thE buzz z May 2010

What is Breast Cancer?In a nutshell, cancer occurs when cells divide more rapidly than they should, forming a tumor which can then spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes. Breast cancer forms in the tissues of the breast, most commonly in the tubes that carry milk to the nipple (ducts) and the glands that make milk (lobules). The disease can be found in both men and women; but occurrence among males is rare. This is because men’s breast cells are less developed than women’s and are not exposed to the same levels/types of hormones. While the likelihood that a man will develop breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000, the risk still remains.

Although the cause of breast cancer is still unclear, doctors estimate that approximately 5-10% of cancers are caused by a genetic mutation passed through families. Even so, breast cancer is most likely caused by a complex combination of genetics and environmental factors.

The greatest risk factor for breast cancer is simply being female – but there are other indicators to be aware of:

• Age – women over 60 have a greater risk than younger women

• Personal history – if you’ve had cancer in one breast you are at risk for developing it in the other breast

• Family history of breast cancer

• Inherited genes that increase risk – most common are BRCA1 and BRCA2

• Exposure to radiation – usually having occurred as child or young adult

• Being overweight or obese

• Drinking alcohol

• Giving birth to fi rst child after age 35

• Starting menopause after age 55

• Early age of fi rst menstruation – 12 or younger

• Hormone therapy for menopause – estrogen/progesterone therapy to ease symptoms

Prevention and early detection are the best ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer. Women should practice breast self exams monthly, and it is recommended that women over 40 get a mammogram every one to two years. Making changes in your lifestyle can help reduce your risk of breast cancer, such as consuming alcohol in moderation, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding postmenopausal hormone therapy if possible. Discuss breast cancer screening and prevention with your physician to decide what is best for you.

Signs/Symptoms • Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

may include:

• A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue

• Bloody discharge from the nipple

• Change in the size or shape of a breast

• Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling

• Inverted nipple

• Peeling or fl aking of the nipple skin

• Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange

One in eight – this is the

likelihood that a woman will

be diagnosed with breast cancer

during her lifetime, according to

the National Cancer Institute.

Breast cancer is the second most

commonly diagnosed cancer

among women, second only to

skin cancer. Fortunately, deaths

caused by breast cancer have

been on the decline due to new

treatment methods, increased

public interest, and most

importantly, early detection.

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Provided by: Department of Personnel and BJC HealthCare for the Bee Fit Wellness Program

For more information: call Matt Meyers at 622-4849 or email at meyersm@stlouiscity.com

This 5K run/walk supports breast cancer education, research and treatment programs, and it’s a great way to continue on your journey of improved wellness and health! Participants are invited to walk or run through downtown St. Louis in support of this important cause.

The race takes place on June 12, 2010, and Bee-Fit needs a team of AT LEAST 20 individuals. Of the money raised by the race through donations and race registration fees, 75% goes to organizations in St. Louis for education, screening and treatment programs. The remaining 25% goes to national breast cancer research. So the majority of the money you raise/donate is used locally to help friends, family and co-workers.

The fee to participate in the race is $25 (you pay this while registering) - which includes a St. Louis Race for the Cure t-shirt, given to you on race day. There is also the option to make additional donations during registration if you wish to do so.

Bee-Fit is sponsoring a team in the upcoming Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

SUSAN G. KOMEN

RACE FOR THE CURE

To join the Bee-Fit team, follow these steps:• Go to the following link:

www.komenstlouis.org

• At the top left side of the page, click the Race for the Cure link

• On the right-hand side, click on the black box that says Join a Team. This is for individuals who are registering online with a credit card. If you want to pay with a check you must mail in the registration form; click the box “Print Registration Form” and complete by May 29!

• Scroll to the bottom of the page to fi nd a box where you can Search for a Team

• Type in Bee-Fit and click “Search for a Team”

• Under the search results you should see Bee-Fit listed as a team and Matt Meyers listed as the team captain. Click on the word “Join” which is written in pink and underlined, and then follow the registration directions. (At some point you will be asked for your building/employee number, please just write your department – airport, city hall, etc.)

Once registered for the team you will receive more detailed information from Matt Meyers, the team captain.

If you are interested in donating/joining the Bee-Fit team but cannot attend the race, consider being a “Sleep in for the Cure” participant. Follow the registration instructions above and select the “Sleep in for the Cure” option instead of choosing to do the run.

Bee-Fit needs a team of AT LEAST 20 individuals