Lingle's biopsy results negative
By Derrick DePledge
Advertiser Government Writer
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Gov. Linda Lingle's biopsy last week was negative for breast cancer, but her doctor said the governor would have a higher-than-average risk of developing the disease because of her health history.
This was the second time since 2002 that Lingle's right breast was examined for cancer after routine mammograms showed abnormalities.
At a news conference with her doctor last night at The Queen's Medical Center, the relieved governor was in a playful mood and said the worst part of the experience was being cooped up after the biopsy on Thursday.
Lingle said she planned to hit the treadmill last night but would not be able to resume her swimming regimen for a few weeks. She urged women to have routine mammograms and health checkups.
"It was a good opportunity to use this to share the idea that early detection does make a difference," Lingle said.
An abnormality was found in Lingle's right breast after a routine mammogram in November, according to her staff. The governor met with a surgeon, Dr. Mari Nakashizuka, and had another mammogram and a needle biopsy in January that showed "atypical changes." Nakashizuka then ordered the surgical biopsy to remove and test the portion of the breast with the abnormality.
Lingle, 55, will have a post-operative baseline mammogram in six months and, if there are no abnormalities, once a year thereafter.
Nakashizuka said Lingle "tolerated the procedure well. She had no complications."
"I was a good patient," the governor chimed in.
Nakashizuka agreed with that assessment: "She was a fabulous patient. She was fantastic to work with. She remained cool, calm and collected throughout the procedure and she was a joy to work with."
Nakashizuka said that while Lingle's history increases her risk for breast cancer, the disease is common among women, with one in eight women in the United States developing breast cancer in their lifetime.
"With early detection and prompt treatment, this is a potentially curable disease," the doctor said.
Lingle said she asked Nakashizuka whether she could wait and have the minor surgery after the session of the state Legislature ended in May. But she went ahead with the procedure last week under the doctor's recommendations.
"I know we're all busy. Everybody's busy," the governor said. "And yet if you don't have your health, you really don't have anything. So I'd like to use it as a reminder to myself and to others not to put off regular mammograms.
"I know, again, everybody has a very tough life, a busy life, they're working, they have their children to worry about. But I think if you think about your children, you would make certain that you have these tests on a regular basis."
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Facts about Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer among women in the United States, after skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is about one in eight.
The best way to detect cancer is with screenings.
The American Cancer Society recommends a yearly mammogram for women age 40 and older. Mammograms remain the best form of early detection, especially for women who have no symptoms. A mammogram presses a breast between two plates to flatten or spread the breast tissue. The technique is necessary to produce a readable mammogram.
Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam as part of their regular health exam, preferably every three years. A clinical breast exam complements mammograms.
Breast self exam is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women should report any breast changes to their health professional right away.
How to examine your breasts:
• Lie down and place your right arm behind your head. Use the finger pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast. Use overlapping dime-sized circular motions of the finger pads to feel the breast tissue. If you’re not sure how hard to press, talk with your doctor or nurse. Repeat the exam on your left breast, using the finger pads of the right hand.
• While standing in front of a mirror with your hands pressing firmly down on your hips, look at your breasts for any changes in size, shape or contour — or for dimpling, redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin. (The pressing down on the hips position contracts the chest wall muscles and enhances any breast changes.)
• Examine each underarm while sitting up or standing and with your arm only slightly raised so you can easily feel in this area. Raising your arm straight up tightens the tissue in this area and makes it harder to examine. Source: American Cancer Society |
Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com.
