There is No One-Size-Fits-All Breast Cancer

9/20/2018

There is No One-Size-Fits-All Breast Cancer

Breast cancer. It is a simple phrase representing a complex journey thousands of women travel each year. Even during October, when Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings attention to the disease, many people don’t realize breast cancer is not just one disease; it’s extremely complex and classified into different types. To change the perception that breast cancer is just one disease, consider these tips.

There is No One-Size-Fits-All Breast Cancer

(Family Features) Breast cancer. It is a simple phrase representing a complex journey thousands of women travel each year. Even during October, when Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings attention to the disease, many people don’t realize breast cancer is not just one disease; it’s extremely complex and classified into different types. Understanding the many types of breast cancer is important – not just for the 1-in-8 women who will be diagnosed in their lifetime, – but for those who love them, too.¹

Laura Ross knows first-hand. She was diagnosed with triple-negative, stage I breast cancer when she was 41 years old.

“No one in my family had breast cancer and I had no information,” Ross said. “I had not even heard breast cancer had different types until the results came back from my biopsy.”

Unprepared and in shock, she relied heavily on her support circle, which in addition to her doctor and healthcare team, helped her learn more about her diagnosis. Empowered by this information, Ross had the confidence to make informed treatment decisions with her doctor.

You or someone you love may be affected by breast cancer in your lifetime and have to help make a treatment decision. To change the perception that breast cancer is just one disease, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Genentech and ThirdLove created the “Not One Type” campaign, which offers these tips:

Understand the basics. Breast cancer is classified into different types based on the unique characteristics of each tumor (size, lymph node status, stage and subtype, among others). The tumor’s size, the status of whether the cancer is in the lymph nodes and the cancer’s stage, which indicates whether or not it has spread, are important factors in helping determine a diagnosis. The subtype, which is determined by studying the cancer cells using diagnostic tests, more specifically defines the type. Some common breast cancer subtypes include hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive and triple-negative. These are example subtypes. A patient could also have a combination of subtypes, and/or other factors contributing to cancer growth.

Ask your doctor specific questions. If you or a loved one is faced with a diagnosis, knowing some questions to ask a doctor makes all the difference. Consider these questions to start:
- How large is the tumor?
- Has the cancer spread to the lymph nodes?
- What is the stage?
- What is the HER2 status? Hormone receptor status?
- Why do you recommend this particular treatment plan? Are there other treatment options to consider?
- Can you explain what these medicines do to the cancer in the body?
- What are the common side effects of treatment?

Pass it on. Share this information with a loved one or friend. Understanding that breast cancer is not a one-size-fits-all-disease can help those directly affected by breast cancer and those who may be impacted in the future make more informed decisions.

During October – and year-round – arm yourself with knowledge about the different types of the disease and use that information to be a more empowered patient or caregiver. Visit NotOneType.org to learn more.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

¹ American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2018. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2018.

² Kohler BA, et al. Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975–2011, Featuring Incidence of Breast Cancer Subtypes by Race/Ethnicity, Poverty, and State. J Natl Cancer Inst 2015;107(6):djv048.

SOURCE:
Genentech

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Don't let the summer sun blind you to this lesser-known skin cancer

7/6/2018

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Don't let the summer sun blind you to this lesser-known skin cancer

Melanoma is a skin cancer many of us are familiar with. But have you heard of a skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC)? If not, you might be surprised to learn that CSCC is actually one of the most common skin cancers in the world – even more common than melanoma with an estimated 700,000 new cases diagnosed in the U.S. annually. CSCC can also be a deadly skin cancer. Every year, an estimated 7,000 people in the U.S. die of CSCC.

(BPT) - Most of us look forward to the balmy breezes and cheerful sunshine brought about by spring and summer, especially those of us living in climates where winter is long, gloomy and bitterly cold. Yet as we get our shorts, polo shirts and swimsuits out of storage, it’s important to remind ourselves to stay sun smart and vigilant against skin cancer.

Melanoma is a skin cancer many of us are familiar with. But have you heard of a skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC)? If not, you might be surprised to learn that CSCC is actually one of the most common skin cancers in the world – even more common than melanoma with an estimated 700,000 new cases diagnosed in the U.S. annually.

CSCC can also be a deadly skin cancer. Every year, an estimated 7,000 people in the U.S. die of CSCC. And in the southern part of the U.S., the number of deaths from CSCC may actually be higher than deaths from melanoma.

“The good news is that CSCC is usually highly treatable when detected early,” notes Dr. Sunandana Chandra, a medical oncologist at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center Northwestern University. “That’s why it is important to know about CSCC, so you can take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, know how to identify early signs of the cancer, and to understand your treatment options if it progresses. Being vigilant about your skin and reaching out to your doctor early with any concerns will allow you to consider more treatment options and possibly have better outcomes.”

So what do you need to know about CSCC? Here are three important tips:

Take a Closer Look at Your Skin. Since early detection is key, it’s important to know your skin and what to look for. As a precaution, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that adults check their skin monthly and schedule an annual dermatologist visit for a full-body skin exam. CSCC typically appears on sun-exposed parts of the body, such as the face, head and neck, and can take several forms, including rough or scaly red patches, raised lumps, open sores or wart-like growths. If you notice an unusual spot on your skin, be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately.
Know the Stats, Know Your Risk. Exposure to harmful UV rays is the main cause of CSCC, but there are also certain groups of people who are at higher risk. Men are three times more likely than women to be diagnosed with CSCC, and the cancer tends to occur more frequently in elderly patients ages 65 and older. Also, those living in the southern parts of the U.S. should be particularly thoughtful about how much sun exposure they are getting.
Involve Your Doctors and Ask the Right Questions. If you think you have CSCC, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor right away. Often CSCC can be easily cured in its early stages with the help of a dermatologist or Mohs surgeon. However, if the CSCC progresses and grows bigger or spreads, a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers may be needed to help assess the situation and work with you to figure out your options. This team may include your original dermatologist or Mohs surgeon plus additional physicians and surgeons from other specialties. Good questions to ask your healthcare team when it comes to CSCC include: What treatment options can I consider, and how do they work? What are the side effects of these treatments? What results can I expect from these treatment options? Are there any advances in CSCC treatment to be aware of? What other options may I consider (e.g., clinical trials)?

If you think you or someone you know may have CSCC, contact a doctor and visit SkinCancer.org.

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Newly Launched Cancer.com Provides Much Needed Personalized Support for People Impacted By Cancer

2/19/2018

(BPT) - Whether you’ve helped a family member through treatment or are facing a diagnosis yourself, hearing the word “cancer” can make people feel powerless and overwhelmed. For many, the best way to regain control is to be as educated as possible. This desire to be informed can lead to an endless and exhausting search for relevant, trustworthy, and relatable information.

"People with cancer are overwhelmed by information from many disparate sources, however, they need to absorb and retain what’s important to them. Curated information that is specific to their individual situation allows them to focus without having to sift through irrelevant and often inaccurate content."
Ellen Miller-Sonet
Chief Strategy and Alliance Officer
CancerCare

That’s why the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson collaborated with leading advocacy organizations to develop Cancer.com, a new online destination for people impacted by cancer. Cancer.com offers educational information, a powerful coaching tool, and links to relevant blogs and social channels, all in one place.

You can create a profile that serves up content tailored to you. This includes information for your cancer type and where you are in your cancer experience: just diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or living in remission.

Further customize your Cancer.com experience by learning more about topics that interest you. Cancer.com topic areas were created based on what patients and caregivers search for the most, including:

Insurance and financial assistance information
Tips for effectively engaging with a healthcare team
Information about living well (eating healthy, getting sleep, staying positive, and more)
Local support ranging from clinical trial information to travel services

“Every person’s journey through cancer is different, which makes personalized information an essential part of the patient’s care plan. We want to help individuals find the combination of educational and emotional support resources that will give them a sense of control.”

Hildy Dillon, MPH
Vice President, Education and Support Programs
Cancer Support Community

Cancer.com houses information from key patient advocacy groups that collaborated on the site: the American Cancer Society, CancerCare, and Cancer Support Community. It is also a gateway to the educational resources and tools featured on these groups’ websites. Additionally, Cancer.com features a wealth of articles and links to content from reliable sources that include government agencies, medical centers, and news and academic media.

"As a trusted resource for cancer information, the American Cancer Society is pleased to contribute its expertise and content to ensure people affected by cancer receive the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions about their health."
Chuck Westbrook
Senior Vice President, Cancer Control Programs and Services
American Cancer Society

Beyond trusted, personalized, and compelling content, Cancer.com features interactive tools designed with your needs in mind:

My Care Activator™, an exclusive health coaching tool developed by behavior scientists at Johnson & Johnson, helps identify specific needs and prioritize modifiable behaviors. Some skills this tool will help you build include coping with symptoms, working with a care team, asking for support, participating in appropriate exercise, and getting better sleep.
Advocacy Connector helps you access the support you need through a comprehensive listing of resources based on your cancer type, location, and specific needs. Use this tool to search for local support ranging from clinical trial information, to travel services and wellness activities.

If you or someone you know is living with cancer, visit Cancer.com today to access useful information and tools to help you along your care journey.
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