Breast cancer program scheduled Thursday at Dome

By GWEN ALBERS Western News Reporter

Being diagnosed at age 35 with the most aggressive form of breast cancer shocked Alison Eanes Score.

Her sister's effort to educate Lincoln County's young women about the disease amazed her.

Libby's Alexandra Eanes one year ago started the Alison Score Foundation for Breast Cancer Education on her sister's behalf. The non-profit from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, will host its first Score Foundation Evening at the Dome Theater in Libby. The educational event is free.

"Everything you see about breast cancer says 'you don't have to worry until you're about 40,'" Eanes said. "My sister was 35."

"I think it's amazing," Score said about her younger sister's effort. "Breast cancer touches not only the person who is going through the treatment. It spreads throughout the entire network of friends and family."

A resident of Camano Island, Wash., Score after her diagnosis went through chemotherapy, radiation, a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy. The mother of Courtney, 7, and Morgan, 3, was cancer-free for three years.

Doctors two months ago found cancer on Score's spine. On Monday, the 38-year-old began the first of 28 radiation treatments in less than six weeks.

Score, who is the daughter of Paul and Ray Eanes of Libby, never heard of inflammatory breast cancer until her diagnosis.

"There needs to be education," she said. "Women need to know they don't have to have a lump to have breast cancer."

Alexandra, who is the interim executive director with Families in Partnership in Libby, hopes to work with school districts, educating young woman about the chances for breast cancer.

"This type of cancer strikes women as young as 16," she said.

Women should exercise, eat right and limit alcohol. They also should do a monthly self-breast exam and get one from a doctor every three years beginning at age 20. By the time a woman reaches 35, medical exams and mammograms are needed annually.

The Dome Theater has donated the space for the program, and Libby's Dr. Lance Ercanbrack will attend.

For information, Alexandra Eanes can be reached at 293-6242.