Prevention is about staying healthy and preventing or delaying disease. These include getting regular screenings because they can detect cancer early, leading to better outcomes. Rosalina (Rosie) Pestana, LVN III, Gastroenterology and Pulmonary, Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park, takes care of others every day. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, she was reminded of the importance of making time to take care of herself as well.
Last year, Rosie went in for a routine mammogram and was informed that she needed additional testing as it was abnormal. After doing an ultrasound and undergoing a biopsy, she was diagnosed with Stage 0 breast cancer.
Stage 0 breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), is a non-invasive cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of the breast milk duct. In Stage 0 breast cancer, the atypical cells have not spread outside of the ducts or lobules into the surrounding breast tissue. DCIS can become invasive, meaning they can spread into healthy tissue, so early treatment is important.
Find out what's happening in Baldwin Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
With no family history of breast cancer and negative results regarding genetic testing, it took her by surprise. “It’s common to be emotional but then you need to take a different perspective and get it taken care of,” she says. “It’s important to have a positive attitude. You need to take charge of your health and do what’s right for you.”
Rosie was fortunate as she did not need radiation or chemotherapy. She decided to undergo a bilateral mastectomy after abnormalities were found in her other breast during treatment.
Find out what's happening in Baldwin Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“I had such a great team of physicians who explained everything to me so there were no surprises. “I’m so happy that Kaiser Permanente was able to find it early and take care of it,” says Rosie.
Your best defense against breast cancer is early detection. Breast cancer is most treatable when it's found early.
“Don’t be afraid to have a mammogram. If I didn’t have it done, the cancer cells could have spread to other areas,” she adds. “Practicing preventive care, staying positive, and being proactive in your care are the best things you can do you for yourself.”
Visit kp.org for health information and resources.