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Show Lretiro October 30. 2003 Awareness Cancer survivor urges women to take breast health seriously by Kari Tilton . Hilltop Times, assistant editor Breast cancer survivor Janeil Hudgens is a living tribute to the term "early detection," as a routine, annual medical test probably saved her life. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it's also the anniversary of Hudgens's breast cancer diagnosis. Two years ago, following her yearly mammogram, doctors notified Hudgens of a d film of small, lump, visible on the her right breast. She would need more tests. After a follow-u- p diagnostic mammogram, a radiologist told her that he was fairly certain the lump was cancerous. A breast ultrasound and needle biopsy, confirmed his suspicions, and in October 2001, Hudgens, Hill's Family Advocacy Program administrator, was diagnosed with Invasive Duct Carcinoma, stage one breast cancer. One month later, surgeons performed a lumpectomy removing the tumor as well as one lymph node located under her right arm. Caught at an early stage, Hudgens's cancer hadn't spread to lymph nodes throughout her body. Two months later, she began radiation treatment six days a week for a total of seven weeks. She now takes Tamoxifen, a drug that affects hormone levels and reportedly reduces the chance X-r- ay pea-size- 'v of recurrence. Hud- Initially, gens says she was in com-- ' plete denial about her f ' . 1 -.- - I,, " . - - The risks Risk for developing breast cancer depends on a combination of lifestyle and personal ; traits known as "risk factors." Research . . . - ... , , points to the following risk factors as being in Women to the disease. related strongly these categories should contact their doctors to create an individual screening and follow-u- p plan. A family history of breast cancer, especially in your mother; sisters or daughters in general, the older you are, the greater Age v s your risk Never having borne a child Having your first child after age 30 First menstrual period at an early age A history of benign breast disease that required biopsies Other breast conditions: lobular carcinoma in situ or atypical hyperplasia (Information compiled from the American Cancer Society and www.breastcancer.org) combined with Studies show that regular breast an annual exam by a doctor, improves the chances of detecting cancer early. The following are basic breast health steps recommended by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. self-exam- s, Early detection Monthly breast beginning by age 20 Clinical breast examinations at least every three years beginning at age 20 and annually after age 40 Annual screening mammography beginning at age 40 women under age 40 with either a family history of breast cancer or other concerns about their personal risk should consult a health care provider about risk assessment and when to begin mammography Free or mammograms are available. For more information, contact local American Cancer Society chapters, Health Departments, Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Prevention Programs, the Young Women's Christian Association's Encore Plus Program and Komen Foundation offices. low-co- ....m.-il- ,, diagnosis. "All along, I thought it " was a calcium deposit. I v 'v thought the doctors were V all wrong. I thought discomfort ; they were going to get ' in there and find out lump to ask their doctors to perform a needle biopsy as it it was a benign tumor, she offers a more precise diagnosis. The procedure, done under v , said. local anesthesia, collects a small tissue sample from the , While Hudgens's age itself abnormal area. ' is a risk factor for breast "Don't let a doctor tell you that it's probably nothing. The cancer, her family history sooner you catch it, the better off you'll be, and you're the didn't point to any ele- - one who has to face the consequences," she said. "A neevated risk, as no women dle biopsy tells you where you stand." "You have to be your own advocate," she said. in immediate her i family had ever been diagnosed With a bill of health that now reads "cancer free," Hudwith breast cancer. Recently however, four of her gens still sees an oncologist every six months and a gynef i female cousins have been diagnosed with breast can-ce- r cologist who monitors her medication dosages. and two of her brothers died of various cancers. She also says that she continues to get the routine medIt wasn't until Hudgens was on her way to her ical tests and exams recommended for women her age first radiation treatment that she consciously real- and she reads everything she can get her hands on related ized the seriousness of her condition. to breast cancer and health issues. She's started walking "At the hospital, the word 'cancer' was posted over and focuses on nutrition, saying she eats a lot of vegetables, the doorway, and I said 'what am I doing here?' It fruits and healthy grains. "I take my health more seriously now, and I also take hit me right then. The doctors were serious this was serious," she said. less for granted in life," she said. "Everything's not a big "You never think you're going to be the one to issue anymore. Breast cancer brings out the best in you get breast cancer you never think it's going to and the worst in you. I'm also more aggressive and outhappen to you," she added. "It makes you face up to mor- spoken and I don't tolerate people wasting my time." tality. Hudgens says overall, she feels well, but is often tired. "I realized I could die from this. You read through the obitShe says there are many days when she feels really good, uaries, and you see cancer, cancer, cancer. It's a pretty scary and that she never thought she'd get to this point. She also says she's appreciative to everyone who gave her support thing. Women need to take it seriously," Hudgens said. Breast cancer is one of the top killers of women in the throughout her diagnosis and treatment. A single woman, Hudgens relied on family, friends and coUnited States, second only to skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. About 200,000 cases are diag- workers during treatment and reduced her hours to part-timnosed each year. "Everyone here was so great. I got lots of visits and calls, Hudgens says she can't stress strongly enough the importance of a yearly mammogram for women in her age group. and everyone really kept an eye out for me," she said. Now a breast cancer advocate who volunteers with the Studies have shown that early detection increases survival rates and treatment options. Mammograms seem to be espe- American Cancer Society, Hudgens recently organized a cially valuable as an early diagnostic tool because it can cancer support group on base. "It's good to talk with people in the same boat. That has identify breast abnormalities at an early stage before physical symptoms develop. The American Cancer Society rechelped me immensely," she said. ommends that women age 40 and older have an annual Hudgens says she also takes comfort in the fact that her mammogram, an annual clinical breast examination by a type of cancer has an 0 percent survival rate. "I was so fortunate or blessed that it was caught when it health care professional, and perform monthly breast was. The sooner you catch" it the better. Also, there are so Hudgens says that all women will notice some lumps in many reasons for women to be hopeful. New treatment their breasts and advises women, regardless of age, to go' options are becoming available all the time." For information on the base's cancer support group, call to their doctor if something doesn't feel right. She says she would also encourage women whose mammogram shows a ' Risks, symptoms explained ,. m mm Photo by Karl niton Janeil Hudgens, a breast cancer survivor, poses near a Mammography machine. A routine mammogram two years ago revealed a malignant lump In Hudgens' right breast. Hudgens strongly urges every woman older than 40 to undergo the procedure annually, and says it can be done quickly with only minor i.,.,-,..- st t e. 80-9- 393-865- 7. Annual flu shots available weekdays by priority at base clinic by Doug Pierson Preventive Medicine Manager As the flu season quickly approaches, the 75th Medical Group is putting its influenza vacci- nation plans into place. To ensure there is enough vaccine for everyone authorized to receive it, vaccination of military and civilian employees will begin based on various prioritization levels. There are three priority categories and vaccinations will begin at priority level one. Priority level one personnel are: Those anticipating deployment in Air Expeditionary Force Silver alert status Aircrews or others on Personnel over age 65 who are Defense Eli96-ho- ur gibility Enrollment Reporting DEERS-eligibl-e System-eligibl- e. (TRICARE Prime enrollees medical conditions (vaconly) with high-ris- k cination will require a prescription or medical provider documentation of need) Priority level two personnel are: Base health care workers (active duty, civilian, volunteer employees) Base child care providers (to schedule, contact Maj. Daniel Gerke, Ext. Priority level three personnel are: All remaining Team Hill active duty per- sonnel Geographically separated units and recruiting units Vaccinations of priority one and two personnel are currently underway and are being offered at the Base Immunization Clinic Monday through Thursday from 7:30-- 1:30 a.m. and 14 p.m. and a.m. Friday from Category three personnel will be immunized early in November, with specific times and dates to be announced. After the priority personnel are vaccinated, this year's flu vaccine will be made available to the rest of the base military and civilian population. These immunizations will be given at the Thornton Community Center in November with specific times and dates announced. 1 7:30-11:3- 0 The influenza vaccine protects people from three different strains of influenza. Every year, the World Health Organization identifies two or three of the most virulent strains of influenza circulating in the northern and southern hemispheres to be placed in the form of an inactivated influenza vaccine. Inactivated, or dead, flu vaccines have been used in the United States for many years and provide protection from the flu beginning nearly two weeks after vaccination. This year, many people will be asking about the new flu nasal spray vaccine. Despite this effective way of administering the flu vaccination, the new nasal spray costs more than twice as much as the traditional shot method and cannot be used by various population groups such as babies, toddlers, persons older than 50, and those with asthma. So, roll up that sleeve, this year's vaccination method will continue to be the traditional method of a poke in the arm. Although some people swear the flu vaccine makes them mildly sick afterward, being exposed n transto the flu virus from a mission without the protection of vaccination may very well lead to hospitalization or even person-to-perso- death. Because of an aging population in the United States, mortality rates partially attributed to influenza are on the rise, from an average of 20,000 deaths per year in the 1970s and 1980s, to an average of 36,000 deaths per year average in the 1990's. Fearing a return this winter of the SARS virus, the World Health Organization is urging increased flu vaccinations. While the flu vaccine doesn't protect people from SARS, the two viruses have very similar symptoms and the organization contends that holding down the number of serious influenza cases will mean less chance of doctors mistaking the flu for SARS. For more information concerning this program, or for information on future vaccination dates and locations, contact Lt. Col. Connie RoccoatExt.7-8396- . ever-growi- |