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Page 1: Daily News Healthy Living Fall 2014

health | fitness | recreation

HEALTHYlivingWashington DaiLY nEWsPublished by Washington Newsmedia, LLC

FALL 2014

Cancerawareness

The CWord

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OBTP# B13696 ©2013 HRB Tax Group, Inc.1013

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PubLisHEr

Ashley Vansant

EdiToriAL

Jonathan RoweVail Stewart Rumley

ConTribuTors

Elizabeth BrownRobert McLaurin, MD

Bruce F. Schroeder, MD

AdvErTising dirECTor

Kathryn Powell

MArkETing & sALEs

German LlodratCecilia ProkosAmy Whitaker

disTribuTion

Sylvester Rogers

ArT dirECTion

Ryan Webb

HEALTHYlivingP.O. Box 1788

Washington, NC 27889

AdvErTising inquiriEs

252-946-2144HEALTHYliving is published four times a year by Washington Newsmedia, LLC.

Copyright 2014Washington Newsmedia, LLC

STRONG FOUNDATION

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HeAlTHy HAbITS TO lOweR RISkS

6

beNeFITS OF DeTOX

GMOS AND CANCeR

bReAST IMAGeRy

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10

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HEALTHYlivingWashington DaiLY nEWs

bReAST CANCeR AwAReNeSS

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11 lITTle kNOwN FACTS AbOUT CANCeR

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MeDICAl AND HeAlTH DIReCTORy

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Strong foundation

The Marion L. Shephard Cancer Center provides therapies to cancer patients, survivors

and caregivers that complement traditional care. The Center hosts free programs and activities each month that aide in dealing with the emotional and physical challenges associated with cancer. Some programs are ongoing, recurring weekly or monthly, but the subject matter of the activities and programs changes from month to month and is formulated by administration, based on the interests and needs of patients, survivors and caregivers.

Kristi Fearrington, an oncology

social worker, and Judy Humphries, patient navigator, both work with the Shepard Cancer Foundation, which provides funding for the programs. The two come up with topics based on the needs of their current patients, survivors and caregivers.

“We get feedback from our patients and caregivers about what works,” said Pam Shadle, manager of marketing, public relations and development at Vidant Beaufort Hospital.

The Foundation is able to provide these programs to patients, survivors and caregivers free of charge with money raised through several community events including the

annual Let’s Tee It Up For a Cure golf tournament, October’s Paint the Town Pink and Darlene’s Flamingo 5k. Other funds are available through donations from community members, most of which are in honor or in memory of a loved one who had cancer.

Look good…Feel betterThis program is a hands-on group

session for adult female cancer survivors currently in treatment who are coping with the side effects of chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment. Hosted at the Cancer Center the second Monday of each month, the two-hour session aides

Cancer center provides pathway

for journey

by JonATHAn roWE

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Strong foundation

those who may not feel well physically or feel good about their appearance to look good and feel better.

As an American Cancer Society program, Look Good…Feel Better offers cancer patients and survivors a counseling session for ladies, done through makeup. Each participant gets a small makeup kit valued at $200, filled with all kinds of makeup — cleansing cream, blush, eyeliner, lipstick, rinse, moisturizer, concealer, eye makeup, eye shadow, mascara, an eyebrow pencil and rouge — a 12-step process.

Audrey Turnage, who conducts the program and is certified through the ACS to give facials, says she talks participants through the entire process. She is there to entertain, console or whatever they need at that particular time. To start the program, Turnage shows a tape that illustrates what the program means to participants as well as the benefits of participating.

Turnage says patients and survivors may have experienced hair loss such as losing their eyebrows and the program instructs them on how to use the cosmetics to make themselves feel better about their appearance.

“It’s a matter of individual care of how to match up everything,” Turnage said. “It gives them confidence to at least go out in public and feel like themselves again. It’s encouraging to them. The aim is to make them feel better about themselves and how they look. They will feel better that day and that’s the goal.”

Therapeutic MassageThis free, 20-minute hand, foot or chair massage is

offered each week for patients, survivors and caregivers. Massage therapist Angie Shiflett, who has been conducting the program for the past five years, says it is available to anyone affected by cancer, regardless of whether they’ve been treated at the Cancer Center.

Participants have the option of receiving a chair massage, which focuses on the back, arms, hands, neck and shoulders, a foot massage or just a hand massage. Shiflett says the program aides in relieving any pain or stress associated with the diagnosis or treatment of cancer. It provides relief for overall mood, improves patients’ sleep

and helps with fatigue, anxiety, depression and nausea.“With every one of them, they look forward to getting a

massage,” Shiflett said. “If they’re coming in for treatment, they get a massage, and some of them have shoulder issues, so it helps them as well. It helps take their mind off it.”

Massages are available Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at the Cancer Center from 9:30 a.m. to noon and other times at Market St. Massage, 141 North Market St. in downtown Washington. To make an appointment, call the Center at 252-975-4395 or Market St. Massage at 252-946-8989.

restorative Yoga & MeditationInstructor Ursula Corbett takes participants on a one-

hour journey to relaxation with Restorative Yoga and Meditation, offered once a week. The class, free for patients, survivors and caregivers, offers relief from the stresses and tensions associated with daily stress as well as chronic stress.

Corbett says she uses breathing exercises, some gentle stretching and movements to relax participants, sometimes with the use of music. This benefits participants by bringing the body and mind into a state of relaxation to counteract the effects of stress, whether it’s chronic stress as a result of sickness or the stress of everyday living. Corbett uses yoga poses that are most beneficial to relax certain muscle groups, focusing on relaxation through balance, flexibility and strength building, she said. Some poses and exercises focus on realigning the spine.

Corbett’s instruction is self-guided, meaning participants are free to get on the floor or sit in a chair, based on how they feel that particular day.

“Most poses are guided towards relaxation, realigning and letting go of tension and stress,” Corbett said. “[The participants] look forward to it. I hear a lot of comments like, ‘I really needed that,’ and, ‘That felt good.’ This [program] is generally to reduce stress whether it’s mental or physical. By relaxing the body and focusing on breathing, you also relax your mind from worries of the day and you come out refreshed.”

The class is offered on Monday nights each week, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Vidant Wellness Center, Cowell Farm Rd., Washington. ◆

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Certain types of cancer are more likely to strike certain types of people than others. For example, while men can be diagnosed with breast cancer, women are far more likely to

develop the disease. But just because a person’s risk of developing cancer is low, that does not make that person immune from the disease. As a result, it’s important that men and women take steps to lower their cancer risk.

One of the more effective ways to lower your risk for cancer is to ensure your lifestyle choices are as healthy as possible. Choosing habits that benefit your short- and long-term health can reduce your risk for cancer and a host of additional ailments.

Maintain a healthy weightAccording to the American Cancer Society, men and

women who are overweight or obese are at a greater risk of several types of cancer, including cancer of the esophagus, pancreas, colon and rectum, breast, kidney, and thyroid. The National Cancer Institute defines obesity as someone with a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or above, while someone with a

BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight. Maintaining a healthy weight or shedding excess weight if you are already at an elevated risk for cancer can lower your risk for cancer and other potentially debilitating diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke.

quit smokingSmokers might be surprised to learn that tobacco use, according to the ACS, is responsible for nearly 20 percent of all deaths in the United States. That might have something to do with tobacco’s role in causing more than a dozen types of cancer and its link to heart disease, emphysema and stroke.

But smoking can even harm nonsmokers unfortunate enough to spend time in the vicinity of smokers. Such nonsmokers take in nicotine and thousands of additional chemicals, including carbon monoxide and cadmium, a chemical element used in batteries, when people smoke near them. In addition, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that nonsmokers exposed

Healthy habits to lower risk

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Healthy habits to lower risk

to secondhand smoke were 25 percent more likely to have coronary heart disease compared to nonsmokers not exposed to smoke. Secondhand smoke is especially harmful to children, as kids whose parents smoke around them get bronchitis and pneumonia more often than kids whose parents abstain from smoking in their presence.

Exercise regularlyThe NCI notes that there is strong evidence that physical activity is associated with reduced risk of certain cancers, including cancers of the breast and colon. More than 60 studies published in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia have indicated that physically active women have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than inactive women, with some active women reducing their risk by as much as 80 percent. Studies conducted around the world have produced similar findings with regard to colon cancer. Research has consistently indicated that adults who increase their physical activity, be it in intensity, duration or frequency, can reduce their risk of developing colon cancer by 30 to 40 percent relative to adults who are sedentary. The ACS suggests adults include at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity in their weekly routines, though many studies have found that 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day is the most effective way to reduce cancer risk significantly.

reduce alcohol consumptionWhile many adults may be quick to point out the benefits that a glass of wine can have with regard to a person’s risk of heart disease or stroke, the National Toxicology Program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as recently as 2011 listed the consumption of alcoholic beverages as a known human carcinogen. Alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for various types of cancers, including

head and neck cancers, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, and breast cancer. Adults who continue to consume alcohol should do so in moderation, which the ACS defines as no more than two drinks per day for men and no more than one drink per day for women. ◆

regular physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers, including cancers of the breast and colon.

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Do you ever feel like something is not right? Do you feel sluggish and tired? What about feeling uncomfortable performing daily activities

or going places because of excessive gas, bloating, or bowel complications? You may be one of the millions of Americans who suffer from physical ailments as a result of your body being full of toxins. If so, your body will benefit from Detox.

What is detox? Oxford University Press

defines “Detox” as a process or period of time in which one abstains from or rids the body of toxic or unhealthy substances. How can this help issues like constipation, gas, bloating, and sluggishness? Constipation is related directly to a sluggish or, in many cases toxin filled colon, accounting for more than 2 million doctor visits a year. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney (NIDDK), Americans alone spend $725 million on laxatives annually. In addition, it has been estimated that the average American spends about $58 per month on over-the-counter medications for gas, bloating, and irritable bowel symptoms.

signs of toxic overload that a detox can improve: • Constipation

• Bloating• Gas• Headaches• Fatigue• Aches and pains• Nausea

• Belly fat (hard to lose)• Skin problems• Food cravings (especially for ‘fake foods’)• Low energy• Bad breath• Irritability, mood swings

detox and the colonThe colon is the body’s sewage system. But like all

healthy and properly functioning sewage systems, it needs to be cleaned, emptied, and maintained to function properly.

When we eat highly processed, refined foods our colons become weighed down with the unhealthy debris from these foods. Unfortunately, these foods are considered the majority of the average American’s diet. The foods contain large quantities of foods filled with toxins like high fructose syrups, hydrogenated oils, food dyes, preservatives and other ingredients that can damage to our vital organs and entire body systems. If these toxins remain they can lead to further damage.

How to startTaking the first step is always the hardest. The first

step when starting a detox is to replace reprocessed and refined foods etc. with real foods. Real foods are considered to be any foods from nature. This means as close to the source as you can get; fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, pure water and more organic foods that are grown locally and have no processing involved before they reach your mouth.

Finding a detox The second step is choosing your detox. People have

become more aware of colon detoxification in recent years. If you do a Google search for colon detox, you’ll get close to 2 million results. Most of these results are advertisements for colon detox products being sold,

benefits of detox

dr. ELizAbETH broWn

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making it harder to make a choice in which one fits your needs. In addition, unfortunately, most of the products being sold are simply “fad detox” kits profiting off of the detox bandwagon, instead of being concerned with your health.

If you want to really rid your colon of unhealthy, accumulated debris, boost your vitality, and overall health you simply don’t need any of these advertised detox products to do so. In fact, these aren’t even the best means to achieving a healthy, debris and toxin-free colon. There’s a much easier, healthier way. This will take the stress out of choosing a detox product.

Achieving colon health the right way

If you want to do the easiest and healthiest detox you can, focus on consuming only raw, whole foods like fruits, veggies, vegetable juices, and pure water for a period of time. When you first start, set a small goal, such as completing a detox for one week. Then focus on doing up to three weeks. There are some other whole foods you’ll want to work into your eating while detoxing. Consider garlic, wheatgrass, blue algae, hemp protein and hemp seeds, flax seed, legumes, nuts, extra virgin olive oil, and herbal and green teas. However, make sure that while you are on the detox, avoid dairy, meat,

processed foods, grains, sugar, alcohol and caffeine during your detox.

No matter how healthy you may eat, we are all exposed to toxins on a daily basis. Our bodies were not meant to cope with such an excess of toxins, and it’s vital to do regular detoxing to support your colon and body in the fight to remove these deadly, disease causing toxins. Engaging in a raw food detox is the best way to improve your health and give your body the help it needs to get rid of

toxins. Lastly, if you have any pre-existing health conditions consult with your health care practitioner for suggestions and precautions.

Dr. Elizabeth Brown can be reached at Washington Chiropractic Center, 252-975-4601. ◆

SourcesAmerican Cancer Society (2010): http://

www.cancer.org/acs/groups/contentOM-X (2002): http://www.omx2u.com/

articles/colonNIDDK (2010): http:digestive.niddk.nih.govOxford University Press: oxforddictionaries.

com/detoxDr. Axe : draxe.com/top-5mecaroot.com ◆

benefits of detox

detoxing can help relieve bloating.

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The use of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, in foods remains

a controversial subject. The concerns about modifying genetic material in foods surrounds the uncertainty about the medical implications of consuming foods that have had their DNA changed in a laboratory. One such concern is whether or not there is a link between GMOs and cancer. To understand such a potential connection, it first helps to understand GMOs and why they spark such controversy.

What are gMos and why are they used?

GMOs are plants or animals that have been genetically changed, but many people associate GMOs with foods, namely corn and other grain products. Genes from one species are inserted into another to create a desired trait. This is known as gene splicing. Plants may be modified to be more resistant to drought or harsh conditions. Other genes may be altered to make plants more resilient and resistant to pesticides or certain diseases.

Most commonly altered foods

Certain foods are subject to genetic modification more so than others. Soybeans, corn, cotton, canola, papaya, zucchini, and

other squashes are some of the more commonly modified crops. The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications also lists alfalfa, chicory, eggplant, flax, potato, rice, sugar beet, and tobacco on its list of GM crops.

Concerns about gMosThe risks associated with

consuming GMOs are largely unknown. According to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, researchers have not conclusively confirmed if GMOs increase a person’s risk of developing cancer or other diseases. Some experts say the benefits of eating whole grains and vegetables -- even GMO varieties -- outweigh the concerns about GMOs, while others are not

so sure.According to a study published

in the peer-reviewed journal, Food and Chemical Toxicology, French researchers discovered that rats fed genetically engineered corn or those exposed to the active ingredient in the weed killer Roundup over a long period suffered premature death and developed mammary tumors while also suffering from kidney and liver damage. Researchers fed rats GM corn or gave them water laced with Roundup at levels allowed in the United States. The research found that even limited exposure to these products produced mammary tumors and led to severe liver and kidney damage, which occurred in as little as four months in males and seven months in

GMOs and cancerpotential cause worry

some studies point to a link between gMos and cancer, while others are inconclusive.

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females.Fifty percent of the

male rats and 70 percent of the females died earlier than the rats in the control group. The corn studied was Monsanto’s NK603 seed, a variety developed to live through heavy dosings of pesticide. Roundup is a pesticide that plants can consume at levels many toxicologists say could

cause harm to humans.

ConclusionsMore research is

necessary to confirm or debunk any suspected link between GMOs and cancer, and even then it may be difficult to weed out risks between brands, foods and types of modification. People concerned about GMOs can eat organic foods or GMO-free foods. ◆

GMOs and cancerpotential cause worry

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For those who work to find and treat breast cancer, every day of every month is about breast cancer awareness. In 2014, there have been many new and exciting advancements to be aware of.

On January 2014, North Carolina became the 12th state in the nation to enact a “breast density notification” law. The law states that every mammogram patient must be notified in her result letter whether her breast tissue is “dense.” Normal breast glandular tissue is white on a mammogram. Unfortunately, cancerous tissue is also white. While most (80 percent) breast cancers are found by mammograms, some (20 percent) are “hidden” by the normal breast tissue and cannot be found. This happens most in younger women whose tissue is usually more dense. In women with the most dense tissue, mammograms may only find half of the cancers. In older women whose tissue tends to be less dense and more fatty, almost all breast cancers are found. In addition, there is scientific evidence that dense breast tissue is also a risk factor that can lead to a greater chance of getting breast cancer. This is a “perfect storm” where dense tissue increases a women’s risk of getting breast cancer while lowering the chances of finding it.

But there is some good news too. Research has shown that performing screening breast ultrasound in addition to routine mammography can double breast cancer detection in dense breasted women. This is a low cost test that uses no radiation or compression and can be done at the time of a mammogram.

The most exciting advance in breast cancer detection is 3D mammography, more formally known as Tomosynthesis. This test is done on a modified mammography machine but instead of

just taking two pictures it takes multiple low-dose images that are used to create “slices” much like a CT scan. These “slices” eliminate the overlap of normal dense tissue and abnormal tissue and make it easier to find abnormalities. It also eliminates the overlap of normal tissues that can lead to the all-too-common false alarms that result in being called back for additional views that are usually normal. The data show that false alarms are reduced by almost 50 percent and cancer detection is increased from 30-50 percent.

Despite all of the exciting advances in technology that promise to improve breast cancer detection while reducing the limitations (false alarms, unnecessary biopsies) of mammography, even the best technology requires that it be in hands of the most skilled doctors. In this country, most breast imaging exams are done by “general” radiologists who perform the full spectrum of imaging including chest X-rays, CT scan, MRIs, etc. of all parts of the body. It is well established that specialists who have received specialized training (known as “Fellowship training”) are able to find more breast cancer with less false alarms and unnecessary biopsies. When choosing where you have your breast imaging performed, it is important to make sure your exam will be interpreted by a Fellowship trained expert.

Dr. Schroeder is the medical director of Carolina Breast Imaging Specialists in Greenville. Formerly of Eastern Radiologists, Dr. Schroeder has been the leading fellowship trained breast imaging radiologist in eastern North Carolina since 1996. Carolina Breast Imaging Specialists, celebrating its 1-year anniversary on Nov. 4, is the only breast imaging practice in the region where all physicians are fellowship-trained breast imaging experts, and the staff, including Jana Gurganus, Melanie Wallace and Melissa Shepard, are the most seasoned anywhere, with nearly 60 years combined experience. Carolina Breast Imaging Specialists is located at 990 Johns Hopkins Drive in Greenville. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 252-565-8951 or visit www.CBISpecialists.com ◆

exciting advances in breast imaging

bruCE F. sCHroEdEr, Md

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To schedule an appointment call 252.752.5000 I easternrad.com

There are many reasons why Eastern Radiologists should be the top choice for your annual breast screening. Here are just a few:

• Our team of breast imaging specialists, including our newest fellowship trained breast imager Dr. Anjali Malik.

• Our warm, welcoming breast imaging center offers not only the latest technology but is also designed with your comfort and convenience in mind.

• Since 2008, Eastern Radiologists has been designated as a “Breast Imaging Center of Excellence” by the American College of Radiology.

• Coming soon! Eastern Radiologists will be offering the newest technology in breast imaging – 3D Mammography.

Please join us for National Mammography Day, Friday, October 17 from 8am-7pm. Please come see us at one of our three locations.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Why Choose Eastern Radiologists Breast Imaging?

Eastern Radiologists Breast Imaging Center2101 W. Arlington Blvd., Greenville, NCM-F 8am-5pm, Tues 8am-7pm

Eastern Radiologists, Washington630 E. 11th Street, Washington, NCM-F 8am-5pm

Eastern Radiologists, Kinston701-M Doctors Drive, Kinston, NC M-F 8am-5pm

The team you've trusted since 1996Now at Carolina Breast Imaging

Specialists

Bruce F. Schroeder, M.D.

Melanie Wallace • Jana Gurganus • Melissa Shepard

Digital Mammography

Breast Ultrasound

Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsy

990 Johns Hopkins Dr • Greenville, NC 27834252.565.8951 • www.CBISpecialists.com

No Referral Needed for Screening • Walk-­‐ins Welcome

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Awareness is a wonderful thing. It allows us to recognize patterns from the past, improve our decision-making in the present, and carve out a

better path for ourselves and our loved ones in the future. In the best of all possible worlds, we can share our insights with others by establishing some guideposts to provide direction to those following behind as they proceed on their own journey.

The American Cancer Society has recently released its annual report entitled Cancer Statistics. The report demonstrates the excellent progress we have made over the last few decades and illuminates how we can make further progress. The good news is that the death rate from cancer peaked in 1991. This year, we celebrate a phenomenal milestone in the fight against this dreaded disease: in less than two decades, the overall death rate from cancer has decreased by 20 percent.

There are more than 10 million survivors celebrating tens of millions of birthdays with loved ones — each celebration an opportunity to reflect and improve.

The greatest improvements have come in the categories in which we have effective methods of early detection, such as breast, prostate and colon cancer. The goal of early detection, as one might imagine, is to catch the disease early. It has been repeated so often, that it has become cliché, but the impact is profound. In breast cancer for instance, the five year relative survival among patients whose cancers are caught in the earliest stage is 100 percent; whereas, the same survival rate in patients in the more advanced stages is less than 50 percent.

Guidepost No. 1: Early detection saves lives. Get annual mammograms and perform regular self-exams.

Although the death rate has fallen by 30 percent for breast cancer overall, not all groups have benefitted equally. Statistics increasingly demonstrate that socio-

economic factors play a significant role. The death rate is significantly higher among the poor and uneducated. Those of us who are committed to the crusade against cancer must redouble our efforts to effectively communicate the importance of, and improve access to, early detection and early diagnosis among the less affluent members of society.

Guidepost No. 2: Cancer DOES discriminate. The economically and educationally disadvantaged die of cancer at a significantly higher rate. One of the greatest potential areas of further improvement is to spread the word, and improve access to annual mammograms among the poor and uneducated.

Everyone knows that there is a genetic component to breast cancer. This has recently been thrust into the public consciousness by the recent revelation that Angelina Jolie has undergone bilateral mastectomies, because she discovered that she is a carrier of a specific genetic mutation that increases the risk of breast and other types of cancer. She has been hailed as a hero, and criticized as a coward.

It is important to understand that true carriers of a specific mutation represent only a tiny fraction of the overall population. In fact, the proportion of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutation carriers in the general population is 0.11 percent and 0.12 percent, respectively. Together, they affect about two out of 1,000 people. So, the decision by Angelina Jolie may be right for her, but is not necessarily be appropriate for the other 99.8 percent of the population.

Guidepost No. 3: Double mastectomy is not necessarily appropriate for the vast majority of women with breast cancer.

Far more common than the true genetic mutations are women whose risk of breast cancer is increased by virtue of a familial disposition, such as a mother or sister or first degree relative that has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is estimated that familial disposition accounts for approximately 5 to 10 percent of all breast cancers.

For all of the attention that has been paid to the role

breast Cancer Awareness

robErT McLAurin, Md

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breast Cancer Awareness

of genetics, the role of obesity and lack of physical exercise have a much greater impact Between 25 and 30 percent of breast cancers are related to obesity and sedentary lifestyle. In other words, the impact of the things that we can control is 3 times greater than the total effect of the things that we cannot control.

Guidepost No. 4: The risk attributed to obesity and lack of exercise dwarfs the risk associated with genetic make-up and family history.

As we constantly strive for greater awareness, in hopes of improving

our own lives and the lives of those around us, it is important to occasionally step back, take a moment to reflect and regenerate, so we can better prepare ourselves to move boldly forth along the path of right action. In the fight against breast cancer, the newest evidence not only underscores what we already know — that early detection saves lives — but it also reveals that not all segments of our society have benefitted equally. This knowledge provides a clear path for further improvement.

Although technology has

advanced dramatically, such as identifying specific genetic mutations that increase an individual’s risk of breast cancer, the newest data demonstrate that simple lifestyle changes can potentially provide the greatest benefit. Many women can do far more to protect themselves and their loved ones from devastating effects of breast cancer by simply losing weight and exercising more.

Robert McLaurin, MD is a radiation oncologist at the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center, a department of Vidant Beaufort Hospital. ◆

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Despite the prevalence of cancer, some information about this potentially deadly disease is not widely known. the following are some facts about cancer that may surprise you.

1. Cancer is officially known as “malignant neoplasm.”

2. Married people or those in steady relationships are more likely to survive cancer, which may be linked to couples’ increased concern and awareness of each other’s conditions and their push for cancer screenings.

3. Researchers believe that more than half of all cancers and cancer deaths are potentially

preventable.

4. Most cancers develop through a combination of environmental factors and heredity.

5. ovarian cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer are typically asymptomatic until they spread elsewhere in the body. that is why routine screenings for these diseases are so vital.

6. those who sleep fewer than six hours a night are more likely to develop colon cancer than those who sleep more.

7. Despite what is known about protecting oneself from the sun, skin cancer is still the most often diagnosed type of cancer, and rates continue to steadily increase.

11 little-known facts about cancer

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11 little-known facts about cancer

Tours available to walk-insor by appointment

250 Lovers Lane • (252) 975-1636

8. the highest rate of people diagnosed with melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, are white men over the age of 50.

9. Men with a family history of breast cancer are at a higher risk for prostate cancer.

10. the left breast is statistically more prone to developing cancer than the right breast. Unfortunately, doctors and scientists are unsure why.

11. Women of ashkenazi Jewish descent are significantly more likely to carry breast cancer genes than the general population.

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Behavioral health

Vidant Behavioral Health-Washington 1308 Highland Drive, Washington 252-946-3666 www.VidantHealth.com

GastroenteroloGy

Vidant Gastroenterology-Washington608 East 12th Street, Washington252-946-1573 www.VidantHealth.com

ChiropraCtiC

Washington Chiropractic Dr. Elizabeth A. Brown, D.C.920 Hackney Ave., Washington

252-975-4601washingtonchiropracticcenter.com

Cpr - First aid

Keeping the Rhythm AHA - BLS Health Care Provider

Quin Green 1550 W 5th Street, Washington

252-375-3534

assisted livinG

Southern Living Assisted Care Facility2060 W. 5th Street, Greenville252-752-3402Where Southern Hospitality and Quality CareCombine to Equal Excellence

CounselinG

Pamlico Counseling 408 East 11 Street, Washington252-975-2027 www.pamlicocounseling.com

Family mediCine

Vidant Family Medicine–Aurora 151 3rd Street, Aurora252-322-4021 www.VidantHealth.com

Vidant Family Medicine–Chocowinity 740 Bragaw Lane, Chocowinity252-946-9562 www.VidantHealth.com

Vidant Family Medicine– Washington 501 West 15th Street, Washington252-975-2667 www.VidantHealth.com

home health & hospiCe

Vidant Home Health and Hospice 1211 Highland Drive, Washington1-252-847-2000 www.VidantHealth.com

hospitals

Vidant Beaufort Hospital-Washington628 East 12th Street, Washington 252-975-4100 www.VidantHealth.com

internal mediCine

Vidant Internal Medicine-Washington 1380 Cowell Farm Road, Washington252-946-2101 www.VidantHealth.com

Medical and Health Directory

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Urology

Vidant Urology-Washington 1202 Brown Street, Washington252-946-0136 www.VidantHealth.com

MUltispecialty clinic

Vidant Multispecialty Clinic-Washington Cardiology and Pulmonology 608 East 12th Street, Washington 252-974-7500 www.VidantHealth.com

WoMen’s care

Vidant Women’s Care-Washington Obstetrics and Gynecology 1210 Brown Street, Washington252-975-1188 www.VidantHealth.com

Vidant Women’s Care-Washington Gynecology and Primary Care 1204 Brown Street, Washington252-946-6544 www.VidantHealth.com

sUrgery

Vidant General Surgery-Washington 615 E. 12th Street, Washington252-946-0181 www.VidantHealth.com

Massage therapy

Market Street Massage Angie Shiflett Massage Therapist LMBT 07151141 N. Market St., Washington252-946-8989

physical therapy

Carolina Physical Therapy Associates, Inc.Lauren Pearce, PT, DPT1201 Carolina Ave., Washington, NC252-975-0600 www.carolinapta.com

Vidant Wellness Center1375 Cowell Farm Road, Washington252-975-4236 www.VidantHealth.com

Wellness/Fitness

oncology

Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center 1209 Brown Street, Washington252-975-4308 www.VidantHealth.com

orthopedics

Vidant Orthopedics-Washington 1207 Highland Drive, Washington252-946-6513 www.VidantHealth.com

rheUMatology

Vidant Rheumatology-Washington 628 East 12th Street, Washington252-948-4990 www.VidantHealth.com

MaMMography

Dr. Bruce Schroeder Carolina Breast Imaging Specialists990 Johns Hopkins DriveGreenville, NC 27834Digital Mammography – Breast Ultrasound Breast Biopsy – Bone Density Testing 2nd Opinion Consultations

252-565-8951 www.cbispecialists.com

radiology

Eastern Radiologists, Washington630 E. 11th Street, Washington, NC 27889252-946-2137 Eastern Radiologists Breast Imaging Center2101 W. Arlington Blvd., Suite 100Greenville, NC 27834252-752-5000 Eastern Radiologists, Kinston701-M Doctors Drive, Kinston, NC 28501252-752-5000

Page 20: Daily News Healthy Living Fall 2014

VidantHealth.com/Cancer

WHEN I MET MY

CANCER CARE TEAM FOR

THE FIRST TIME

THAT’S A MOMENT I’ll NEvER FORgETBecause the journey to beat breast cancer is so tough, every patient at Vidant Health is cared for by a team of experts – including a Cancer Care Navigator – to create and coordinate an individual plan of treatment.

To learn more about our team approach and our comprehensive breast cancer program, call 800-472-8500.

7.5 x 10 | Healthy Living | 14-VBF-014