May 09, 2003

Breast Cancer: Surviving and Winning

A Local Look at Breast Cancer

"They are courageous, extraordinary women. Sometimes I think I learn more from them than they ever learn from me."
-- Teresa Fraker, R.N., Center for Breast Health

In June WQPT and Genesis Health System tackle the serious issues surrounding breast cancer. These programs and informational meetings are designed to provide the tools and resources you need as you navigate your way from mammography, diagnosis, treatment and beyond. "Breast Cancer: Surviving and Winning" and "A Local Look at Breast Cancer" address the medical breakthroughs, alternative approaches, and the inspiring stories of women who are part of a new approach to surviving. The Community Forum will feature health care professionals and cancer survivors who will provide answers to your questions and inspiration through information.

Schedule and Events

Sunday, June 8, 5:30 p.m.
"A Local Look at Breast Cancer" on WQPT
Hosted by Susan McPeters with panelists Daniel P. Congreve, M.D., Teresa Fraker, R.N., and Gretchen Bull.

Sunday, June 8, 6-7 p.m.
"Breast Cancer: Surviving and Winning" on WQPT

Thursday, June 12, 7 p.m.
Community Forum on Breast Cancer
Genesis Heart Institute, 1236 E. Rusholme Street, Davenport

RSVP preferred but not required. Call Genesis On Call 563-421-2000 or 800-383-2575
This program is open to the public

Sunday, June 15, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Program re-broadcast on WQPT

The statistics can be frightening

• Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women in the United States, after skin cancer.
• Every 13 minutes a woman dies from breast cancer.
• In 2003, 39,800 women are expected to die of breast cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer, and is the leading overall cause of cancer death in women between the ages of 20 and 59.

The good news

• There are over two million breast cancer survivors in the United States today.
• In the United States, over 80 percent of biopsied breast abnormalities prove to be benign.
• Currently, 63 percent of breast cancers are discovered at an early, "localized" stage, and five-year survival after treatment for early-stage breast cancer is 97 percent.
• Today, only six percent of breast cancers are diagnosed at an advanced or metastatic stage, when the five-year survival rate is 23 percent.

Risk Factors

• Personal or family history of breast cancer.
• Not having children or having a first child after age 30.
• Radiation therapy (RT) to the chest or upper body to treat Hodgkin's Disease, thyroid conditions or cancer.
• A history of previous breast biopsies and benign (not cancerous) breast disease with certain findings [such as atypical hyperplasia (cells that are both abnormal and increased in number) or LCIS - lobular carcinoma in situ (abnormal cells in the lining of the milk-producing tissue of the breast)] indicate cell changes that could progress to pre-malignant (pre-cancerous) or invasive breast cancer.
• Women who are overweight or obese after menopause.

For related events in June log on to the following Web sites

Center for Breast Health
Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure®
Cancer Summit at Hampton U.M. Church