Samaritan Health Services

By Peter Kenyon, MD

Breast cancer is all too common in our society. The American Cancer Society predicts that one in nine women who live to age 85 will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

There is good news. Research has shown that women can lower their risk of getting breast cancer and their chance of recurrence of cancer by simple lifestyle choices. These include a low-fat diet, weight control, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol, stress management and taking an aspirin daily. Great interest is directed at the suggestion that vitamin D might play a role in preventing cancer. The social workers and dietitians here at the Samaritan Regional Cancer Center help women adopt these life-saving strategies.

Early detection remains our best way to prevent death from breast cancer. The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer will survive their disease. Self breast exam remains an important part of early detection. Women can take the time to learn careful self-exam techniques at the MammaCare classes offered by certified trainers. Annual exam with your primary care provider and annual mammogram remain our best screening tools. Annual mammograms are recommended to start at age 40 and will find 90 percent of cancers.

For women who are diagnosed with breast cancer, there are a variety of treatment options. Nurse navigators and support teams are available to help women through the process of oncology care that involves surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and plastic surgeons as well as the support services from social workers, dietitians, lymphedema therapists, acupuncturists, naturopaths, herbalists, exercise therapists, and more. Surviving cancer takes work and a team to help.

One of the most difficult decisions facing women and their doctors is whether chemotherapy is beneficial in preventing recurrence after surgery. Chemotherapy is the harsh chemicals that poison cancer cells to stop their growth, but poison the rest of the body as well. These drugs are employed for women judged to be at high risk of recurrence and most likely to benefit from the hardship. Fortunately there is a new test called Oncotype DX that can be done on borderline cases to help women and their medical oncologist now if chemotherapy is right for them. 

Research is looking for new and better ways to prevent cancer recurrence. A medication called trastuzumab (Herceptin) has helped women avoid return of their cancer. A new clinical trial of an oral equivalent is about to open at our cancer center here in Corvallis.

Breast cancer is a dreaded diagnosis. The treatments can be arduous and complicated. Every woman deserves the best chance to become a healthy survivor. We are very fortunate to have in our community many dedicated professionals, volunteers and caregivers to that form our breast cancer care system. We look forward to the day when prevention and cure become the norm.

Peter Kenyon, MD, is a medical oncologist at Samaritan Hematology & Oncology Consultants in Corvallis.