Epic Specialty Staffing is Celebrating and Supporting Pinktober

October is a special time of year that marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time to don our pink ribbons with pride to support our loved ones who are navigating breast cancer. It’s also a time to remember those we’ve lost to the disease. For women who are dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis, fear and uncertainty can be overwhelming. Depression and anxiety could hinder cancer treatment and recovery—and negatively impact quality of life.

At Epic Specialty Staffing, we believe in focusing on positive developments for the breast cancer community. That’s not to diminish their feelings or minimize their experience; quite the contrary. It’s about validating their journey while also recognizing the great strides being made in breast cancer treatment. It is our hope that calling attention to these developments will be a source of comfort and support for women living with breast cancer. Here are some powerful breakthroughs that are elevating patient care.

Laughter Really is the Best Medicine

Finding ways to feel good can go a long way for those with cancer. One study found that watching Disney movies during chemotherapy appeared to improve fatigue and emotional and social functioning for patients with gynecologic cancer. Similarly, research has found that laughter can play an important part in reducing stress before chemotherapy treatment. This includes laughter yoga, which blends laughter exercises and yoga breathing techniques to improve oxygen flow to the body and brain. Breast cancer is nothing to laugh about, but being able to find moments of lightheartedness could make the path a little easier.

Prevention Can be a Game Changer

According to the American Cancer Society, ongoing research is dedicated to preventing breast cancer, especially for women who are at high risk for the disease. For example, some hormonal medications appear to reduce breast cancer risk among certain groups of women. Mayo Clinic points to specific prevention measures women can take, including:

• Limiting alcohol
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Staying physically active
• Breastfeeding
• Limiting postmenopausal hormone therapy

Advancements in Breast Imaging Are Helping to Diagnose Breast Cancer

Many different breast imaging tests can be used to diagnose cancer. As a healthcare recruitment agency that specializes in radiation oncology, Epic Specialty Staffing is devoted to following the latest developments. In addition to mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs and CT scans, the American Cancer Society recognizes these newer tests that are showing promise.

• Abbreviated breast MRI: Using a standard breast MRI scanner, this technique captures fewer images over a shorter time period. Researchers are looking into whether an abbreviated breast MRI makes for an effective screening test for breast cancer.
• Nuclear medicine tests: This test involves injecting a small amount of radioactive material called a tracer into the blood. From there, a special camera is used to see if the tracer collects in cancer cells in the breast. Other tracer tests use PET scans or mammography.
• Contrast-enhanced mammography: This newer diagnostic test uses a contrast dye that’s injected into the blood prior to taking mammography images. It can help doctors spot and better understand abnormal areas of the breast. Researchers are also studying if it would make for an effective breast cancer screening in certain women.
• Elastography: Done as part of an ultrasound exam, an elastography can show the firmness of a breast tumor. This can help doctors diagnose if the area in question is cancerous or benign.

Some Patients May be Able to Prevent Breast Cancer Reoccurrence

Getting on the other side of breast cancer is a huge milestone. Unfortunately, many survivors live in constant fear that it will return. Johns Hopkins Medicine highlights the following 10 lifestyle changes that might help:

1. Taking care of your emotional needs (going to therapy, attending support groups, etc.)
2. Staying physically healthy (not smoking, reporting physical changes to your doctor, etc.)
3. Eating healthy
4. Reducing stress
5. Limiting alcohol
6. Exercising regularly
7. Staying on top of health screenings
8. Maintaining a healthy weight
9. Having your vitamin D levels checked
10. Taking endocrine therapy drugs as prescribed

Here at Epic Specialty Staffing, we care about new developments in breast cancer research because patient care is at the heart of all we do. Whether you’re a healthcare facility with staffing needs or a medical professional looking for your next right job, we’re here to meet your needs.