SAN DIEGO, October 1, 2019– October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time to remember those who are stricken by the disease and to bring information and awareness to battle the ruthless assailant.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
On September 30th, 2019 President Donald Trump said:
“I encourage citizens, government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, the media, and other interested groups to increase awareness of how Americans can fight breast cancer.”
More than 268,000 women and approximately 2,600 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year according to the Presidential Proclamation.
The North Portico exterior of the White House is illuminated pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Oct. 1, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Sonya N. Hebert)
Breast cancer put in perspective
First of all, to put this issue in perspective, just walk down the street of a typical neighborhood and count out 8 dwellings. Residing in one of them will be a woman who will be stricken with breast cancer.
Focusing on the most common form of cancer in women that strikes women of all ages, National Breast Cancer Awareness is the ideal time to bring a greater awareness of this epidemic to the forefront.
Happily, the good news today is that there is now a 5-year relative survival rate of 99% for those women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Consequently, the Society further indicates that there are more than 3 million survivors today in the U.S. alone.
Get a yearly breast exam
The current success rate for early-stage breast cancer survival also points out the fact that early detection of this serious women’s health issue was a critical component leading to this dramatic improvement.
“There can be life after breast cancer. The prerequisite is detection.”
-Ann Jillian
Forms and stages of the disease
In its 2015-2016 report, “Breast Cancer Facts and Figures,” the American Cancer Society (ACS) describes breast cancer as a form of the disease that causes bodily cells to change and subsequently grow out of control. True to its name, this cancer begins primarily in the glands or ducts used in the production of milk.
The ACS report also describes various other forms of this cancer. These include lobular carcinoma of the breast, which is cancer growing within the lobules of the mammary glands. Some breast cancers, however, occur in both ductal and lobular regions. If any form of this cancer should subsequently turn invasive, it can metastasize by spreading to the lymph nodes.
According to the report, the main staging system for determining the severity of this cancer is as follows:
Stage 0 (In situ stage)
Stage I (Early stage invasive cancer)
Stage II (Regional tumors which have spread to surrounding tissue or lymph nodes)
Stage III (Stage II in nature, though more widespread. May have spread to distant organs or lymph above the collarbone)
Stage IV (Most advanced stage invasive cancer, with the most extensive metastasizing)
With lower stage breast cancers, stages may be more difficult to detect due to the small size of cancer. In more advanced stages, there might be lumps or nodules detectable through self-examination; the experience of pain, swelling, or redness of the breast tissue; unusual changes to nipples, and more.
Because of this, it is critical for potential victims of this cancer to report these or any other suspicious symptoms to a qualified healthcare professional. In addition, the medical profession recommends annual mammograms for women age 40 and over.
While early detection is critical in successful treatment outcomes, the prevention of breast cancer is an often-overlooked element that could help improve statistics even more.
Certainly, in addition to annual mammograms and medical check-ups, healthy self-care is equally as important for women. Maintaining a healthy weight, consuming a diet low in fats and sugars, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake can go along way toward preventing breast cancer. it can also help reduce risks for other diseases as well.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Pink Ribbon
Stay informed
For more information on the issues surrounding breast cancer prevention, detection, treatment and cures, the following list of resources may prove helpful.
healthfinder.gov, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Susan G. Komen organizations in the city nearest to you
“I’m happy to tell you that having been through surgery and chemotherapy and radiation, breast cancer is officially behind me. I feel absolutely great and I am raring to go.”
-Carly Fiorina
Until next time, enjoy the ride in good health!
