What Are The High-Risk Factors For Breast Cancer? Have The Screening Guidelines Changed? What Are The High-Risk Factors For Breast Cancer? Have The Screening Guidelines Changed?
What Are The High-Risk Factors For Breast Cancer? Have The Screening Guidelines Changed? “Much of it is based on family history,” said Karen Karsif, MD, Medical Director at the Center for Breast Health at Good Samaritan Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) in Suffern. “Most people think only about the mother’s side, but the father’s family is equally important.” In addition to family history, doctors consider biopsies with abnormal cells or questionable mammogram results. Obesity is another factor for all cancers, not just breast cancer, but the availability of hard data is limited. Alcohol intake should also be kept to a drink or two a…
Shivaun Mahony Of Westport, Adventurer, Traveler, Dies Of Breast Cancer Shivaun Mahony Of Westport, Adventurer, Traveler, Dies Of Breast Cancer
Shivaun Mahony Of Westport, Adventurer, Traveler, Dies Of Breast Cancer Shivaun Mahony of Westport being remembered as a traveler and adventurer died in July of breast cancer at age 64. A mother, sister, aunt, and friend to many, Mahony spent most of her life in Westport, California and New York City, according to the obituary. She loved to travel and loved adventures. She was a longtime student of the Diamond Approach, a contemporary spiritual path of human realization and development. She joined an ongoing group in New York City in 2002 and began studying with the founder of the teaching, A.H. Almaas, in 2011.  Mahony was a cherished member of the Diam…
TRIBUTE: Bergen County Mom Fought Cancer With Dignity, Grace -- Both Times TRIBUTE: Bergen County Mom Fought Cancer With Dignity, Grace -- Both Times
Tribute: Bergen County Mom Fought Cancer With Dignity, Grace -- Both Times Genuine. Kind. Tenacious. This is how people are remembering Adele Grace Rivas of Midland Park, formerly of Bergenfield, who died on May 31 after a second battle with cancer. She was 40 years old. The day Adele received her first breast cancer diagnosis was the day she discovered she was pregnant with her miracle baby, Constantino "Tino" V. Rivas. Her second diagnosis came in 2017 -- Stage 4 metastatic. Those who knew her said she fought with dignity and grace. "‘Grace!’ So fitting a name," Remi Soyombo said on her obituary. "Adele....you were full of it. So beautiful inside and out.  "…
Maria Sullivan Formerly Of Westfield, 35, Remembered As Warm Teacher, Doting Mom Maria Sullivan Formerly Of Westfield, 35, Remembered As Warm Teacher, Doting Mom
Maria Sullivan Formerly Of Westfield, 35, Remembered As Warm Teacher, Doting Mom Maria Sullivan of River Edge is being remembered for her kindness in and out of the classroom. The 35-year-old mom and teacher formerly of Westfield died after a battle with breast cancer on May 21. More than $17,400 had been raised on a GoFundMe as of Wednesday for her children, Molly (5), Keeva (3), and husband Michael. Maria worked as a Kindergarten and first grade teacher at the Orchard School in Ridgewood where she "stressed not only academics to her students, but also the importance of treating one another with kindness and respect," her obituary says.  "A champion o…
Maria Sullivan Of River Edge, 35, Was Warm Teacher, Doting Mom Maria Sullivan Of River Edge, 35, Was Warm Teacher, Doting Mom
Maria Sullivan Of River Edge, 35, Was Warm Teacher, Doting Mom Maria Sullivan of River Edge is being remembered for her kindness in and out of the classroom. The 35-year-old mom and teacher died after a battle with breast cancer on May 21. More than $17,400 had been raised on a GoFundMe as of Wednesday for her children, Molly (5), Keeva (3), and husband Michael. Maria worked as a Kindergarten and first grade teacher at the Orchard School in Ridgewood where she "stressed not only academics to her students, but also the importance of treating one another with kindness and respect," her obituary says.  "A champion of the underdog, Maria …
'When Should I Start Getting Checked?' Rockland Physician Answers Women's Screening Questions 'When Should I Start Getting Checked?' Rockland Physician Answers Women's Screening Questions
'When Should I Start Getting Checked?' Rockland Physician Answers Women's Screening Questions Unfortunately for women, cancer comes in various shapes, sizes and severity. However, knowing when -- and where -- to begin screening for these illnesses can greatly reduce the likelihood of developing an undiagnosed case later in life. Dr. Lisa Ferrara, internal medicine physician at Bon Secours Medical Group, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), recommends women follow these guidelines when screening: General: Blood pressure, weight, diabetes and cholesterol at annual primary-care visits. Breast cancer: Age 40­-75, annual mammogram; continue based o…
Community Rallies For Hudson County Sheriff's Officer Battling Breast Cancer Community Rallies For Hudson County Sheriff's Officer Battling Breast Cancer
Community Rallies For Hudson County Sheriff's Officer Battling Breast Cancer A law enforcement officer and mom from North Bergen is fighting breast cancer, the disease that claimed her mother's life 12 years ago.  Cindy Molina Vazquez, 42, who has been diligent about getting breast exams in the wake of her mother's death, recently discovered she had a Stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma.  Vazquez, a Hudson County Sheriff's Officer, and her husband are to maintain a normal environment for their 7-year-old daughter as she battles her illness. Vazquez is also harvesting her eggs for future fertility treatments.  Unable to work until her health improves, the officer has…
Community Rallies For Grieving Tenafly Daughters Community Rallies For Grieving Tenafly Daughters
Community Rallies For Grieving Tenafly Daughters Cheryl Afrmann of Tenafly was often the first to offer help in times of need. After a valiant battle with breast cancer, the mom of three died on March 17 --  and friends were quick to help her family. More than $25,000 had been raised for Arfmann's daughters as of Wednesday evening on a GoFundMe, launched by Lynn Vanderlinden.  "Cherie loved everyone and was in return loved by all," Vanderlinden said.  "She was the first person to lend a helping hand to anyone and everyone in need and reached out to everyone. She brought laughter, loyalty, love, and compassion to all…
Carlstadt Mom With Lots Of Love To Give Readjusts To Life During Cancer Fight Carlstadt Mom With Lots Of Love To Give Readjusts To Life During Cancer Fight
Carlstadt Mom With Lots Of Love To Give Readjusts To Life During Cancer Fight Jenny Contreras of Carlstadt is normally the life of the party. She's the one you want to be around. The one telling the jokes. Not afraid to make herself look silly on the dance floor. The mom of three is the one cheering everyone else up. These days, though, Contreras is trying to keep her own spirits up. Just after her second full hip replacement last June, Contreras was hit with more devastating news: Stage III breast cancer.  More than $6,600 had been raised for Contreras on a GoFundMe launched by her daughter, Jennie Monaco, as of Sunday morning. "Initially, things were hard," Mon…
'Selfless' Midland Park Mom Who Beat Cancer During Pregnancy Fights Again 'Selfless' Midland Park Mom Who Beat Cancer During Pregnancy Fights Again
'Selfless' Midland Park Mom Who Beat Cancer During Pregnancy Fights Again The day Adele Rivas received her first breast cancer diagnosis was the day she discovered she was pregnant. Her miracle baby was four years old when Rivas learned that once again last year, her cancer had returned. And this time, it's Stage 4 metastatic. A woman that 38-year-old Rivas met in a support group during her first cancer battle is leading a rally to help her heal, having raised more than $22,600 on a GoFundMe as of Saturday evening. "You'd think someone going through this would complain or feel sorry for themself," said Elina Golbin, a six-year breast cancer survivor. "Not Adele.…
VIDEO: Fair Lawn Girl Mourning Mom, Family Displaced By Fire Get Massive Holiday Surprise VIDEO: Fair Lawn Girl Mourning Mom, Family Displaced By Fire Get Massive Holiday Surprise
Video: Fair Lawn Girl Mourning Mom, Family Displaced By Fire Get Massive Holiday Surprise Earlier this week, Abigail Aversa of Fair Lawn mentioned that it didn't feel like Christmas at all. The 10-year-old lost her mom Marisa Aversa on Sept. 23 to breast cancer, and nothing has felt quite the same since then. The Christmas cheer was warmer than ever Thursday evening for Abigail, though, when dozens of community members came knocking at her door for the 8th annual Operation Santa Boone. The project was started by Liz Maresca of the Health Department and is named after Fair Lawn's Detective David Boone, who retired in 2016, and dresses up as Santa. Surprising AbigailCecilia…
Single Clifton Mom With 'Heart Of Gold' Battles Cancer For Fourth Time Single Clifton Mom With 'Heart Of Gold' Battles Cancer For Fourth Time
Single Clifton Mom With 'Heart Of Gold' Battles Cancer For Fourth Time Catherine Clinton of Clifton has survived cancer three times already. The first at 24 years old, ovarian cancer. Then breast, decades later. Last year, the single mom fought skin cancer. This year, Clinton was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic terminal breast cancer. Her neighbors are making sure she won't fight alone. More than $7,700 had been raised for Clinton as of Sunday on a GoFundMe, launched by Kate Cade. "All her life the single mother of two has worked tirelessly to help other people , working with children with disabilities," Cade wrote.  "She has tried to impro…