Early detection key to breast cancer treatment

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- Northern Indiana's "Race for the Cure" is just a few weeks away, but the fight against breast cancer never stops.

One out of 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

There are ways to protect yourself and loved ones and it starts by paying attention to your heath and visiting your doctor.

An empty exam room can be daunting for any patient.

When you're fighting cancer, it doesn't get any easier.

"We happen to take care of the four major cancers and breast cancer is one of them,” said Dr. Robin Zon, Michiana Hematology Oncology.

Zon says the road ahead can be scary for cancer patients, but they’re here to help.

"Breast cancer treatment usually includes surgery to remove the cancer. The treatment after the surgery’s used for prevention purposes. That can vary from one woman to another,” said Zon.

Treatment can range from radiation to pills -but Zon says there have been major advancements just within the last few years.

Zon says they can test the cancer cells to determine what therapy the women should get.

When it comes to your health, Zon says you can’t just sit around and wait. You should have regular check ups with your primary care physician and get up and stay active.

In the end, early detection is most important.

"The earlier the breast cancer is diagnosed, the more likely they'll be long term survivors well into the 95 percentile for stage one breast cancer,” said Zon.

For those survivors-who now only want to see an exam room for check ups-it's important for women to be mindful of their heath and follow what zon calls "survivorship care."

"Leading a good life. That means exercise, eating right, avoidance of all tobacco first and second hand and minimal to no alcohol intake as well as doing skin exams and trying to lead as healthy as a lifestyle as you can,” said Zon.