On June 6, 2023, ACC hosted an online presentation focused on the risks, screening, and current treatment options for various types of cancer. The discussion focused on the importance of cancer screening and early detection and was moderated by Jack Sakai, a retired physician and active ACC supporter. Several cancer survivors from the ACC community shared their stories.
Glenn Watanabe, an ACC volunteer since 1978, shared the story of his diagnosis of bladder cancer and later, cancer in his left lung. Fortunately, the bladder cancer was treatable and did not require surgery. Two years later, his annual chest x-ray showed a small smudge in his left lung; in a subsequent x-ray the spot had grown, and the biopsy indicated it was cancerous. Glenn now has only half of his left lung but, as a member of the ACC Pocket Pickers group, he noted that it hasn’t affected his singing voice. He also stressed that being honest and sharing with his doctor that he had been a smoker was crucial because the risks of lung and bladder cancer increases for smokers. His doctor knew to order routine testing based on that knowledge, which led to an early lung cancer detection.
GLENN WATANABE: “The rapport and relationship with my doctor saved my life.”
Julie Toyama participates in the ACC hula, line dancing, and exercise classes with Joaquin, and is a breast cancer survivor. The first time she felt a lump, it was biopsied, and it was benign. But she kept going every year for a mammogram and when the next lump turned out not to be benign, it was caught early. Julie had a mastectomy and she opted for post-surgery radiation every day for six weeks. After her last treatment and, with her doctor’s blessing, she flew the next day to Los Vegas for her 60th high school reunion. With routine follow-ups for three years, she is now considered cancer free. Julie shared that a girlfriend who had pancreatic cancer told Julie that she was going to beat it…and that positive attitude really inspired Julie to have that same confidence. Julie’s advice to women is to get a mammogram every year.
JULIE TOYAMA: “I had in mind that I was going to be around for my grandson. I wasn’t going to let cancer take me.”
Cliff Toyama shared that he had been successfully treated for colitis. But about two years later, the symptoms returned so he underwent the same treatment again, and his symptoms went away. He then needed cataract surgery and his ophthalmologist recommended that he make an appointment with his gastroenterologist. Although he really didn’t understand why, he did. That doctor performed a colonoscopy and took biopsies that came back cancerous. Cliff got two opinions on his surgical options, and he was glad that he did. His main takeaway is that early detection is key.
CLIFF TOYAMA: “My son asked if I wanted to be around to see my grandson grow up. So, I did the surgery.”
Bill Nagata has been involved with the ACC Pocket Pickers and the photography club for many years. He shared his story about the symptoms and testing that led to his prostate cancer diagnosis in 2012 and the treatment options available to him. His message to men is early detection is key, so do not procrastinate if you begin having symptoms.
BILL NAGATA
“Getting a second opinion on my disease state saved my life, period!”
Jack Sakai, a retired physician, was asked why he considered early detection of cancer so important. He shared that it just simplifies matters when cancer is detected early. Potentially, there may be more treatment options available, and the surgeries are often less complicated and more successful.
Early detection begins with self-examinations and routine screenings. For example, if the tumor is small and confined to the breast, then more than 90% of women will survive 10 years or longer. A 90% five-year survival rate is very high.
Establishing a close relationship with your doctor is also crucial because you must be comfortable enough to have honest and open conversations with him or her. In addition, Jack recommended self-education through online organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, the American Cancer Society, and other established health organizations. They can provide valuable information to help understand why your doctor may be suggesting certain options and to help inform your cancer treatment choices.
Add a Comment