JOPLIN, Mo. — As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close — a note about radiation therapy. The treatment has a few myths surrounding it, but doctors say technology has made the experience much better than it used to be.

“As we get older, we’re more likely to get cancer. That hasn’t changed,” said Dr. Chance Matthiesen, Radiation Oncologist, Medical Director.

Dr. Chance Matthiesen at Freeman Health System says that’s still true for the most common cancers, like prostate cancer and breast cancer.

“In the generation that now is starting to more likely to develop cancer, they likely had some personal experience with cancer from someone from probably 20 years ago… 20 to 30 years ago even,” said Dr. Matthiesen.

And because of that — the generation most likely to get cancer these days probably heard some horror stories about radiation treatment.

“Radiation, back then, historically was not viewed favorably. Lots of people would walk away and say, ‘Don’t ever do radiation.’ Or terms like, ‘It just burnt me up.’ Or, ‘I was doing okay until I did that,'” said Dr. Matthiesen.

But a lot has changed over the last two or three decades.

“The treatment techniques were a lot more primitive. The side effects were a lot worse. And, depending on where the patient was treated, you know, radiation doesn’t literally burn anybody. But the reactions from radiation can mimic what people associate with burns,” said Dr. Matthiesen.

Dr. Matthiesen explains technology improvements — and the ability to harness those improvements properly — have been monumental in helping minimize fear, myths, and stigmas surrounding radiation treatment.

“I would say approximately half the patients that are treated in this clinic probably experience minimal to zero side effects,” said Dr. Matthiesen.

And that’s huge — because the percentage of people with side effects used to be much more common — well into the 90% range. Technology has also helped the length of treatment — standard treatment for breast cancer, for example, used to be 6 to 8 weeks of daily radiation therapy.

“Now, I would say at least half of my patients with early stage breast cancer are treated in three weeks. And, often, at the end of those three weeks, other than a little bit of a mild rash on the chest area, that’s all we really see,” said Dr. Matthiesen.

Above all – Dr. Matthiesen doesn’t want patients to be afraid of radiation.

“Radiation therapy is one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against cancer,” said Dr. Matthiesen.

MONETT, Mo. — Cox Monett Hospital is offering an incentive for area women this month. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the health system is giving out “Hello Gorgeous” bags to women who comes in and get a mammogram.

Items in the bag range from pink nail files and chapstick — to monthly breast cancer self-evaluation information and important facts about mammograms. The bags are available throughout the month.

JOPLIN, Mo. — The month of October has kicked off to a tasty start.

Panera Bread cut the ribbon on the month-long “Pink Ribbon Bagel Campaign” today.
25 cents of every pink ribbon bagel sold this month will be donated to “Hope 4 You Breast Cancer Foundation.”

Then, on October 15th only — 100-percent of pink ribbon bagel proceeds goes to the organization.

In turn, that money is used to help uninsured and under-insured women in the four states get the mammograms and screenings they need to potentially save their life. In fact, both Freeman Health System and Mercy Hospital Joplin mammogram funds received 6,000 dollars each from the Hope 4 You organization.

“The biggest thing for awareness is that we get women to go ahead and get their preventative mammograms. Because, as we know, and as I know, the only reason I’m standing here today is because I was fortunate enough to have a mammogram that offered me early enough detection to allow me to get the care that I needed,” said Mary Van Galen, Hope 4 You Board Member & Bagel Chair.

“As a cancer survivor, early detection is the key. So, this is very important because the more money that’s raised, the more mammograms we can do,” said Sharon Clark, Hope 4 You Board President.

This year marks the 20th year for the Pink Ribbon Bagel Campaign, nationwide. They’re made in the form of a ribbon, featuring cherry chips, dried cherries and cranberries, vanilla, honey, and brown sugar.

If you’d like to make a general donation to Hope 4 You Breast Cancer Foundation, or order some bagels, we’ve got the link to the website here, and order form here.

JOPLIN, Mo. — October is starting a little early — with a big fundraiser in the fight against breast cancer.

“Show Me The Ozarks” magazine hosted its 11th Annual “Covers for a Cause” today. Cover photos were taken of women and men decked out in all kinds of pink accessories.

The event also offers everything from raffles for a pink quilt and pink guitar, to pink hair extensions. Organizers say the annual project is an easy way to rally support for the cause.

“Everybody has either a neighbor or a relative, a friend, you know a co-worker that has dealt with breast cancer and we also feature breast cancer survivors every October too which means a lot to me,” said Lee Radcliff, Show Me The Ozarks Magazine.

The event was held at Freeman West, which also handed pink “breast cancer” t-shirts. The health system will hold a “go pink” day to highlight breast cancer awareness next week.