Tend to cancer concerns during this crisis

In these times of chaos and stress, the Breast and GYN Health Project in Arcata is reminding people that it’s essential to listen to their bodies if something is not normal and may need to be examined by a health care provider.

“It is important to contact your health care provider if you have medical concerns, even during this time of COVID-19 shelter in place,” said Breast Health Navigator Keri Furtado. “Although we can’t control the pandemic, we can control when to seek out medical advice. Advocating for yourself that you may need medical attention sooner than later may save your life. Many medical offices are still available via the phone and, if necessary, offices can schedule an inperson visit.”

For many health conditions, Furtado said, early diagnosis and treatment help people to have the best outcome possible.

“If you have any of the following potential breast cancer symptoms, you should contact your health care provider: swelling of all or part of the breast, skin irritation or dimpling, breast pain, nipple pain or the nipple turning inward, redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin, a nipple discharge other than breast milk, a lump in the underarm area,” she said.

Furtado noted: “If you have any of the following potential gynecological cancer symptoms, you should contact your medical provider for follow-up: abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge is common on all gynecologic cancers except vulvar cancer; feeling full too quickly or difficulty eating, bloating, and abdominal or back pain are common only for ovarian cancer.”

Pelvic pain or pressure is common for ovarian and uterine cancers, Furtado said.

“More frequent or urgent need to urinate and/ or constipation are common for ovarian and vaginal cancers. Itching, burning, pain, or tenderness of the vulva, and changes in vulva color or skin, such as a rash, sores, or warts, are found only in vulvar cancer,” she said.

Although the Breast and GYN Health Project does not provide medical care, it does offer free phone consultations regarding breast or gynecologic cancer concerns that can be a useful local resource. The staff and volunteers are working from home, but are promptly returning phone calls. For more information, call 707-825-8345.

“Advocating for yourself that you may need medical attention sooner than later may save your life.” — Keri Furtado, Breast and GYN Health Project