“I love my wig! For them to have that for women, and help somebody in that process helps a lot. It’s amazing. It’s an uplift that makes women proud of themselves again. All your self-esteem builds up.”
Breast Cancer
While breast cancer rates are increasing among women from all races, ages and ethnicities, a significant surge in rates among Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women, and especially among younger AAPI women, surprised many cancer experts as they now try to determine why.
As both a nurse at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and a stage 4 breast cancer patient being treated here, Cameron is redefining toughness.
While most cancer in the U.S. occurs in people age 65 and older, cancer is on the rise in younger patients – especially breast, endocrine and gastrointestinal cancers.
On a sunny winter day, Caitlin Pietz stood in front of a small metal bell as a stream of sunlight cascaded through the windows beside her. With her husband Mark at her side, she gripped the chain that hung from the bell and paused for a moment as her loved ones watched.
Metastatic cancer can be a thief of hope for patients and their loved ones who have exhausted their treatment options.
“I was already familiar with Roswell Park and knew from family and friends that it’s a cancer hospital with an excellent reputation.”
Fortunately, Roswell Park had a clinical trial that Edith participated in, and that made her cancer go away in both her breast and lymph nodes.
“As soon as I called Roswell Park and explained my situation, I immediately felt like I was more than just a number,” Jennifer recalls.
“Nowadays, with certain types of breast cancer, people more often get medical therapy before surgery."
"Until I had cancer myself, I never understood how gestures like visiting, bringing food, offering to shop, and asking friends how you could help them really made a difference while they are going through treatment."
Jenna Wier was no stranger to breast imaging when she walked into her appointment at Roswell Park Hematology Oncology Northtowns in the fall of 2021.