for a Racing Cure

60-year-old woman visits her doctor for an annual mammogram. During the exam, the doctor discovers a suspicious lump and orders a biopsy. She soon learns what she has feared most: She has breast cancer. Obviously, lier life is changed forever.

But her life isn’t the only one that’s affected. Her children, siblings, grandchildren, and even her great-grandchildren (who may not even be born yet) are also affected by the disease-emotionally and possibly physically. When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, her family shares in that diagnosis. The disease can become a constant presence in families for generations to come-whether through lending emotional support during treatment or carrying a lingering fear that disease will strike someone in their family again.

René Syler. anchor for CBS 11 News and honorary co-chair of the Komen Dallas Affiliate’s 18th Annual Race for the Cure, can relate to this fear. Her mother, Anne, was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. “One of the first things I thought about was my daughter,” she says. “Of all the things that could have gone through my mind, what 1 remember most is wondering how this diagnosis could affect my daughter.”

Syler was fortunate to have a friend and co-worker who had been through a similar experience to lend support. Karen Bona, also a CBS 11 News anchor and honorary co-chair of this year’s Komen Dallas Race for the Cure, dealt with the shocking reality of breast cancer when her mother, Imelda Laurel, had breast cancer 12 years ago. The anchors, along with their mothers, have teamed up to help lead this year’s Komen Dallas Race in an effort to spread awareness about breast cancer and to emphasize getting regular mammograms for early detection. As well-known television personalities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, they’ve decided to use their voices and talents to teach other women and their families about the facts of breast cancer. They both know that had their mothers not had the courage and knowledge to discover and treat their disease early, they may not be alive today. Here are their stories.

René Syler and Anne Syler

In 1998, at age 65, Anne Syler visited her doctor for a regular mammogram. She became worried when her doctor found a calcification in one breast. It was labeled non-threatening, so they agreed to keep a close watch on it. Six months later, Anne relumed to the doctor for a check-up and discovered that the breast that was being watched was fine, but the other was not. It housed a small tumor. She had breast cancer.

“I can’t imagine what she must have been going through at that very moment,” René says of her mother. “To have someone say, ’You have cancer’ is still so unreal to me. When she told me the diagnosis. I was in disbelief. Cancer happened in other people’s families, not ours.”

René, her career in full swing during February sweeps and a second baby on the way, was at a very busy and critical time in her life when her mother called with the news. She didn’t know if she could handle more stress. She says she remembers picking up the phone and hearing her mother sobbing. Anne was afraid she was going to die. At that moment, René decided that she wouldn’t. She was determined to help her mother live.

Ironically-and fortunately-René had just reported a story about breast cancer and came in contact with some of the top breast cancer physicians in the area. She made appointments with them to discuss treatment options, acting more like a reporter than a patient’s daughter along the way. She actively researched the disease, took notes, and guided her mother through the treatment process. Along the way, she realized that she, her daughter, and her sister were all at risk for breast cancer too, since some families share a breast cancer gene. “I had to push that fear aside for the time being and concentrate on my mother.’” René says. “Bui that thought never entirely left me.”

Anne immediately knew what her diagnosis meant for her family. She says she still worries what kind of legacy she has left them. “I decided at that time to encourage my friends and family members to get early mammograms and be aware so they wouldn’t go though what I was experiencing,” Anne says.

Anne decided her course of treatment would be a lumpectomy and radiation. She had a network of family support throughout her treatment. From day one, they never entertained the thought that Anne would die from the disease. Although the road to recovery was long and often painful, Anne is now cancer-free and is celebrating her second year as a breast cancer survivor. But even though the disease has left her body, it hasn’t left her memories or the minds of her family members, especially since Rene’s father was also treated for breast cancer. “Not a day goes by when I don’t think about breast cancer,” René says. “That’s how much it affects you. I wonder when and if it will enter my family’s lives again.”

René eases her worries each year by giving herself her own Christmas present-a yearly mammogram every December. She participates in the Komen Dallas Race for the Cure each year and makes sure to take the opportunity whenever she can to stress the importance of early detection. She’s a firm believer in playing by the rules where cancer is concerned. When you practice monthly self-exams, get mammograms when you arc supposed to, and act quickly on any suspicions or a positive diagnosis, the odds arc on your side.

“You don’t have to die of breast cancer,” René says. “Don’t be afraid to talk about it. Say the words ’breast cancer’ out loud, Don’t ever believe that what you don’t know won’t hurt you. When it comes to breast cancer, the opposite is true.”



Karen Borta and Imelda Laurel

Every day, Karen Borta is thankful for her mother’s proactive decisions with her healthcare. Twelve years ago. had Imelda Laurel done what so many women do and ignore suspicious changes in her breasts, she probably wouldn’t be alive today.

The day Imelda found the lump, she decided to have a doctor check it out. The doctor told her it was probably nothing– maybe a cyst. Imelda persisted and asked that the doctor do a biopsy so she could put her fears to rest. The diagnosis was cancer. Although Imelda knew about treatment options, such as a lumpectomy and radiation, she decided to eliminate the risk that the cancer would return and had a double mastectomy, She never wanted to face breast cancer again. Imelda knew that her instincts probably saved her life.

“Women know their own bodies,” Karen says. “Too many women suspect and worry, but don’t do anything about it. They bury their heads in the sand and hope for the best. What women aren’t realizing is that ignoring warning signs and not getting mammograms could very well be what kills them.”

When Karen got the call that her mother had breast cancer, she reacted in a typical manner to such stunning news. She was numb. But as soon as the shock wore off. she decided the situation was unacceptable for her mother, for her, and for their family. She couldn’t imagine a life without her mother and decided that she would join in the fight against breast cancer to help save her mother’s life. To this day, Imelda credits her family’s support for helping her get through her experience with cancer.

Karen dedicated much of her time to helping her mother through the surgery and recovery, never stopping to think about what her mother’s diagnosis meant to her and her children. “Both of my grandmothers had breast cancer, and now my mother,” she says. “I had never given breast cancer a single thought until then. After some research, I knew exactly where 1 stood. I was at high risk. I was only 29, but I got my first mammogram that year. I dread it every year, but I’d rather know than wonder,”

This is the message Karen wishes every woman would understand. She continually hears stories about women who have a family history of the disease or who have reached the age for yearly mammograms and continue to ignore risk factors, warning signs, or messages of the importance of early detection. Friends and family members have shared with her that they have discovered lumps in their breasts, but don’t go to the doctor out of fear of the unknown.

Their solution? They’ll deal with it later. But later, Karen knows, is usually too late.

Karen quickly admits that while mammograms are uncomfortable and that she dreads facing the possibility of cancer at her yearly visits, the alternative-dying from breast cancer because she waited too long to check it out-is much worse, Studies now show that the success rate of curing cancer when it is detected early is phenomenal, so Karen is baffled by women who refuse to hear that message. Imelda makes sure other women hear this message by reminding friends, coworkers, and family members on a regular basis to get their mammograms.

“I worry about my daughter, who is much too young to be at risk, all of the lime,” Karen says. *i don’t want her to go through what her grandmother went through. Until a cure is discovered, I won’t stop worrying about it. And I think a cure is a possibility, hopefully in my lifetime and definitely in my daughter’s lifetime.”

Both Karen and Imelda look forward to a time when talking about breast cancer is no longer embarrassing or taboo. They hope breast cancer will he discussed openly and freely like any other disease. When il becomes a more accepted topic of conversation, they believe women probably won’t fear the disease as much.

Karen knows that her mother is alive today because of her willingness to face the disease and take immediate action. “Women should understand that breast cancer doesn’t have to he a death sentence if it’s detected early,” Karen says. “You can actually have the disease and gel on with your life. Don’t he afraid. It’s the fear that will eventually kill you.”



Race Day Specifics

The Dallas County Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation’s 18th Annual Komen Dallas Race For the Cure 2000 will take place Saturday. Oct. 21 at NorthPark Center. The Race will begin at the Northwest Hwy./Boedecker intersection. More than 30,000 participants are expected at this year’s 5K run/walk or 1-Mile Family Fun run/walk.

Entry forms are available at JCPenney. Texas Ford Dealers, NorthPark merchants. Kroger Food Stores, Tom Thumb locations. Subway locations. Luke’s Locker, area fitness and running stores, and on the local Komen web site, www.komen-dallas.org.

T-shirt pick-up and late registration will take place from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Oct. 18 and 19, and from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 20 at NorthPark Center. Race Day registration will take place in NorthPark Center near the entrance of Foley’s at 6:30 a.m. Oct. 21. Team registration deadline is Sept. 29. Breast cancer survivors who wish to be recognized can receive their complimentary pink cap. t-shirt, and pink ribbons near the Survivor Tent. This year, the Texas Women’s Center Mobile Mammography van will be on site on Race Day for women to receive free mammograms, courtesy of WebMD in partnership with Humana. Call 1-800-422-9567 for an appointment.

Because more than 30,000 participants are expected this year, Komen officials suggest carpooling or using the DART Light Rail. Parking and shuttle services will be available. Team members can coordinate parking procedures with their team leader. The aerobic warm-up with the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders begins at 7:45 a.m. Access to NorthPark Center begins to close at 7:45 a.m. to prepare for the Race start. Lite Rock 103.7 KVIL will report Komen Dallas Race traffic updates throughout the morning.



The 2000 Komen Dallas Race Sponsors



NorthPark Center hosts the Komen Dallas Race each October and donates year-round office space to the Komen Dallas Affiliate. The mall also underwrites the Pre-Race Pasta Party the evening before the Race.



CBS 11 is the media sponsor for the Race. This year, the news channel will do a live broadcast from NorthPark Center Race morning.

Subway will donate 25 cents from the sale of each Komen Dallas Race for the Cure Subway Twist-n-Go cup, which will be exclusively sold in all Dallas-Fort Worth area Subway Restaurants.



Texas Ford Dealers are donating a two-year Red Carpet lease on a 2000 Ford Focus to the winner of the top Friends for the Cure pledge program fundraiser.



Ensure is hosting a free nutrition seminar. “A Quest for Information,” in conjunction with its sponsorship of the Komen Dallas Race for the Cure from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 18 at Neiman Marcus in NorthPark Center.



Foley’s is hosting a preview gala of its flagship store at NorthPark Center, “A Cruise for the Cure,” on Oct. 4. Dallas community leaders and breast cancer survivors will model in a fashion show. Call 214-750-7223 for tickets.

Early Detection Increases Survival



Perform monthly breast self-examinations starting at age 20, If any changes occur, report them to your health care professional

Get a clinical breast examination at least every three years beginning at age 20 and annually after 40.

Get annual screening mammography beginning at age 40. Women under age 40 with a family history of breast cancer or other risks may want to begin mammography earlier

Early detection and treatment of breast cancer offers the best chance of a cure and more treatment options. When the disease is confined to the breast, the five-year survival rate is over 95 percent

Source: The Komen Foundation

Breast Cancer: Not Reserved for Females Only



Hundreds of men die of breast cancer each year. The disease does not discriminate by gender. In fact, the survival of men and women is comparable by stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. However, men are usually diagnosed at a later stage after the cancer has spread because they are less likely to report any symptoms such as breast lumps, local pain and itching, and nipple inversion, among others. Risk factors include aging, a family history of breast cancer, or having Klinefelter’s syndrome, Gynecomoastia, or testicular dysfunction, The treatment of breast cancer in men is the same as the treatment for women and includes a combination of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and/or hormone therapy.

Where the Money Goes

The Dallas County Affiliate raised more than $1 million through its 1999 Komen Dallas Race for the Cure, as well as other fundraising events throughout the year. Seventy-five percent of the funds raised in 2000 will fund local Dallas area breast cancer education, screening, and treatment projects for medically underserved women in Dallas County. Twenty-five percent will support the Komen Foundation’s International Grant Program, which for the the last 18 years, has provided much-needed funding for groundbreaking breast cancer research and innovative projects in the areas of breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment.

Because of this funding, thousands of women in Dallas County who could not afford mammograms and breast health care are being screened for breast cancer. Grant recipients from funds raised in 1999 include:



The Bridge Breast Center, Inc.- Links the uninsured and underinsured women, symptomatic of breast cancer, to diagnostic and treatment services (214)821-3820



Easter Seals of Dallas-Provides prosthetic services for uninsured breast cancer survivors who have had mastectomies. (972) 492-3974



Gilda’s Club of North Texas-Offers a cancer treatment program consisting of free continuing social and emotional support for any person with cancer at any age with any diagnosis. (214)219-8877



Dallas Chapter of Hadassah-This organization, in conjunction with the Young Adult Clinic of Parkland Hospital, will conduct breast cancer awareness presentations for high school seniors in DISD to educate young adults about the importance of early detection. (214)691-1948



Family & Health First-Provides transportation services for under-served women in Dallas County in an effort to provide them access to breast health services and to benefit from other breast health and screening programs funded by the Dallas County Affiliate. (214)981-9200



Mammogram Foundation of Irving-Provides mammograms to women who live in Irving and who otherwise cannot afford this procedure. (972) 257-2273



Methodist Hospital-The Methodist Hospitals of Dallas Cancer Program works with congregational health ministries to reach women, especially African American and Hispanic females, to address breast health issues and increase breast health awareness. (214) 947-1766



Parkland Health & Hospital System (COPC)-Provides 1,700 medically underserved women with comprehensive breast screening services. (214)266-1694



Planned Parenthood of Dallas-Reaches out to typically underserved poor women, providing them with education and provision of services through the agency’s breast cancer screening services. (214) 363-2004



St. Paul Medical Center-Offers mammograms for targeted high-risk populations in West Dallas, East Dallas, and South and South Central Dallas utilizing the resources of mobile screening. (214) 879-6633



YWCA of Metropolitan Dallas-Provides breast health education and mammography screenings for low-income, medically underserved, or uninsured minority women. (214) 584-2340



UT Southwestern Center for Breast Care-Recruits minority women to the NSABP STAR trial, which provides an opportunity to participate in a risk analysis that counsels the participant regarding her individualized risk factors for developing breast cancer. (214)648-7087

Your Risk Factors



Aging

Personal history of breast cancer

Family history of breast cancer

Previous breast biopsy

No children or first child after age 30

Menopause after age 50

Alcohol abuse

Smoking

Being overweight or having a high-fat diet

Lack of exercise

Environmental exposures such as pesticides

Source: The National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society

Breast Cancer Facts

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women ages 40 to 59

Breast cancer is the leading cancer site among American women and is second only to lung cancer in deaths.

All women are at risk. The two most significant risk factors are being female and getting older

Eighty percent of all breast cancers occur in women with no known risk factors

Source: The Komen Foundation

About The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and its Dallas Affiliate



With a mission to eradicate a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening, and treatment, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation continues to be the country’s most progressive grassroots organization fighting breast cancer.

The Foundation, based in Dallas, was founded in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died of breast cancer at the age of 36. During Susan’s battle with breast cancer, she turned to her sister and said, “We have to do something.” Her request was honored and was the spark that began the nation’s leading catalyst in the fight against breast cancer.

Today, the Komen Foundation boasts more than 40,000 volunteers who work through 188 Affiliates throughout the world. The Affiliate Network is organized by volunteers committed to establishing needed community breast health services and enhancing existing services. As part of its commitment to increase the awareness of breast cancer and to ultimately eradicate the disease for women and their families around the world, Komen Affiliates will be responsible for 109 Komen Race for the Cure events in 2000.

The Komen Dallas Race for the Cure celebrates its 18th annual Race this year with the theme, “Committed to a Cure in the New Millennium.” The Race is the largest fundraising event of the Dallas County Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, which is governed by a 30-member board of directors and more than 300 active members who volunteer year-round to deliver the lifesaving message of early detection to thousands of women and men in Dallas County.

Families Assess Risk for Breast Cancer Through Genetic Testing

An emotional slap in the face is how UT Southwestern Medical School assistant professor and breast cancer surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Naftalis describes getting the diagnosis of breast cancer- whether it’s a personal diagnosis or that of a family member.

She should know. Even though she’s helped treat breast cancer patients for more than 10 years, she was unprepared when her mother was diagnosed with the disease. “It’s such a shocker no matter how much you think you can handle it,” she says. “You don’t realize the emotional impact it will have on you and your family.”

Dr. Naftalis has been witness to many families’ struggles against breast cancer. She is a firm believer that the support of family and friends is what helps many breast cancer patients beat the disease. Strong family support reduces stress, and medical studies have proven that cancer patients with lower levels of stress have less reoccurrence of the disease and recover faster. However, those same family members who lend their support may soon need someone else to offer them support. Not only do they worry about their loved one’s breast cancer, they wonder if they too are now at risk for the disease.

Fortunately, advances in medical technology have allowed for the development of tests that can help them reduce that fear or take action early through risk assessment programs.

Most of these programs are computer generated and base risk on a variety of factors such as age, biopsy history, family history of breast cancer, and the age of a woman when her first child was born, among other factors. If a woman falls into a high-risk category, she may consider genetic testing for the breast cancer gene, BRCA 1 or BRCA 2. Women with the gene have a variety of prevention options, such as getting yearly mammograms even if they are younger than 35 (the typical age to begin them), taking breast cancer prevention and treatment drugs such as Tamoxifen, or undergoing a prophylactic mastectomy-removing the breasts even though there is no evidence of cancer.

“If the test is positive, you have about an 85 percent chance of developing breast cancer in your life,” Dr. Naftalis says. “That’s a high enough risk to take some sort of action.”

Many women with a family history of the disease who test negative for the breast cancer gene want to do whatever they can to reduce their risk anyway. Dr. Naftalis suggests the following:

Perform monthly self-exams starting at age 18

Get a baseline mammogram between ages 35 and 40

Get a mammogram at least once a year beginning at age 40.

Learn More About Breast Cancer

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation : 1-800-IM-AWARE



American Cancer Society: 1-800-ACS-23



National Cancer Institute/Cancer Information Service: 1-800-4-CANCER



The Dallas County Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation: 214-750-7223



Network Cancer Care: www.networkcancercare.com

Facts and Figures About Breast Cancer



The chance that an American woman in the general population will develop breast cancer by age 40 is one in 217; by age 45, that risk increases to one in 93. If a woman lives to be 85, she has a one in eight chance of getting cance



In the year 2000, 182,800 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer (one every three minutes) and 40,800 women will die of the disease (one every 13 minutes). Additionally, 1,400 men will develop breast cancer, and 400 will di



A woman in the U.S. has about a 13 percent lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.



Five to 10 percent of women with breast cancer have a hereditary form of the disease and have a higher risk of developing breast cancer at a younger ag



More than 80 percent of all women with breast cancer are over age 50



Studies show that African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer than Caucasian women due to differ ences in access to medical care and to socioeconomic and cultural factors.

Source; The Komen foundation

Families Taking Action



When breast cancer enters the lives of families, sometimes comforting words and offering support doesn’t seem to be enough, Family members often choose to join the fight against the disease, hoping their contribution may keep other families from having to experience the same pain their family feels.

This is exactly how Prosper resident Catherine Nordon felt when her mother, Sharon Meier, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. Never one to just sit back and hope for the best, Catherine decided to turn her passion for helping her mother into an effort to assist all families affected by breast cancer.

She began the design and production of greeting cards about breast cancer that speak the obvious truths about the disease. She got the idea after going through some of the cards her mother received in the hospital. Not only could she not find the words breast cancer anywhere in the cards, no one discussed the importance of mammograms, early detection, or about fighting the disease. Instead, the cards seemed sorrowful and somewhat hopeless. Her cards are different. Her messages:

Catherine’s frustration stemmed from the fact that her mother discovered her cancer too late. When she received the diagnosis, the disease had already progressed to a frightening Stage 4. She is currently undergoing grueling chemotherapy treatments and continues to hope for the best. Because the treatments are so expensive, Catherine decided to direct some of the proceeds from the sale of her cards (available at www.catheri-nescards.com) to organizations that help families fund breast cancer screening and treatment.

“If I could take every woman’s hand and lead them to the doctor for a mammogram, I would,” she says. “Hopefully, this is the next best thing.” Race Day Schedule:

6-6:30 a.m. Volunteer check-In

6:30-8:15 a.m. Race registration

6:15 -11 a.m. Team pictures

7 a.m. In the Pink, media,

and sponsor breakfast (pass required) and Survivor Breakfast

7:45 a.m. Aerobic warm-up with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

8:15 a.m. Co-ed One-Mile

Family Fun Run/Walk

8:25 a.m. Women’s 5K

Competitive Wheel Chair

8:30 a.m. Komen Race for

the Cure 5K Walk and Run

9:45 a.m. Stage Presentations and survivor celebration

Online or mail-in registration

by Oct. 16: $15

Late registration: $20

Race day registration: $25

Men for the Cure: $35

In the Pink: $60