New Jersey's First Female State Trooper Defies Breast Cancer Diagnosis

 

Gail Just approaches her health with the same no-nonsense attitude which made her a success in her law enforcement career. When an annual mammogram revealed that she had three tumors in one of her breasts, she immediately investigated her alternatives, selected a medical provider, and proceeded with a treatment plan. “I’m a retired state trooper and I tend to take things differently than most people,” remarked Just. “I decided we’re not going to use the word ‘scared.’”

 

Breast cancer is often a silent disease, with virtually no symptoms, but it is often completely curable if diagnosed in its early stages. In 1980, the national five-year survival rate for women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer was about 74%; today that number is 99%.  There are currently more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.  One out of eight women will develop breast cancer, yet about 85% of these women have no family history of the disease.

 

According to the New Jersey Department of Health, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among New Jersey women and the second leading cause of death, after lung cancer, attributed to cancer in the state.  The disease contributes to the death of 1,200 New Jersey women annually. 

In 2021, 8,522 New Jersey women were diagnosed with breast cancer, with the rate highest among Black women, followed by White, Hispanic and Asian. The rate at which new cases of breast cancer are being diagnosed in the state has fluctuated in recent years.  According to a recent study by Columbia University, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are among the five states with the highest rates of breast cancer among women under the age of 40. Researchers are unsure why the incidence in the Northeastern United States is somewhat higher but speculate that environmental or behavioral factors could play a role. The United States Preventive Services Task Force has recommended screening mammograms every two years beginning at the age of 40.  Consequently, access to breast cancer screenings and optimal treatments is an urgent public health issue. 

 

Just admits that although she was diligent about obtaining annual mammograms, she never did self-exams between screenings. She was ultimately diagnosed with two different types of cancer which necessitated obtaining chemotherapy prior to a double mastectomy. Despite undergoing 16 rounds of chemotherapy, Just insisted on daily physical activity. “I was the first female trooper in the state of New Jersey, and because of my job, I was always physically active. While I was getting chemo, I made the effort to walk a mile every day.”

 

Just was equally adamant about nutrition, concocting a daily smoothie out of spinach and fruit juice. Despite her best efforts, the chemotherapy regimen took a toll. “My taste buds were effected, I was extremely tired, and I lost my hair.” After waiting a month, Just received her double mastectomy, and followed that with 44 rounds of radiation and even more chemotherapy. She was determined to remain positive throughout the entire experience.  “Humor is very important when you have cancer.  You are going through some awful things and humor helps you cope. There was no crying, because you need all the strength you have to make you better.”

 

At the age of 74, Just is celebrating her ninth year of survival, and she now devotes her time to encouraging others in similar circumstances. She talks with breast cancer patients and even gives sermons at her church. “Breast cancer came at me like a hurricane, but I feel better now because I appreciate every single day.”

 

Free Breast Health Services Available

The New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection (NJ CEED) Program, with funding from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the State of New Jersey, provides funding to all twenty-one counties in the State for comprehensive breast, cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancer education, outreach, and screening.  Men and women whose income is under 250% of the Federal poverty level and who are uninsured or under insured are eligible for the program.  For more information, call 1-800-328-3838.

 

The Sussex County Department of Environmental & Public Health Services offers free screening clinics for women twice a month; screening clinics for men are held several times throughout the year. To determine eligibility and schedule appointments, call 973-579-0570 extensions 1214 or 1246.

 

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program also provides free and low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings for income-eligible patients.