MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, October 11, 2021 — Even with progress in care and treatment, the Minnesota Department of Health categorizes breast cancer in the top five cancer causes of death for women in Minnesota. Thirty percent of new invasive cancers diagnosed in women are breast cancer. For men, breast cancer is considered rare but there is growth in the health care community in … [Read more...]
Two sisters on life’s journey together
This story is not about cancer. It is about two sisters, Carol Ann (Winslow) Wangen and Marilyn (Winslow) Snell whose sisterly bond deepened as they traveled life’s journey together, which happened to take an unplanned detour. “Carol Ann did not let cancer define her,” Snell passionately emphasized. Wangen’s first scare with cancer was at 18. “The possibility of breast … [Read more...]
7 things you should know about breast cancer And a message from Kara Nelsestuen, Lead Mammography Technologist, Winona Health
“Please undress above the waist and slip into a gown,” is something I say many times a day, every day as I’m walking a patient to our comfortable dressing rooms. I’m one of the technologists in the mammography suite at Winona Health. Although it’s something I do all the time, I understand it’s not something our patients do all the time — and they might not be looking … [Read more...]
Using diet and exercise to prevent breast cancer
When it comes to breast cancer risk, some things are beyond a person’s control. Women might not be able to do much in regard to their genetic makeup and family history, each of which can elevate their risk for breast cancer, but many risk factors are within women’s control. A healthy diet and routine exercise may help women reduce their risk of developing breast cancer, … [Read more...]
Talking breast cancer awareness with U of M
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL — October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 4,740 new cases of breast cancer in Minnesota in 2019. Douglas Yee with the University of Minnesota answers questions on the symptoms, treatment and screening for breast cancer. Q: What is breast cancer? Dr. Yee: Breast cancer arises from the … [Read more...]
Homespun Harmony is now hosting a Knitted Knockers group!
Knitted Knockers are special handmade breast prosthesis for women who have undergone mastectomies or other procedures to the breast. Traditional breast prosthetics are usually expensive, heavy, sweaty and uncomfortable. They typically require special bras or camisoles with pockets and can’t be work for weeks after surgery. Knitted Knockers on the other hand are soft, … [Read more...]
Early detection key to defeating breast cancer
In 2019 more than 320,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 women will die from the disease. Most women who are diagnosed have no known risk factors or history of the disease in their families, so early detection remains the best way to fight the disease. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a chance to raise awareness … [Read more...]
Two-time cancer survivor lives each day to the fullest
When Harmony resident, Mary Ann Johnson was told she had breast cancer in 2014, she couldn’t believe her ears. “I was feeling fine. It was a normal day and then you’re told you have cancer…you’re whole world changes in an instant.” After hearing the news, Johnson called her daughter, who immediately came from the cities to help her mom navigate through the maze of tests and … [Read more...]
Support cancer patients by giving blood with the Red Cross
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to support cancer patients and others. Mary Alice Donofrio gave blood for the first time in memory of her mother who received several blood transfusions while being treated for breast cancer. “I had no idea what to expect, but the experience was very easy and quite rewarding. … [Read more...]
How women can make mammograms more comfortable
Women can take various steps to make mammograms less painful. Mammograms help to detect breast cancer early, improving women’s prognosis as a result. Susan G. Komen states that mammography is the most effective breast cancer screening tool in use today. When women should begin getting mammograms remains open to debate. The American Cancer Society now recommends that women … [Read more...]