist and radi-ologist education are all evaluated.
how can i find out if the facility i visit is accredited?Today, nearly 450 facilities enjoy the benefits of being accredited through the CAR, and this number continues to grow. Facilities suc-cessfully completing all the CAR MAP requirements are granted accreditation for a three year period and are listed on the CAR website.
To find out if the centre you visit is accredited by the MAP, visit w w w.c a r.c a / e n / a c c r e d i t at i o n /accredited-centres.aspx.
the safety and quality of mammography units are aided by accreditationone of the last things a patient should be questioning when going for a mammogram is whether or not the equipment, staff, and radiation dose are of the highest quality. accreditation of mammography units is one way in which patients can feel reassured about receiving high quality breast care and radiation safety.
Source: canadian aSSociation
of radioLogiStS
AN iNdepeNdeNt SUppLeMeNt by MediApLANet tO tHe NAtiONAL pOSt8 · SepteMber 2012
newsgenetic influence on diagnosis
heather gibSon,
reSearch coMMunicationS
adViSor, WoMen’S coLLege
reSearch inStitute
roger piggott’s storyWhen Roger Piggott of Toronto received his colon cancer diag-nosis in November 2007 he was given three years to live. Today he is leading an active healthy lifestyle and no longer worries if he is going to see his daughters get married or what will happen to his wife.
Roger, 51, says he owes his life to the help he received from CAREpath, a cancer assistance company that provides one-on-one professional assistance for patients who don’t have to navi-gate their treatments by them-selves. CAREpath is offered as an employee benefit for companies seeking to help their employees treat their cancer diagnosis from start to finish.
“It devastated me. My whole life went through my eyes…It was probably the hardest pill I have ever had to take,” Roger said in a video testimonial on carepath.ca. He has been cancer-free since April 2009 and he says he wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for CAREpath.
Source: carepath
Women in Ontario with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation have up to 80 percent risk of developing breast cancer. But a recent study suggests that lifestyle factors can lower a woman’s risk of breast cancer, even if she has a genetic predisposition.
Scientists at Women’s College Research Institute compared the breast cancer risk of Polish and North American women with BRCA1 muta-tions. They found that the breast cancer risk for Polish women is about half that of the women in North America.
“Polish women with BRCA1 muta-tions still have a higher risk of breast cancer compared to women without mutations, but their risk is substan-tially lower than for women in North America with the same mutation,” says Dr. Steven Narod, a Women’s College scientist and professor in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health.
new discoveries“It’s an exciting finding because it means that genetic predisposition does not totally dictate whether a woman will develop cancer,” Narod says. “It suggests that the choices women make can lengthen their lives and prevent cancer.”
The discovery came out of Narod’s database of nearly 12,000 women with BRCA1/2 mutations, as well as his collaboration with Poland’s Pomeranian Medical Uni-versity.
“The volume of our patient data is unprecedented,” explains Narod. “Poland is very informed and pro-active about the health benefits of genetic testing, and through our work, Ontarians are benefitting.”
Genetics and cancerDr. Joanne Kotsopoulos, an expert in modifiable risk factors for
breast cancer, hopes to pinpoint why Polish BRCA1 carriers are less likely to get breast cancer.
“We don’t yet know why Polish women have lower breast cancer risk, but we hope to find out,” says Kotsopoulos. “Then we’ll be able to give women more options, and less invasive options, to reduce their risk.”
If a woman has a BRCA muta-tion, prophylactic surgeries like mastectomy and oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) are her best options to prevent cancer.
“Not every woman is going to choose surgery,” says Kotsopoulos, “particularly a woman who learns about her mutations at a very young age.”
nutrition is keyKotsopoulos is leading a separ-ate study to examine diindolyl-methane (DIM), a nutrient found in cruciferous vegetables, includ-ing broccoli, cauliflower and cab-bage.
“The BRCA1 gene protects against breast and ovarian can-cer, but in mutation carriers it’s not fully expressed,” says Kotsop-oulos. “DIM seems to be protect-ive, because it increases the gene expression, so it can do its job properly.”
“Cabbage is a staple in the Polish diet, and it’s naturally rich in DIM, so we’re excited to clarify the role of DIM in lowering breast cancer risk in Polish women.”
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Virtual breast care Reconstructive breast surgery can now be performed in a short-stay setting. At Women’s College Hospital, patients go home the same
day. But even though most women don’t need to be in hospital, they do need to be monitored during recovery.
To reduce the burden of follow-up appointments while also enhancing patient care, surgeon-in-chief Dr. John Semple devised an ingenious solution. Collaborating with QoC Health, Semple developed a smart phone/ tablet-based mobile app that allows him to assess post-surgical patients from the comfort of their homes. Patients use a hand-held device and app to show Semple photos of their incision and update him on their recovery.
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BrIdGInG TecHnoLoGy And HeALTHcAre
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