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Show n G 1 Off CD Q 0,0.0 Breast cancer early detection is key to survival By Carolyn Bell news writer-Signpost Breast cancer is the second major cause of death among women. One out of nine women will be diagnosed with and 44,190 are expected to die from breast cancer in 1997 alone. Breast cancer occurs most often in women who are over age 50, women who have a family history of the disease and women who have never had children or had their first child after age 30. Fortunately, most cancers can be removed through surgical means and can save the lives of thousands of women. The American Medical Association states that if a woman suffers from a malignant lump in her breast, she may be given a lumpectomy, which is the removal of the lump, or she may be given a mastectomy if the doctor suspects that there is a danger of the cancer spreading. Pre -cancerous or cancerous lumps need to be removed and the procedure can range from simple to radical. In a simple procedure, the breast itself is removed. In a radical procedure, the breast, lymph glands from the armpit and both pectoral, or chest muscles, are removed. Once the mastectomy has taken place, trie recovery period can range from three to six weeks or longer, depending on the patient and the extent of the cancer. Those patients who suffer from severe or extensive cancer need more than a mastectomy. They need chemotherapy and radiation, in which they experience loss of hair and vomiting. Although physical recovery rakes several weeks, emotional recovery takes much longer. Having to lose the breast is traumatic for women. "The public places so much emphasis on the breast that when a woman loses her breast, she feels stripped of her dignity," said Joyce Murray, a professor of nursing at Weber State UniversityUtah State University coopcra- '47 grads needed for reunion WSU Alumni Association is seeking 1 947 graduates for its 50-year reunion. It's been nearly a half a century since 235 student marched in the 1947 commencement processional at what was then called Weber Junior College. In an effort to rekindle old friendships and memories of the Class of 1947, the Alumni Association is preparing for a 50-year reunion June 12 and 13 at WSU. Members of the Class of 1 947 interested in attending the reunion or who know the whereabouts of any of their former classmates are encourged to contact WSU's Alumni Association at 626-7535. Class members can help update WSU alumni records by submitting new addresses, phone numbers and biographical information to the office. Mail-in registration payment winner announced Brian Richards won the mail-in registration payment drawing for winter quarter. The winner's prize was a $500 tution and fee wavier. March marks American Red Cross month; activities planned March is American Red Cross Month and to celebrate, the Northern Utah Chapter has planned a month long calendar of activities. The activities begin tomorrow with an emergency vehicle display at the chapter's newly remodeled offices, 2955 Harrison Boulevard. Monday through Thursday nights for the entire month of March, there will be disaster preparedness, home safety and pet survival kit making classes. The non-profit organization is also selling desk and full-size flags. For more information, call Jeannie Young, director of public support at the American Red Cross, Northern Utah Chapter offices, 627-0000. Are you interested in Environmental Issues? A New General Education Class in the Social Sciences Area Econ SS110 Environmental Policy Study issues of Wilderness, Deforestation, Global Warming and Public Policy. MTWTH 9:30 am For details call the Econ Department at 626-6066. D tive nursing program. Women needing emotional support can turn not only to family and friends, but also to the "Reach to Recovery" program sponsored by the American Cancer Society. The "Reach to Recovery" program is one in which women volunteers who have actually had a mastectomy visit patients and render support and information. "To talk with someone who has been there helps them better understand their concerns and anxieties," said Claudia Bnnch, a "Reach to Recovery" volunteer, the coordinator for the "Reach to Recovery" program for North Davis county and theco-coordinator of the Utah division. Branch wanted to become a volunteer because she has experienced breast cancer herself and through her sister. "I wanted to help others. ..I know how it feels to be the patient and a close family member," Branch said. The "Reach to Recovery" program also provides patients with a box con taining information on how to deal with losing the breast, a list of women support groups, a breast cancer dictionary, and list of certain exercises. "Women in general, need to be aware of these programs so they can use the resources available," said Kris Jensen, breast cancer assistant for the Utah division of the American Cancer Society. Many women, after having a mastectomy, want to physically replace what they have just lost. Once the incision on the breast has healed, women can either choose between having a silicon prosthesis or implant. A prosthesis is simply a silicon substance used to replace the missing body part. The substance is formed and measured to fit inside the woman's bra. The implant differs in that the silicon substance is surgically implanted into the woman's chest. Both the prosthesis and implant serve the purpose of providing weight and balance to the chest. All women should be aware of both the symptoms and prevention of breast cancer. As far as symptoms, women should take notice if their breast changes in any way. Some of the changes include: lumps, swelling, puckering or dimpling, skin irritation, and pain and tenderness of the nipple. To prevent breast cancer, women ages 20 to 40 should have monthly self-examinations and women over 40 should have bothself-examinations and mammograms every year. Women also need to exercise, eat a low-fat diet, and become as educated as possible with breast cancer. It is important to remember that early detection is the key to survival. Speaking from experience, Branch said, "Most lumps are not cancerous, but checking it out early gives you peace of mind and makes your chances of survival that much greater." If you or someone you know needs more information about mastectomies, local doctors, hospitals, or support groups, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. Cancer From front page health conscious decision, Wcndcl said. Wendel presented films showing a ruptured implant, implants altered so lumps could be reached surgically and a malignant lump which had formed next to an implant. "All implants do leak eventually," Wendel said. Lumps, whether benign or malignant, can take on different shapes and textures and behave in various ways. "Pain is no indication of whether or not you have breast cancer," Wendel said. "Eighty percent of the masses they find that are solid are not malignant." Sheree Berryman is a volunteer for the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program. She was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago. One week later she was visited by one of the program's volunteers. She has given time to the-program ever since, not only for service, but also to fuel her battle against the disease. "We offer support, we offer information to the woman and to the family and we offer some tips," she said. Self-examinations, physician examinations and mammograms are simple tools a woman can use to stay informed and in control of what her body is experiencing, Berryman said. "The best thing is early detection," Berryman said. Woman who do not breast feed, who have never had children and those having children after age 30 are statistically at higher risk, Berryman said. Family history has been cited as a factor, but the disease is cunning and unpredictable. "Only 5 to 10 percent of women with breast cancer have hereditary breast cancer," Berryman said. Students found the presentation informative and frightening. "I have a lump that has been monitored for 10 years. They have scared me to death about three times when they practically rushed me into surgery. I go through many mammograms, it's emotionally tiring," Ginger Briscow, a WSU student said. Election Taig is Mere! Important Dates to Remember. m Hi T2SU m '. "' : : mummy ni in i call: mm |