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Breast cancer has most likely touched your life in some way. Whether it is a suspicious lump, biopsy, mastectomy, radiation or chemotherapy, I deal with it on a daily basis. In Canada, about 70 women and one man start their battle with some form of breast cancer every single day. One in nine Canadian women alive today will face this entity in their life time. It often starts with a great deal of anxiety, uncertainty, fear and worry, but for many patients, it also has a way of bringing out wondrous bouts of courage and perseverance fuelled by spiritual convictions from connections with those around them.
It is important to remember that not all breast cancers are the same. Many suspicious lumps turn out to be non-life threatening cysts, collections of calcium or cells. The gold standard for diagnosis is to put a small sample under a microscope and look at it first hand. To accomplish this we often use fine needle biopsies, or stereotaxic biopsies. Lumpectomies and partial mastectomies are minor surgical procedures that remove larger areas of tissue for examination. This can often cure the problem. The other advantage to surgery is the ability to gather some lymph nodes. These structures that are part of our immune system tend to gather up abnormal things in their vicinity, and this includes cancer cells. It helps us in deciding whether tumor cells have mutated to the point of being able to migrate to other areas, a process known as metastasis.
The most common type of breast cancers are ductal and lobular carcinoma. Ductal cancers begin in the milk ducts, while lobular cancers begin in the milk-producing glands. Cancer is simply an abnormal growth of cells that has evaded our normal system of checks and balances. If the cells are in a group at their point of origin, we refer to this as "in-situ". When they continue to grow and spontaneously mutate, they can gain the ability to infiltrate surrounding tissue and we refer to this as "invasive" cancer. When they spread to other parts of the body we call this "metastatic". Invasive ductal carcinomas are by far the most common type that we see. A rarer form of breast cancer is called Paget's Disease, which looks like an inflammation of the nipple. In the still rarer cases, breast cancer can arise from other structures within the breast such as blood vessels, lymphatics and fibrous connective tissue. There are also other types of cancer that can spread to the breast. These include colon and lung cancer, lymphomas and skin cancer.
Cancer cells from any given cancer often have different appearances. In invasive cancers, a pathologist will assign a "tumor grade", from 1 to 3. It is based on how close the cells resemble "normal" cells. A higher grade suggests a poorly developed cell which has a greater chance of spreading. Breast cancers are also tested for hormone receptors called HR-status. Positive tumors can have either estrogen or progesterone receptors on their surfaces. We take advantage of this feature by attempting to stunt growth using Tamoxifen to block the receptor.
With genetic testing ability, we now look at specific genes in the tumor. Having too many copies of the HER-2 gene will cause the cell to over produce a certain protein, giving the cancer an aggressive character. With continuing advances, classifications are being revised to better influence treatment and prognosis.
Please support the cause this coming Wednesday! Breast cancer can be beaten. It involves a collaboration of Family Physicians, Oncologists, Geneticists, and Radiologists, Pathologists and specialized nurses, counsellors, skilled technologists and others on the medical side. But it also requires the help of family members, friends, clergy and society as a whole. A group of local doctors have decided to put their sticks where their stethoscopes are. Hockey simply got more votes than the Full-Monty Doctor Calendar. So, this Wednesday, February 13, 2008, at the Hershey Centre, 5 p.m., the Mississauga News and the St. Mike's Majors will present "Docs on Ice". My own Bandage Clad Blades coached by NHL great, Johnny Bower, have challenged Dr. Dennis Izukawa's Tyranical Titans coached by the legendary Dick Duff to a duel on ice. The ice is sure to turn pink as we duel for the coveted Golden Bedpan and proceeds go to the Breast Cancer Foundation. For a mere $8, you can cheer on your favorite doc, raise funds for breast cancer, meet a famous Maple Leaf Stanley Cup Champion, and even stay to watch the St. Mike's Junior Game at no extra cost. And it's all thanks to Mr. Ron Lenyk of the Mississauga News, one of the most valuable, community spirited individuals in our city. Mr. Eugene Melnyk has also pledged to match every dollar raised for this noble cause. Together, we can make a difference. Donations can be made out to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, and are tax deductible. You can also drop donations off at the Mississauga News office. We hope to see you at the Hershey Centre!
Related resources:
● What Is Breast Cancer from Canadian Cancer Society.
● Breast Cancer - Symptoms and Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment from Mayo Clinic.
● Breast Cancer from Wikipedia.
● Breast Cancer from MedlinePlus.
● Breast Cancer by Pavani Chalasani, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: John V Kiluk, MD, FACS, and others from Medscape.
● It is with great regret to inform you that Ron Lenyk passed away on September 14, 2015. "The longtime publisher of The Mississauga News (31 years) left in 2008 for a stint as a vice-president of Torstar Corporation, The News' parent company. He then went on to become CEO of the Living Arts Centre, Mississauga's prime entertainment complex, in 2011." See Ron "Zenko" Lenyk, Obituary.
● Docs on Ice. Official website.
● Docs On Ice 2008: Please Support the Cause by Dr. Peter W. Kujtan.
● Johnny Bower Stats and News from NHL.com.
● Johnny Bower (b.1925) Hockey Stats and Profile from hockeydb.com. Statistics and Records of Johnny Bower, a hockey player and coach from Prince Albert, SASK born Nov 8 1925 who was active from 1945 to 1970.
● Five things you may not know about Johnny Bower from Sportsnet.ca.
● Dick Duff from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Terrence Richard "Dick" Duff was a Canadian professional ice hockey forward who played 18 seasons for the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings, and New York Rangers in the National Hockey League.
● Johnny Bower from The Canadian Encyclopedia.
● Legends of Hockey - Induction Showcase - Dick Duff. Born February 18, 1936, Terrance Richard 'Dick' Duff was a hockey prodigy on the rinks in his hometown of Kirkland Lake, Ontario. By the age of sixteen, Duff took advantage of interest in his hockey prowess to advance his education, moving to Toronto to attend St. Michael's College.
● Dick Duff. Dick Duff's hockey statistics profile at hockeydb.com. Left Wing Born Feb 18 1936 -- Kirkland Lake, ONT Height 5'10" -- Weight 163 lb. -- Shoots L.