For Comprehensive Cancer patient Ira Kaganovsky Green, breast cancer diagnoses of several of her friends led her to an unexpected and inspiring career change.
A cancer diagnosis changes the lives of patients of Comprehensive Cancer Centers and loved ones alike. For Ira Kaganovsky Green, the breast cancer diagnoses of several of her friends also led her to an unexpected career change, transitioning from a financial advisor and owner of a thriving firm to the founder of a natural deodorant brand.
Ira was recently featured at a UNLV football game, with a video of her story and her treatment by Comprehensive Cancer Centers’ Karen Jacks, MD and Margaret Terhar, MD. An important part of that story was her founding Freedom Deodorant to help her friends, and other women, reduce health risks.
See Ira’s Story
Since deodorants are applied near the breast and contain potentially harmful ingredients, some believe there may be a possible connection between the use of these products and breast cancer. When several of Ira’s close girlfriends were diagnosed with breast cancer between 2013 and 2014, in each of the cases, it was recommended during treatment they switch to using a natural deodorant.
When Ira learned about the recommendation, she tried the different products for herself and, much to her dismay, learned none of them protected her from perspiration and odor. Knowing her friends were already dealing with uncertainty with their diagnoses, she wanted to show solidarity and set out to make her own natural deodorant.
Ira developed the first deodorant she felt could perform with the regular brands on the market in 2015 and launched her business, Freedom Deodorant. The products are now available on the company’s website, on Amazon and at Whole Foods locations across the Las Vegas Valley.
Unbeknownst to her at that time, just six years later in March of this year, she too would be diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILB) Estrogen Positive Stage 2B breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 2,570 Nevadans will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and an estimated 440 Nevadans will also lose their lives to the disease. Breast cancer in females is the most diagnosed form of cancer in the state.
She initially had a regular mammogram that came up clear, but a lump she felt through a breast self-exam gave her cause for concern. Given what her friends had already gone through with breast cancer, Ira called her doctor and requested an ultrasound. During that test, they found something and referred her for a biopsy. It was then determined that she has a 10 cm tumor on her breast despite another mammogram after the biopsy still not showing anything.
Ira turned to Comprehensive Cancer Centers for her care, where our team treated her. Dr. Terhar performed surgery to remove the tumor the same month she was diagnosed. Her cancer care plan then called for her to undergo a double mastectomy as well as chemotherapy and radiation treatments because the cancer spread to two lymph nodes. She will also have breast reconstruction surgery later this year. The team at Comprehensive – with Dr. Jacks included – developed a plan to continue to fight her cancer and are working with her integrative doctor to ensure she is comfortable.
Ira understands that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, so there was always a chance this could happen. That’s the reason she started her company, Freedom Deodorant, because the reality is that all women are at risk for this life-altering disease.
The good news is that the same friends whose diagnoses were the inspiration for her company are still alive and well. Ira takes solace in knowing that breast cancer is curable, and it has resonated with her that it could always be worse. With the guidance from the team at Comprehensive, she has faith she will overcome this disease. Even claiming that cancer has made her make healthier decisions and re-evaluate many of her life choices. All resulting in positive changes.
Her advice to someone who is supporting a loved one with cancer is, “Don’t talk about someone you know who has died, rather talk about someone you know who has survived. More people are living with it and cancer treatments have come a long way.”
Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help
Physicians at Comprehensive Cancer Centers provide a variety of treatment options for patients with breast cancers including medical oncology, radiation oncology, breast surgery and world-class clinical research. To schedule an appointment with the team at Comprehensive, please call 702-952-3350.
The content is this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
