breast cancer tab 2011

4
Tuesday, October 4, 2011 To our readers, Each October, this nation celebrates National Breast Cancer Awareness Month — an international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities to promote awareness of breast cancer. The campaign also seeks to raise funds for research into the dis- ease’s cause, preven- tion, diagnosis, treat- ment and eventually its cure. Another aim of the campaign is to provide information and support to those affected by breast cancer and to remind women — and men — to be vigilant about breast health so cancer can be detected at its earliest stage. Consider the follow- ing statistics provided by the American Cancer Society: — Breast cancer is the most common can- cer among American women, except for skin cancers. The chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some time in a woman's life is a little less than 1 in 8 (12 percent). — In 2011, about 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women. — About 57,650 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diag- nosed (CIS is non-inva- sive and is the earliest form of breast cancer) in 2011. — About 39,520 women will die from breast cancer this year. While those statistics are sobering, there con- tinues to be good news in the war against breast cancer. In partic- ular, at this time, there are more than 2.6 mil- lion breast cancer sur- vivors in the United States alone. Each Tuesday in October, the staffs of The Record in Troy and The Saratogian in Saratoga Springs will jointly publish this spe- cial pink section filled with information and stories that we hope will both inform you and inspire you. If you have a story to share or a fundraiser to publicize for an upcom- ing edition of our National Breast Cancer Awareness Month spe- cial sections, please call Editor Lisa Robert Lewis at 270-1276 or email her at: [email protected] om Lewis, herself, is a breast cancer survivor, having been diagnosed with the disease more than eight years ago. Teaming up for breast cancer Players, cheerleaders help to raise awareness By Diana Denner STILLWATER — Foot- ball players and cheer- leaders of the Stillwater Area High School Ponies Football team are in the pink, teaming up with The Cancer Services Program of Saratoga County to raise awareness about breast cancer. Homecoming is about parades with marching bands, pep rallies to rev up football teams to be the best they can out on the field and beat the pants out of their opponents. It stands to reason why The Cancer Services Pro- gram, always looking for creative ways to partner with the community, would want to hitch a ride with county varsity foot- ball teams in the area to raise awareness about October being National Breast Cancer Awareness month. “High school football is in full swing right now and attracts many spectators that live within our com- munities,” said Tasha Ostapczuk, Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator for The Cancer Services Program. “It makes sense to work with our own community members in an effort to reach out to the largest numbers possible. It is also a great way for the teams to participate in community service proj- ects,” she added. Cheerleaders and The Ponies players displayed their home jerseys during their evening home game on Sept. 30 to honor and remember a loved one who is battling breast can- cer or who has lost the battle. Students acknowledged Kim Jerard, a teacher at Stillwater High School who has breast cancer, to fight the cause and help find a cure for breast can- cer. What’s similar with foot- ball and fighting breast cancer is being tough, enduring pain, accepting loses and most important- ly never giving up the fight. The Schuylerville High School Horses football team is also pitching in, on board with National Breast Cancer Awareness month. “This team lost their cheerleading coach a few months ago to breast can- cer,” Ostapczuk said, describing how the varsity boys and cheerleaders will be wearing pink socks for homecoming. “The pink socks are a private donation from a family within the Schuylerville school com- munity,” she said. The Cancer Services Program can be God-sent to people who are unin- sured and have no means of receiving health care. Funded by a grant from New York State Cancer Services Program, Sarato- ga County’s community- based Cancer Services Program Partnership pro- vides no cost age appro- priate breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screen- ing at Saratoga Hospital. Cancer screening serv- ices include breast exams, mammography, cervical pap smears, pelvic exams, colorectal FIT kit and colonoscopy for uninsured men and women. “With October being breast cancer awareness month we are pushing the drive for breast cancer screenings,” Ostapczuk said. “Early prevention is the best protection and NO women over 40, with- out insurance should go un-screened.” While people across the country are decked out in pink, participating in walks and races, how are medical experts progress- ing in finding a cure for breast cancer? In the article “There’s Already a ‘Cure’ for Breast Cancer,” published by http://www.medical- progresstoday.com/spot- light/spotlight_indarchive .php?id=979, Elizabeth Whelan writes how dic- tionaries define the word cure as ‘to make healthy again; ‘recovery or relief from a disease.’ In analyzing the current statistics on breast cancer survival rate, Whelan writes how we may indeed be meeting the definition of cure. “Close to 100 percent of women who are diagnosed in the earliest stage of invasive breast cancer will survive ten or more years (presumably much longer, to be confirmed as new data comes in),” Whelan writes. “With the new treatments and medica- tion now available, only about 3-4 percent, perhaps fewer will suffer a recur- rence of breast cancer in the affected breast or experience a new tumor in the other breast. That is about as close to a ‘cure’ as one can get.” Women after age 40 or 50 in the US are increas- ingly undergoing screen- ing for breast cancer. A large percentage of breast tumors are detected in the earliest stages through mammography. Treatment of Stage one breast cancer, according to Whelan, has been per- fected to the point that it mirrors the definition of “cure.” The chances of survival have increased and the probability of recurrence drops by removing the tumor and surrounding tissues with surgery. With radiation therapy , survival rates increase further Whelan writes, and the odds for women surviving breast cancer are even better. To schedule a no-cost screening, contact The Cancer Services Program of Saratoga County at 580- 2132. Ed Burke photo Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake quarterback Ryan McDonnell checks his back on his way to a second -quarter touchdown during Saturday’s matchup at Glens Falls. The BHBL players are wearing pink socks to draw attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. fí ã~âÉë ëÉåëÉ íç ïçêâ ïáíÜ çìê çïå Åçããìåáíó ãÉãÄÉêë áå ~å ÉÑÑçêí íç êÉ~ÅÜ çìí íç íÜÉ ä~êÖÉëí åìãÄÉêë éçëëáÄäÉK fí áë ~äëç ~ ÖêÉ~í ï~ó Ñçê íÜÉ íÉ~ãë íç é~êíáÅáé~íÉ áå Åçããìåáíó ëÉêîáÅÉ éêçàÉÅíëK TASHA OSTAPCZUK Outreach and Recruit- ment Coordinator for The Cancer Services Program Not afraid of a challenge By Kathryn Caggianelli CHARLTON — Barbara Wayman, 60, is not afraid of a challenge. As a 14-year breast cancer survivor she has had to learn how to face her fears and get beyond them. She has been rec- ognized for her volunteerism as a member of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Northeast New York affiliate and, most recently, participated in her eighth Komen Race for the Cure in Albany. But the road to becoming a volunteer was not an easy one. “I was diagnosed in 1997 with stage two breast cancer at (age) 46,” Wayman said. “It was a small tumor big enough for chemo but small enough for a lumpectomy.” Wayman discovered it during a breast self-exam. When her findings and worst fears were later confirmed by her physician her thoughts immediately strayed to how her 16-year-old son and her 80-year- old mother would handle the news. “At the time, telling them was the hardest part. But my whole family was very supportive through everything,” she said. After the lumpectomy and a regimen of radiation therapy, Wayman learned she was can- cer-free but the ordeal had taken a toll. “It took me four or five years before I became a volunteer because whenever I tried to go to a survivor luncheon or do a (fund-raising) walk I would get too emotional,” Wayman said. “A friend suggested I get involved with the board of direc- tors of the local Susan G. Komen for the Cure because I have a background in financial administration and they were looking for some accounting help.” After conducting her own research and learning that up to 75 percent of net revenues from Komen for the Cure races and third party events fund breast cancer screening, educa- tion and treatment programs in the areas affiliates serve, Way- man realized it was a worth- while endeavor. “I appreciated the financial management of Komen – a majority of funds stay here. That means when you make a donation you can be sure they’re not spending an unrea- sonable amount of it on some- thing like salaries,” she said. Wayman is currently serving a second three-year term as treasurer. She was recently recognized at the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tickled Pink annual sur- vivor luncheon with the Komen Northeast New York Affiliate’s annual Cathy Patten Volunteer Award. “Kathy was a local volunteer who passed away from breast cancer. I felt honored to receive an award in her name but was- n’t sure (I deserved it),” Way- man said. “I am passionate about helping women fight this battle and getting the word out. It’s nice to be recognized for your efforts.” Breast cancer touches the lives of everyone, she noted. For Wayman, it has been heal- ing to tell her own story. Wayman recently underwent genetic testing to find out if there was a chance her son, Jason DeVoe, now 30 years old, was at higher risk for develop- ing cancer. Fortunately the test results came back negative. It’s important for women to stay in touch with their bodies and to perform routine breast self exams as well as have annual mammograms, Wayman said. “I know the idea of finding a lump is scary but it’s so impor- tant to take charge of your life and do something sooner rather than later,” she said. Local breast cancer survivor walks the talk SEE PHOTOS FROM THE 2011 SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE SATURDAY IN ALBANY ON PAGE 2. Photo provided BARBARA WAYMAN

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Page 1: Breast Cancer Tab 2011

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

To our readers,

Each October, thisnation celebratesNational Breast CancerAwareness Month — aninternational healthcampaign organized bymajor breast cancercharities to promoteawareness of breastcancer.

The campaign alsoseeks to raise funds forresearch into the dis-ease’s cause, preven-tion, diagnosis, treat-ment and eventually itscure.

Another aim of thecampaign is to provideinformation and supportto those affected bybreast cancer and toremind women — andmen — to be vigilantabout breast health socancer can be detectedat its earliest stage.

Consider the follow-ing statistics providedby the American CancerSociety:

— Breast cancer isthe most common can-cer among Americanwomen, except for skincancers. The chance ofdeveloping invasivebreast cancer at sometime in a woman's life isa little less than 1 in 8(12 percent).

— In 2011, about230,480 new cases ofinvasive breast cancerwill be diagnosed inwomen.

— About 57,650 newcases of carcinoma insitu (CIS) will be diag-nosed (CIS is non-inva-sive and is the earliestform of breast cancer)in 2011.

— About 39,520women will die frombreast cancer this year.

While those statisticsare sobering, there con-tinues to be good newsin the war againstbreast cancer. In partic-ular, at this time, thereare more than 2.6 mil-lion breast cancer sur-vivors in the UnitedStates alone.

Each Tuesday inOctober, the staffs ofThe Record in Troy andThe Saratogian inSaratoga Springs willjointly publish this spe-cial pink section filledwith information andstories that we hope willboth inform you andinspire you.

If you have a story toshare or a fundraiser topublicize for an upcom-ing edition of ourNational Breast CancerAwareness Month spe-cial sections, pleasecall Editor Lisa RobertLewis at 270-1276 oremail her at:[email protected]

Lewis, herself, is abreast cancer survivor,having been diagnosedwith the disease morethan eight years ago.

Teaming up for breast cancerPlayers, cheerleaders help to raise awareness

By Diana Denner

STILLWATER — Foot-ball players and cheer-leaders of the StillwaterArea High School PoniesFootball team are in thepink, teaming up with TheCancer Services Programof Saratoga County toraise awareness aboutbreast cancer.

Homecoming is aboutparades with marchingbands, pep rallies to revup football teams to be thebest they can out on thefield and beat the pantsout of their opponents.

It stands to reason whyThe Cancer Services Pro-gram, always looking forcreative ways to partnerwith the community,would want to hitch a ridewith county varsity foot-ball teams in the area toraise awareness aboutOctober being NationalBreast Cancer Awarenessmonth.

“High school football isin full swing right now andattracts many spectatorsthat live within our com-munities,” said TashaOstapczuk, Outreach andRecruitment Coordinatorfor The Cancer ServicesProgram.

“It makes sense to workwith our own communitymembers in an effort toreach out to the largestnumbers possible. It isalso a great way for theteams to participate incommunity service proj-ects,” she added.

Cheerleaders and ThePonies players displayedtheir home jerseys duringtheir evening home gameon Sept. 30 to honor andremember a loved onewho is battling breast can-cer or who has lost thebattle.

Students acknowledgedKim Jerard, a teacher atStillwater High School

who has breast cancer, tofight the cause and helpfind a cure for breast can-cer.

What’s similar with foot-ball and fighting breastcancer is being tough,enduring pain, acceptingloses and most important-ly never giving up thefight.

The Schuylerville HighSchool Horses footballteam is also pitching in, onboard with NationalBreast Cancer Awarenessmonth.

“This team lost theircheerleading coach a fewmonths ago to breast can-cer,” Ostapczuk said,describing how the varsityboys and cheerleaders willbe wearing pink socks forhomecoming.

“The pink socks are aprivate donation from afamily within theSchuylerville school com-munity,” she said.

The Cancer ServicesProgram can be God-sent

to people who are unin-sured and have no meansof receiving health care.Funded by a grant fromNew York State CancerServices Program, Sarato-ga County’s community-based Cancer ServicesProgram Partnership pro-vides no cost age appro-priate breast, cervical andcolorectal cancer screen-ing at Saratoga Hospital.

Cancer screening serv-ices include breast exams,mammography, cervicalpap smears, pelvic exams,colorectal FIT kit andcolonoscopy for uninsuredmen and women.

“With October beingbreast cancer awarenessmonth we are pushing thedrive for breast cancerscreenings,” Ostapczuksaid. “Early prevention isthe best protection andNO women over 40, with-out insurance should goun-screened.”

While people across thecountry are decked out in

pink, participating inwalks and races, how aremedical experts progress-ing in finding a cure forbreast cancer?

In the article “There’sAlready a ‘Cure’ forBreast Cancer,” publishedby http://www.medical-progresstoday.com/spot-light/spotlight_indarchive.php?id=979, ElizabethWhelan writes how dic-tionaries define the wordcure as ‘to make healthyagain; ‘recovery or relieffrom a disease.’

In analyzing the currentstatistics on breast cancersurvival rate, Whelanwrites how we may indeedbe meeting the definitionof cure.

“Close to 100 percent ofwomen who are diagnosedin the earliest stage ofinvasive breast cancer willsurvive ten or more years(presumably much longer,to be confirmed as newdata comes in),” Whelanwrites. “With the new

treatments and medica-tion now available, onlyabout 3-4 percent, perhapsfewer will suffer a recur-rence of breast cancer inthe affected breast orexperience a new tumor inthe other breast. That isabout as close to a ‘cure’as one can get.”

Women after age 40 or50 in the US are increas-ingly undergoing screen-ing for breast cancer. Alarge percentage of breasttumors are detected in theearliest stages throughmammography.

Treatment of Stage onebreast cancer, accordingto Whelan, has been per-fected to the point that itmirrors the definition of“cure.” The chances ofsurvival have increasedand the probability ofrecurrence drops byremoving the tumor andsurrounding tissues withsurgery. With radiationtherapy , survival ratesincrease further Whelanwrites, and the odds forwomen surviving breastcancer are even better.

To schedule a no-costscreening, contact TheCancer Services Programof Saratoga County at 580-2132.

Ed Burke photoBurnt Hills-Ballston Lake quarterback Ryan McDonnell checks his back on his way to a

second -quarter touchdown during Saturday’s matchup at Glens Falls. The BHBL playersare wearing pink socks to draw attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

≤fí=ã~âÉë=ëÉåëÉ=íçïçêâ=ïáíÜ=çìê=çïåÅçããìåáíó=ãÉãÄÉêë=áå~å=ÉÑÑçêí=íç=êÉ~ÅÜ=çìííç=íÜÉ=ä~êÖÉëí=åìãÄÉêëéçëëáÄäÉK=fí=áë=~äëç=~ÖêÉ~í=ï~ó=Ñçê=íÜÉíÉ~ãë=íç=é~êíáÅáé~íÉ=áåÅçããìåáíó=ëÉêîáÅÉéêçàÉÅíëK≤

TASHA OSTAPCZUK

Outreach and Recruit-ment Coordinator for The

Cancer Services Program

Not afraid of a challenge

By Kathryn Caggianelli

CHARLTON — BarbaraWayman, 60, is not afraid of achallenge.

As a 14-year breast cancersurvivor she has had to learnhow to face her fears and getbeyond them. She has been rec-ognized for her volunteerism asa member of the Susan G.Komen for the Cure NortheastNew York affiliate and, mostrecently, participated in hereighth Komen Race for theCure in Albany.

But the road to becoming avolunteer was not an easy one.

“I was diagnosed in 1997 withstage two breast cancer at (age)46,” Wayman said. “It was asmall tumor big enough forchemo but small enough for alumpectomy.”

Wayman discovered it duringa breast self-exam.

When her findings and worstfears were later confirmed byher physician her thoughtsimmediately strayed to how her16-year-old son and her 80-year-old mother would handle thenews.

“At the time, telling them wasthe hardest part. But my wholefamily was very supportivethrough everything,” she said.

After the lumpectomy and aregimen of radiation therapy,Wayman learned she was can-cer-free but the ordeal hadtaken a toll.

“It took me four or five yearsbefore I became a volunteerbecause whenever I tried to goto a survivor luncheon or do a(fund-raising) walk I would gettoo emotional,” Wayman said.

“A friend suggested I getinvolved with the board of direc-tors of the local Susan G.Komen for the Cure because Ihave a background in financialadministration and they werelooking for some accountinghelp.”

After conducting her ownresearch and learning that upto 75 percent of net revenuesfrom Komen for the Cure racesand third party events fundbreast cancer screening, educa-tion and treatment programs inthe areas affiliates serve, Way-man realized it was a worth-while endeavor.

“I appreciated the financialmanagement of Komen – a

majority of funds stay here.That means when you make adonation you can be surethey’re not spending an unrea-sonable amount of it on some-thing like salaries,” she said.

Wayman is currently servinga second three-year term astreasurer.

She was recently recognizedat the Susan G. Komen for the

Cure Tickled Pink annual sur-vivor luncheon with the KomenNortheast New York Affiliate’sannual Cathy Patten VolunteerAward.

“Kathy was a local volunteerwho passed away from breastcancer. I felt honored to receivean award in her name but was-n’t sure (I deserved it),” Way-man said. “I am passionateabout helping women fight thisbattle and getting the word out.It’s nice to be recognized foryour efforts.”

Breast cancer touches thelives of everyone, she noted.For Wayman, it has been heal-ing to tell her own story.

Wayman recently underwentgenetic testing to find out ifthere was a chance her son,Jason DeVoe, now 30 years old,was at higher risk for develop-ing cancer. Fortunately the testresults came back negative.

It’s important for women tostay in touch with their bodiesand to perform routine breastself exams as well as haveannual mammograms, Waymansaid.

“I know the idea of finding alump is scary but it’s so impor-tant to take charge of your lifeand do something sooner ratherthan later,” she said.

Local breast cancer survivor walks the talkSEE PHOTOS FROM THE 2011SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THECURE SATURDAY IN ALBANY ONPAGE 2.

Photo providedBARBARA WAYMAN

Page 2: Breast Cancer Tab 2011

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

They braved wind,rain for annual

Race for the Cure

Despite the wind and the rain, members of the Shaker High School girls soccer program were happy to take part in variouswarm-ups prior to the start of the Susan G. Komen 17th annual Race for the Cure at the Empire State Plaza in Albany.

Shaker High School girls soccer coach Angela Shortle fin-ishes the Susan G. Komen 5k co-ed Race for the Cure Satur-

day at the Empire State Plaza in Albany despite the windand the rain.

Jessica Hogan holds up a �I AM THE CURE� sign, prior tothe start of the Susan G. Komen 5K co-ed Race for the Cure

at the Empire State Plaza in Albany.

Above, Shaker High School freshman girls soccer coach Michael Brehn warms up with members of the Shaker High Schoolgirls soccer program prior to the start of the Susan G. Komen 17th annual Race for the Cure Saturday at the Empire State

Plaza in Albany. Approximately 3,500 runners and walkers took part in the event, both breast cancer survivors and supporters alike. The race is held to kick off National Breast Cancer

Awareness Month in the Capital District.

Members of the girls soccer program at Shaker High School in Latham warm up prior to the start of the Susan G. Komen 5Kco-ed Race for the Cure Saturday at the Empire State Plaza in Albany.

Approximately 3,500 runners and walkersbraved cold winds and rain Saturday to partici-pate in the 17th annual Susan G. Komen Race forthe Cure at the Empire State Plaza in Albany.

Breast cancer survivors and supporters kickedoff National Breast Cancer Awareness Monthwith the 5K walk/run, as well as the Sleep-In forthe Cure and a two-mile family walk.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MIKE MCMAHON

Page 3: Breast Cancer Tab 2011

Wine tastingevent Oct. 6

TROY — The CancerTreatment Center atSamaritan Hospital willhold “Visions of Strength2011,” the fifth annual winetasting and silent auctionevent, 6-9 p.m. Oct. 6 at theFranklin Terrace, 126Campbell Ave. Proceedsfrom the event benefitSamaritan Hospital's Inte-grative Wellness Programthrough the Karen L.Mosseau Fund. Tickets are$50. For information and toattend, contact SabrinaMosseau at 271-3500.

Screeningsslated today

TROY — SamaritanHospital and AlbanyMemorial Hospital, in con-junction with the stateDepartment of Health'sCancer Services Programof Rensselaer County, willoffer free cancer screen-ings for individuals whoare uninsured on Oct. 4, atSamaritan Hospital'sWomen's Health Center,2215 Burdett Ave., Troy,8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; AlbanyMemorial Hospital's Imag-ing Center, 600 NorthernBlvd., Albany, 9 a.m.-2p.m.; Northeast HealthImaging Center, WalmartPlaza, 279 Troy Road, EastGreenbush, 8:30 a.m.-2:30p.m.

The day will feature freeannual colorectal cancerscreenings for eligible menand women age 50 or olderusing the easy FIT Kit athome.

Additionally, eligiblewomen age 40 or older willbe able to get mammo-grams, clinical breastexams, pap smears, andpelvic exams. The screen-ings are open to eligibleparticipants. However,space is limited.

To inquire about eligibil-ity, or to schedule anappointment, call 454-4013.

Hair extensionsbenefit effort

SCHENECTADY —From now through Oct. 31,get a $10 Pink Hair StilettoHair Extension installation

and removal by visitingHair Razors Salon, 1728Union St. Hair RazorsSalon is donating $8 ofevery hair extensiondirectly to support TheNortheastern New YorkAffiliate of the Susan G.Komen for the Cure.

For more informationabout Pink Hair For TheCure, visit www.Hair-Razors.com or call 374-7350.

To learn more aboutbreast health and breastcancer visitwww.Komen.org or call 1-877-GO-KOMEN.

Tea, auctionplanned Oct. 9

EAST GREENBUSH— A Pink Ribbon Tea &Chinese Auction will beheld 1-3 p.m. Oct. 9 at theHoliday Inn Express, 8Empire Drive. Sampleassorted teas and tastetreats. There will also bemusic and author signing.All funds to benefit MakingStrides against BreastCancer. Donation of $10.For reservations, call 479-2665.

Weekly lectureskick off Oct. 5

HALFMOON — Inhonor of October asWomen's Health Month,Dr. Nate Cintron of Protec-tive Chiropractic in Half-moon will present a weeklyWomen's Health LectureSeries throughout themonth that will take placeat Curves' of Halfmoon(15Rt. 236, Woods Plaza).

All proceeds will gotoward the American Can-cer Society.

A $5 donation is suggest-ed, but not required.Please reserve your seatby calling Kim at Curves at373-8601.

The first session will beheld from 6 to 7 p.m. onOct. 5.

Free screeningsbeing offered

SARATOGA SPRINGS— A free Breast and Cervi-cal Cancer ScreeningEvent will be held from 9a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 8.

The event will alsoinclude free manicures/pedicures, free hair trims,free gift bags with funitems, and free chair mas-sages.

The event is open tothose women ages 40 to 64who are uninsured orthose who cannot affordtheir current spend down.

To make an appoint-ment with the Cancer Ser-vices Program of SaratogaCounty call (518) 580-2132

Price Choppersupporting Cure

SCHENECTADY —Price Chopper is support-ing Susan G. Komen forthe Cure® as part of the"Pink Ribbon Produce"campaign.

This effort teams theretailers 120 stores in sixstates and nine producesuppliers in an effort toraise money for localSusan G. Komen for theCure® affiliates. Storeswill direct shoppers to theparticipating produce sup-pliers with a Pink Ribbonprogram icon on postersand point of sale signs.

This is the fourth yearthe program will return toPrice Chopper stores

through Oct. 29.Mona Golub, vice presi-

dent of public relations,consumer and marketingservices for Price ChopperSupermarkets, said, "Dur-ing October, our cus-tomers can show their sup-port for Susan G. Komenfor the Cure by buyinghealthy fruits and vegeta-bles from the brandedpartners that are partici-pating in the program."

Produce partners sup-porting this year's PinkRibbon campaign include:

Calavo, Custom Pak,Del Monte Fresh Produce,Dole, Earthbound Farm,Fowler Packing, Mas-tronardi, POM Wonderfuland Santa Sweets

For more informationabout Pink Ribbon Pro-

duce at your neighborhoodPrice Chopper, visitwww.pink-ribbon-pro-duce.com

Dining benefitplanned Oct. 12

SARATOGA SPRINGS— Twelve to Life Dine withUs at Chianti Il Ristorantewill be held Oct. 12.

Those participating mayhave 30 percent of theircheck going to benefit ToLife! To Life!

To Life! is a non-profitorganization providingfree-of-charge breast can-cer education and supportservices in a 10-countyregion, including and sur-rounding Albany County.

The event starts at 5p.m.

FREE PINK ROSE

WITH PURCHASE AND COUPON. EXPIRES 10/31/10 532 P AWLING A VENUE , T ROY

(518) 273-4132

PER BOUQUET 6 P INK R OSES & 6 P INK A LSTROEMERIA

W HILE S UPPLIES L AST H ALF W ILL B E D ONATED T O B REAST C ANCER R ESEARCH

+Tax

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is amalignant tumor thatstarts from cells of thebreast. A malignanttumor is a group of can-cer cells that may growinto (invade) surround-ing tissues or spread(metastasize) to distantareas of the body.

The disease occursalmost entirely inwomen, but men canget it, too.

What causes breastcancer?

Many risk factorsmay increase yourchance of developingbreast cancer, but it isnot yet known exactlyhow some of these riskfactors cause cells tobecome cancerous.

Hormones seem toplay a role in manycases of breast cancer,but just how this hap-pens is not fully under-stood.

Certain changes inDNA can cause normalbreast cells to becomecancerous. DNA is thechemical in each of ourcells that makes up ourgenes — the instruc-tions for how our cellsfunction.

We usually look likeour parents becausethey are the source ofour DNA. But DNAaffects more than howwe look.

Some genes containinstructions for control-ling when our cellsgrow, divide, and die.

Certain genes thatspeed up cell divisionare called oncogenes.

Others that slowdown cell division, orcause cells to die at theright time, are calledtumor suppressorgenes.

Cancers can becaused by DNA muta-tions (changes) that“turn on” oncogenes or“turn off” tumor sup-pressor genes.

What do you need toknow to avoid it?

Lowering your riskYou can lower your

risk of breast cancer bychanging those riskfactors that can bechanged.

-- Women who limitalcohol intake, exerciseregularly, and maintaina healthy body weighthave a lower risk ofgetting breast cancer.

-- Women who chooseto breast-feed for atleast several monthsmay also get an addedbenefit of reducingtheir breast cancerrisk.

-- Not using hormonetherapy aftermenopause can helpyou avoid raising yourrisk.

It’s not clear at thistime if environmentalchemicals that haveestrogen-like proper-ties (like those found insome plastic bottles orcertain cosmetics andpersonal care prod-ucts) increase breastcancer risk.

If there is anincreased risk, it islikely to be very small.Still, women who areconcerned may chooseto avoid products thatcontain these sub-stances when possible.

SOURCE: The AmericanCancer Society

FACTS ABOUTBREAST CANCER Truck still turning heads

By Kathryn Caggianelli

TROY — For the thirdyear in a row, John Ray &Sons fuel company in Troyis poised to make a dona-tion to the Susan G.Komen for the CureNortheastern New Yorkaffiliate.

While the amount of thedonation is still not known,a check presentation laterthis month will likelyboast something that willrival what has alreadybeen raised in the last twoyears.

Since 2008 when thePink Truck was intro-duced, John Ray & Sonshas raised more than$28,000, according to infor-mation atwww.johnray.com.

The truck is painted inthe signature colors of theKomen for the Cure cam-paign and travels approxi-mately 4,500 miles eachmonth delivering fuel tohomes and businesses. Aportion of the proceeds

from each gallon of fueldelivered by the PinkTruck benefits the localKomen for the Cure affili-ate.

Additionally, each Sep-tember John Ray & Sonskicks off a month-longSpot the Pink Truck con-test to coincide withBreast cancer AwarenessMonth in October.

The contest is anotherway to increase aware-ness about breast cancerand the importance ofearly detection, accordingto the website.

Winner of this year’scontest will receive a NewYork Giants Team gasgrill, which will be pre-sented when the annualdonation is made.

Komen for the Cure isthe world’s largest grass-roots network of breastcancer survivors andactivists.

The organization isreportedly the largestsource of non-profit fundsworldwide dedicated to

fight breast cancer. Thelocal Northeastern NewYork affiliate serves an 11-county region in New York

and has raised more than$2.4 million since it wasfounded 17 years ago.Funds are used locally to

promote breast health andsupport breast cancerresearch, education andtreatment.

Fuel company poised to aid breast cancer fundraising

Mike McMahon photoKen Ray helps raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation through proceeds from

every gallon pumped through this special truck. To date, they have raised more than$40,000 for the effort.

Upcoming Breast Cancer Awareness Month events

Page 4: Breast Cancer Tab 2011

Chris Fitz Gerald

MECHANICVILLE —With a desire to help oth-ers in need, CatherineLynch had a vision.

The Mechanicvillenative and resident isn’teven a breast cancer sur-vivor herself, but waseager to help out thoseboth fighting and trying toprevent the deadly dis-ease.

Her urging and encour-agement led to the found-ing of theMechanicville/StillwaterBreast Cancer AwarenessMini Walk in 2009 and theevent has thrived eversince.

“I just wanted to dosomething for breast can-cer awareness,” said the78-year-old Lynch, whohad two sisters who hadbreast cancer, with one ofthem surviving. “We haveso many people inMechanicville who havebeen diagnosed with it, soI really wanted to help outin some way.”

The third annual walkwill be held this Sunday atnoon in Mechanicville,with the course runningthrough the town knownas “Friendly City.”

“It felt like I had to do itand it just took me a whileto have the nerve to do itbecause I didn’t think Icould do it,” she said.“But when I saw all thepeople who turned outthat first year, it wasunbelievable.”

Once again participantswill be given pink scarves— in what already hasbecome a tradition of thewalk.

“It’s exciting to watchthis walk grow,” Lynchsaid. “If the weather holdsout, we should have morethan 2,000 people takingpart.”

In its first year, morethan $30,000 was raisedfrom the event, a figurewhich was topped by the2010 mini walk, whichraised some $50,000 forthe cause of breast cancerawareness and preven-tion.

“This year we’re defi-nitely going over $50,000,there’s no questionbecause we have close to$30,000 already and that’seven before the walk,”said Lynch, who serves aspresident of the organiz-ing committee. “This is

exciting and it’s a year-long undertaking. Oncethis walk is over, we’llstart planning for nextyear, so it’s an on-goingthing.”

The roots of theMechanicville-Stillwatermini walk date back tothree years ago after acity resident, JessicaMitchell, died at the age of36 in April 2008 after abattle with what is knownas triple negative breastcancer, a serious and raretype.

Her struggle becameknown to Lynch afterMitchell’s son, whomLynch taught in SundaySchool, asked if the classcould say a prayer for hismother.

Not only was a prayersaid, but the boy’s FirstCommunion was per-formed at home so his illmother could be present.She died less than twoweeks later, and whenLynch began to put thewalk together, theMitchell family did what itcould to lend support.

In that first mini walk,

many members of theMitchell family donnedpink shirts honoring Jes-sica, bringing along chil-dren and husbands alikefor the walk.

“That story is what real-ly inspired me,” Lynchsaid. “And it was reallysomething to see the out-pouring of support fromthe community.”

While she heads theorganizing efforts for theevent, Lynch is quick tocredit the committee formuch of the work.

“I couldn’t do it withoutthem,” she said, “and it’sreally all about them.They are the best menand women to work with.”

Community groups whowill participate in the miniwalk include several areaschools, such as Mechan-icville and Stillwater.

Once again, the moneyraised with go to theAmerican Cancer Societyvia the Making StridesAgainst Breast CancerWalk, to be held Oct. 16 inWashington Park inAlbany.

Sunday’s funds will be

added to the total of thatevent, in its 16th year,which typically draws anattendance of around15,000.

Michele Mack, specialevents director for theAmerican Cancer Society,said the money goes tosupporting the Society’s“four pillars:” research,education, advocacy andpatient and family servic-es.

Registration for thisyear’s Mechanicville-Still-water walk starts at 10a.m. on Sunday, with thewalk following at noon.

“Our success is allabout our committee,”Lynch said. “I’ll take thecredit for the idea of thewalk, but they should getall the credit, as well asthe businesses in thiscommunity. They’ve real-ly been there for us.”

Chris Fitz Gerald can bereached at 270-1252 or by

email [email protected].

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Walk participants set to raise over $50k

Photos by Mike McMahon — The Record

Top: Stillwater cheerleaders warm up before the 2010Mechanicville-Stillwater breast cancer walk at the Mechan-icville Senior Center.

Above: Pam and Emma Bisaillon dance to warm-up for the2010 walk.

Mike McMahon — The Record

Claire Eatz of Stillwater, breast cancer survivor, shares a moment with her daughter Vanessa Eatz before the start of the 2010 Mechanicville-Stillwater breast cancer walk at theMechanicville Senior Center. This year�s walk, slated to raise over $50k, will take place thisSunday.