The Columbian

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer patients face major decision post-mastectomy

October 9, 2022, 5:35am Breast Cancer

After going to the doctor for a pulmonary angiogram in the summer of 2020, Jaron Farley heard news she hadn’t expected: Her breast implant had ruptured, and there was a chance she’d need it replaced. Read story

Level with doctor on drinking whether or not you have a cancer diagnosis

October 9, 2022, 5:30am Breast Cancer

Stir together the unexpected stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic and the easy comfort that alcohol brings stressed-out people. Read story

Young women who suspect breast cancer face challenges

October 9, 2022, 5:30am Breast Cancer

According to Yale Medicine, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women ages 15-39. Every year, more than 1,000 women under age 40 die from breast cancer. But screenings aren’t recommended or typically offered until over the age of 40, leaving younger people like Sonja Trytko to… Read story

Vancouver’s Murdock Trust gives $151,500 to Pink Lemonade Project

July 7, 2022, 6:00am Breast Cancer

Vancouver-based M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust recently donated $151,500 to help breast cancer organization Pink Lemonade Project fund a new position. Read story

Pat Anderson, 89, far right, leads the Sisterhood of the Boobless Wonders, a group of seven senior lady knitters who are all breast cancer survivors. Together, these local women hand-knit breast-shaped yarn pillowlike prosthetics for women who have had mastectomies. Pictured from left, top to bottom: Pat Hamada 87, Jan Rillie, 70, K.J. Koljonen, 67, Pat Anderson, 89, and Pat Moller, 84.

Breast cancer survivors are yarn good

May 10, 2022, 6:05am Breast Cancer

On the last Sunday of each month, 89-year-old Pat Anderson of Escondido, Calif., gets together with the six other local senior women who make up her highly specialized knitting circle. But don’t let these ladies’ shared passion for knitting fool you into thinking they’re leisurely hobbyists. Read story

Susan Stearns stands near the book bank at Pink Lemonade Project's downtown Vancouver offices. She took over as CEO of the nonprofit as the pandemic hit in March 2020 and has guided an expansion of programs. Participation increased 30 percent during the pandemic.

Pandemic isolated breast cancer patients when they needed connection most

October 10, 2021, 6:05am Breast Cancer

Pink-clad runners and walkers are converging on Vancouver’s waterfront this morning. The return of the Girlfriends Run in person after last year’s virtual event is just another example of how breast cancer patients, survivors and supporters have adapted to the dangerous and shifting circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read story