Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks

Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks (BCFO) is completing 18 years of providing services to those with breast cancer-related needs. The greater Springfield community has come together once again to support BCFO’s mission to help cover the cost of life for local breast cancer patients and their families as they navigate treatment. Over one-third of those diagnosed with breast cancer in BCFO’s 31 county service area seek financial assistance from the organization during their cancer treatment. BCFO provides mammograms for the uninsured, financial resources for those in treatment, funding for the special needs of children through the Rosalie O’Reilly Wooten Children’s Fund, support groups, mentoring and referral services.

Often times, these patients are not only receiving medications for their treatment but also are receiving medications to treat the side effects of their therapy. At compounding pharmacies, pharmacists and their technicians are able to create new forms of traditional medicine. Burning and itching can occur after radiation treatments in which compounding pharmacies can create a lotion with aloe vera as well as other ingredients. BCFO offers personal support and comfort in real and practical ways, providing support networks, mentoring programs, a full range of resources regarding breast cancer awareness, diagnosis and treatment, where to find related community services, and more.

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of controlBreast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer. The cancer cells grow outside the ducts into other parts of the breast tissue. There are several other less common kinds of breast cancer, such as Paget’s disease, medullary, mucinous, and inflammatory breast cancer.

The majority of mutations occur in the BRCA1 or 2 genes, but recent developments in gene research have identified mutations in other, lesser known and understood genes which increase the risk for breast cancer, as well as other cancers. This means that not all family members are affected so once a mutation is found, widespread genetic testing of the family is critical to identify which family members are high risk and which are at average cancer risk. Individuals who have mutations can then be offered risk reducing strategies, which include increased surveillance (more frequent clinical breast exams and imaging tests), prophylactic surgery (breast or ovary removal) or possibly taking anti-cancer medications. Consider genetic counseling and testing if you or your family has any of the following risk factors:Diagnosed with ovarian cancer at any ageDiagnosed with two different breast cancersGenetic testing gives affected individuals the opportunity to be proactive in managing their risk, but the key is recognizing high risk individuals and families before cancer strikes.