HERMISTON, Ore.-October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and all month-long individuals, communities, advocacy groups, and health care organizations united to raise awareness and support the millions of people affected by breast cancer.
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), with 1,048 women being diagnosed today, and five dying from the disease within the hour, highlighting the importance of screening and early detection year-round.
Breast Cancer Awareness
While breast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in women, the stage of the cancer at diagnosis is the strongest predictor of outcome, highlighting the importance of screening and early detection.
National Cancer Registry data shows a five-year survival of roughly 99 percent when breast cancer is found while still confined to the breast, about 87 percent once it has reached regional lymph nodes, and about 32 percent when it has spread to distant organs.
“Screening mammography reduces breast cancer deaths by roughly 20 to 40 percent in women who participate, and the cancers it finds are typically smaller, node negative, and treatable with less surgery, less chemotherapy, and better long-term quality of life,” said Susan Stephens, RN, Nurse Manager with the Good Shepherd Cancer Center in Hermiston.
Current guidance recommends that women at average risk begin mammography at age 40, and that women with a family history or other risk factors talk with their physician about starting earlier and adding breast MRI.
“A mammogram takes about 20 minutes, and it remains the most effective tool we have for catching this disease when it is curable,” said Stephens.
Good Shepherd Cancer Center
The Good Shepherd Cancer Center offers medical oncology and hematology consultations, as well as several treatment options for those facing a cancer diagnosis.
“Many patients today are treated with regimens tailored to the biology of their individual tumor, rather than a one size fits all approach, and our team reviews each case with that standard in mind,” said Stephens.
Treatment options at the Good Shepherd Cancer Center include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and endocrine (anti hormone) therapy delivered in the GSHCS outpatient infusion center, as well as HER2 directed therapies and CDK4/6 inhibitors for the appropriate tumor subtypes.
“Patients in Hermiston have access to the same individualized, evidence-based, and guideline directed care available at larger centers, delivered close to home,” said Stephens.
The Cancer Center also coordinates with regional radiation oncology partners, as well as surgical partners for lumpectomy, mastectomy, and reconstruction.
Support for Breast Cancer patients and survivors
Awareness may be the first step toward taking meaningful action to screen for breast cancer, however, support for those going through treatment, as well as the survivors of breast cancer, is also a part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
A breast cancer diagnosis is a major medical and life event, and the cancer center team at GSHCS is designed to help guide patients through diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
Patients at the Good Shepherd Cancer Center are seen promptly and receive a clear explanation of their diagnosis, as well as a written treatment plan.
According to Stephens, Oncology Nurse Practitioners at Good Shepherd are a source of continuity for patients between appointments and serve as a direct point of contact for any questions patients may have.
Treatment and care are a coordinated team effort at the Good Shepherd Cancer Center.
“Throughout treatment, infusion nursing, pharmacy, nutrition, chaplain services and financial counseling all work alongside our physicians so that the practical burdens of care, from transportation to insurance, do not become barriers,” said Stephens.
Following treatment, the Good Shepherd Cancer Center works with patients to develop a survivorship care plan that includes follow up schedules, side effects to look out for, and ongoing surveillance for cancer.
Additionally, the Good Shepherd Cancer Center coordinates with primary care providers throughout Umatilla and Morrow Counties.
“The goal is that no one in northeast Oregon should have to drive to Portland or Seattle to receive excellent, personal cancer care,” said Stephens.
More information about the Good Shepherd Cancer Center, located at 620 NW 11th Street in Hermiston, is available online or by calling 541.667.3615.
Appointments may also be requested online.
