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By SAMANTHA PHILLIPS
YOUNG CITY
Kathy Flickinger, of Youngstown, was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer at the age of 41 in 1998.
The doctors told Flickinger, a mother of four, that she was only five years old to live.
Her daughter had just got married and she prayed that she could experience being a grandmother before she died.
"I thought I was going to die," she said. "It was very emotional. I did not know if I would see my children growing up. "
After six surgeries and several chemotherapy treatments for a year and a half, the cancer was gone.
Today, Flickinger, who does not have cancer, volunteers with the American Cancer Society to participate in events such as the Relay For Life in Mahoning County and enjoys spending time with her family. 14 grandchildren.
"Every day is a miracle," she said.
Studies show that one breast cancer will be diagnosed in one in eight women.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it's a good time to refresh on the facts.
Alexis Smith, medical co-director of Breast Care Center Joanie Abdu on Belmont Avenue, has debunked two myths about breast cancer.
First, she explained that early breast cancer is not always painful. In fact, sometimes there will be no symptoms.
That's why it's critical that women over the age of 40 undergo annual screenings and diagnostic screenings if they detect symptoms, she said.
"Cancer can get very large before you feel any symptoms," she said. "That's why women died more often before the mammogram. They would not find anything before it was done. "
Second, not having a family history of breast cancer does not mean that a person is safe. The majority of diagnosed women do not have a family history of breast cancer, Smith said.
Symptoms include nipples that spill or contract, skin that turns red or dimples on the chest, nipple discharge, and hard bumps in the chest or armpits.
She said that if the mass is rock hard and does not move, it should be checked immediately.
According to Smith, the cure rate of women with Stage 1 breast cancer is 97 to 98%.
Nancy Gantt, co-medical director of Joanie Abdu, pointed out that the biology and genetics of the tumor will determine its degree of aggressiveness, not necessarily its size. She said the staff will do as many mammograms or biopsies as needed to conduct a thorough assessment of the patient.
"We are like dogs with bones. We do not let go … until we know what's going on, "she said. "The women leave here empowered. They have this whole team behind them.
Alexandra Houser-Vukoder, spokesperson for the American branch of the American Cancer Society, said that self-examination is important for women to recognize abnormalities, but this does not replace the need for mammograms.
"If you undergo additional tests and there is no cancer, you will have peace of mind," she said. "If it's a cancer, then you can start a treatment plan and prepare yourself."
Treatment and screening options are progressing.
Tomosynthesis is a 3D mammography method that helps health professionals research and diagnose patients more accurately.
There are also medications that can provide a more targeted approach to chemotherapy for some types of tumors with fewer side effects.
The Joanie's Promise program provides funding for eligible women's screenings and the mobile van at the center travels to different sites for screening.
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