Key points from today’s guests:

Angela Van Zandt, breast cancer survivor

• Angela was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer and underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and a double mastectomy.
• She turned to fitness to help her survive and is now getting certified to be a personal trainer to help others with breast cancer.
• She wanted to feel strong and have control over something during cancer treatment, so working out was her outlet.
• Exactly one year after she woke up from her reconstruction surgery, she entered her first fitness competition – and won.
• She is in full remission from breast cancer, with five cancerous tumors removed.
• Angela is working to develop a non-profit so she can teach cancer survivors the importance of exercise.

Dr. Carol Fabian, medical oncologist, The University of Kansas Cancer Center

• When we talk about Stage 3, we are talking about tumors that are three inches in diameter or larger and have also spread to the lymph nodes.
• Angela’s cancer had very aggressive features.
• People who intrinsically have risk factors for heart disease like hypertension over the age of 65, have a history of heart disease, and are going to get chemotherapy drugs that interfere with heart function, should definitely go to a cardio-oncologist.
• Even healthy people that are going to take cardiotoxic drugs should be referred from the beginning to see a cardio-oncologist.
• We know from long-term studies that exercise is important in reducing risk of getting breast cancer in the first place, especially for people who have a family history of breast cancer or have a genetic mutation that puts them at increased risk.

Dr. Charles Porter, cardio-oncologist, The University of Kansas Health System

• Exercise helps protect the heart by sending friendly cytokines throughout the body, improving cardiac function and quality of life.
• Research shows that supervised exercise is more effective than unsupervised exercise in maintaining heart health.
• Exercise during cancer treatment can improve survival and help reduce relapse.
• Angela did a great job of taking advantage of resources including dieticians, physical therapists, and specialists to achieve a successful outcome.
• She is an inspiration for other patients.

Dr. Andrea Jewell, gynecologic oncologist, The University of Kansas Cancer Center

• Pre-cancerous cells are not common and people should get frequent checkups.
• I saw Angela regularly and she had many biopsies that were very normal before it became pre-cancerous.
• Patients do better when they stay active. Use available resources for the best possible outcomes.
• Patients may see a mountain ahead of them when it comes to exercise, but just taking little extra steps, and building on that over time, can make a big difference.

Friday, Sept. 27 at 8 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. Two lives and two battles are connected by bone marrow. Learn how a selfless donation provided a second chance.

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