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Breast Cancer

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Outer Beauty Tips Lead to Inner Strength for Women with Breast Cancer

Resources for women fighting breast cancer that your doctor doesn't offer.

By the nature of its side effects, cancer treatment can make a private battle a very public affair. For a woman with cancer, having a bald head, pale skin or a missing breast can make her feel like she's being targeted by a bright spotlight and a banner that says, "Cancer patient." But now more than ever, there are improved resources for women that will put the spotlight back on their work, their accomplishments and their life—and change that banner to simply read, "Woman." Lauren Fahrenhorst is the owner of Jena Creations Limited, which has been in the wig business for more than 30 years, with a large percentage of clients coming becaue of a cancer diagnosis. Fahrenhorst has been in charge for the last five at the business, located in a …

Monday, October 29, 2012

Breast Cancer: Should You Really Wait Six Months After an 'Abnormal' Mammogram?

It's what many women are told to do before more testing is done. A West County breast surgeon shares her thoughts on waiting six months and on what women need to know to be in charge of their health.

It's a common practice. Women are often told to come back six months later for a follow-up exam after receiving an "abnormal" mammogram. "Six months was the amount of time that was figured out in medicine that things don't go horribly wrong," explains Jovita Oruwari, an oncologic breast surgeon with Mercy Clinic St. Louis Cancer and Breast Institute. "And we know that because that's been studied in a lot of women." As previously reported by Patch, doctors say there are typically no major changes six months later. However, in my mother's case, a biopsy was finally preformed on what was only considered "dense breast tissue" at her six-month follow-up and it revealed she had breast cancer. (Read Previous Story: Breast Cancer: My Mom's Lesson …

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Breast Cancer Q & A With Komen St. Louis

There is so much information out about breast cancer that it can be somewhat overwhelming, so 'Patch' spoke with Komen St. Louis in an effort to gather answers for readers and have them available in one article.

October is designated National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All month long, Patch has been providing readers with information on the disease. There are so many statistics and there is so much information about breast cancer that it can become a bit overwhelming when searching online, so Patch spoke with Komen St. Louis in an effort to gather some answers for readers and compile them into one place. According to its website, the St. Louis Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure's mission is "to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures. Komen St. Louis is dedicated to meeting the breast health needs of the women, men and families most at risk and …

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Breast Cancer: My Mom's Lesson in Patient Advocacy

It's a common practice that women are told to come back in six months after an abnormal mammogram. However, in my mom's case, she received a breast cancer diagnosis and lesson in patient advocacy.

Diane Barnes, my mother, of West St. Louis County, received an abnormal mammogram in October 2005, but waited six months until she learned she had breast cancer. The scenario may be more common than you think. It's a common practice; doctors tell me the results are usually fine, but it was an eye-opening process for my mother, who now wants other women to learn from her experience and take control of their health. With no serious health issues and no known family history of breast cancer, my mom wasn't concerned when she was asked to come back for a closer look after an abnormal mammogram in October 2005. Doctors took another, very close look. She had another mammogram and an ultrasound, but nothing was apparent other than what was …

Barcie

7:40 am on Friday, October 26, 2012

Knowledge is power; good to read these kinds of stories - thanks for posting.   more ›

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Healthy Living Can Prevent Breast Cancer: West County Resources

Research shows good nutrition and exercise can help prevent breast cancer. Here are some resources around West County to help you stay healthy.

You might be able to find help fighting breast cancer and other types of cancers at your local grocery store and fitness centers, according to the research findings of Dr. Marian Neuhouser, Ph.D, RD.  Dr. Neuhouser is a nutritional epidemiologist with a background in nutritional sciences. She is an investigator at Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Her research is focused on lifestyle factors such as nutrition and physical activity. Some factors may prevent breast and prostate cancer and improve survivorship in those diagnosed with cancer.   According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, more than 200,000 American women are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 American women will die …

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Think Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness Events in West County And Beyond

From galas to walks to shopping, here's how you can participate, pledge support and donate to the cause in West County.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and whether you love to shop, attend events, walk or run, there are tons of different ways to support the cause. Check out the list below of opportunities to go pink in West County and beyond: 4th Annual Spare Nothing for the Cure: 12-2 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. Oct. 28, Brunswick Zone in Chesterfield, MO, or Flamingo Bowl in Downtown St. Louis. This family-friendly bowling event benefits breast cancer research and programs funded by St. Louis affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The entry fee is $25 per bowler or $150 per team of six bowlers. Each registration includes two hours of unlimited bowling, shoe rental and an official event T-shirt. Register here.  Take a Night Out: Several local …

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Cancer-Fighting Bagels Return

Pink Ribbon Bagels—a favorite, annual item from Saint Louis Bread Co.—became available this week. A portion of each purchase goes toward breast cancer research. See what's new this year about it all.

Selecting a bakery item that also supports breast cancer research is possible through a popular Pink Ribbon Bagel that just became available again this week at Saint Louis Bread Co. (For instant news updates follow Patch on Facebook and Twitter.) This year marks the 11th anniversary of Saint Louis Bread Co. offering the company's special Pink Ribbon Bagels during October as a way to raise funds for breast cancer research. A portion of proceeds from the specialty bagels sold in the company's bakery-cafes during this month are donated to the Siteman Cancer Center.  October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, hence the bagel's tie to the color pink and the ribbon shape. Pink Ribbon Bagels are made with cherry chips, dried cherries and …

Sunday, May 8, 2011

West County Walks for a Cure

Nearly 350 people gathered in West County this weekend to walk in support of cancer victims and survivors

In spite of the early rain and chilly weather, 350 residents of Wildwood, Manchester, Ballwin and other West County cities gathered at Lafayette High School Saturday to participate in the West County Walk.  Since 2009, the walk has gathered supporters of friends and family who have been affected by breast cancer. The walk is an alternative to downtown St. Louis' annual Race for the Cure.  "I'm so excited about today. Everything was just perfect," said Scott Sloyer, organizer of the West County Walk, which raised approximately $10,000 that would go toward the Susan G. Komen foundation. "The weather scared a few people earlier, but we still met our goal—and it turned out to be a beautiful day." Check out the event in the above slideshow.

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