A Dozen Teachers At Same Iowa School Diagnosed With Breast Cancer In Less Than 10 Years
- Iowa school district plans to participate in a cancer cluster investigation through the University of Iowa, ABC television affiliate KCRG reports
- Experts recommend getting an early diagnosis through a mammogram that could save a woman’s life.
- There is a wide consensus that women should have annual mammograms between the ages of 45 and 54.
- But there is some disagreement among doctors over the recommended age since many women are being diagnosed earlier.
An investigation by ABC television affiliate KCRG uncovered the breast cancer cases at Hudson Elementary School in Black Hawk County. The school employs about 130 staff members.
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"People just were kind of talking and realizing like gosh since 2009 there have been quite a number," said Carol Menefee, a teacher at the school. According to KCRG, Menefee has taught at Hudson for 30 years, and in that time she's battled cancer twice. First, breast cancer in 2009. Then, non-Hodgkin's follicular lymphoma in 2016."We were all kind of in that elementary building, especially for many years," said Diane Anderson, a former teacher at Hudson.
Anderson was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago after working in the district for more than three decades.
"Most of us it's not genetic so it's coming from something else," she said.
Related: 5 Well-Known Breast Cancer Survivors Share Lessons They've Learned During Their Journey
She and Menefee are both in remission, but some staff members are still going through treatment and one has died.
"This is not about us, it's about helping other people and being proactive," Anderson said.
The number of cancer cases is raising questions about whether there is something in the building or environment that's causing cancer.
"We wrap our arms around those people and we say what can we do for you? What can I do? What can I do?," said Dr. Tony Voss, superintendent for Hudson Schools, announcing the districts plan to participate in a cancer cluster investigation through the University of Iowa.
"This is a case where they took me at my word and they said this is what you can do so we're going to do it," said Dr. Voss.
The focus of the cancer cluster investigation will be to find out if there is a common denominator in the facilities that has contributed to the cancer cases.
Staffers say the school is like a family. They've supported each other through multiple cancer diagnoses, and they plan to support each other and the superintendent in finding answers.
"It means a lot, he's been very helpful. He has communicated with us since even our meeting last week and been very very supportive," Anderson said of Dr. Voss.
"It seems like a really simple thing to do but we really do want to, we want to know," Voss added.
Checking For Breast Cancer
There is a wide consensus that women should have annual mammograms between the ages of 45 and 54. But there is some disagreement among doctors as to whether mammograms are beneficial for women between the ages of 40 and 45. This is an option you should, of course, discuss with your own doctor.
Some women are scared to check them out right away when they do discover them, due to fear of having cancer, but getting an early diagnosis through a mammogram could save your life.
"If you haven't gone through menopause yet, I think it's very important that you have a mammogram every year," Dr. Connie Lehman, chief of the Breast Imaging Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital, told SurvivorNet in a previous interview. "We know that cancers grow more rapidly in our younger patients, and having that annual mammogram can be lifesaving."
Dr. Lehman also explains if you're older than 55, "you can choose to continue your annual mammograms or opt to have one every two years."
Related: New Guidelines Say Many Women Under 50 Can Skip Mammograms, That May Not Be The Best Advice
Again, this is your choice and should be carefully considered with your doctor. And if you fit into the high-risk category, meaning you have a first-degree relative who has had breast cancer, have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation or had radiation to the chest area when you were young, Dr. Lehman says you should start yearly mammogram screening as early as age 30.
"We all agree regular screening mammography saves lives," she stresses. "Every doctor that I know, every organization that I know really encourages women to have a mammogram."
Breast Cancer Therapy Drugs
Experts are finding encouraging results from a new class of targeted therapy drugs called kinase inhibitors can now help treat some metastatic breast cancers.
Dr. Erica Mayer of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, told SurvivorNet in a previous conversation that these drugs target two kinase proteins, called cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6, that normally regulate the cell cycle and division.
These drugs are primarily used in women with hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer. When they are combined with other hormone therapy, many women can have up to two years of their cancer not getting any worse. A common side effect was a decrease in white blood cells which can increase the risk of infection.
Dr. Elizabeth Comen, a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City previously spoke with SurvivorNet about dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
She specifically discussed how to confront fear without letting it take over below:
1. Let your family and close friends know and let them help. So many cancer survivors tell us they want and need support but are often too preoccupied to make specific requests. Urge those close to you to jump in with whatever practical help they can offer.
2. Keep a journal. It can be extremely cathartic to let those feelings loose on paper. Grab a pen and a nice journal and chronicle your different thoughts throughout the day.
3. Join a cancer support group. There are groups in nearly every community offering opportunities to connect with others going through a similar journey. You’ll learn incredibly helpful insight from others who can tell you about what to expect and how to stay strong on tough days.
4. Consider seeing a therapist. Ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist so you can discuss your fears and concerns in a safe space. Often, vocalizing your thoughts and feelings rather than internalizing them can provide relief.
Above all, just know that there are countless resources and support here for you to turn to at any time. We’re fortunate to be in a time where we can rely on so many entities to help us through life’s hurdles.
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