Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 

The chances are good that breast cancer will touch you or someone you know. October brings one month's worth of FULL attention to the disease, but the goal is to carry out that message every day of the year. My intention is not to scare any women reading this but to further educate you on what you can do.


Statistics show that breast cancer will strike 200,000 women this year and claim the lives of 40,000. It is the most common cancer among women, accounting for nearly one of every three cancers diagnosed in American women, according to American Cancer Society statistics. African-American women are more likely to be diagnosed at a late stage, when the cancer is less treatable, leading to breast cancer death rates being 38 percent higher for black women. Thankfully the death rates have been declining since 1990, with larger decreases in women younger than age 50.

Pam Grier, actress. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1988.

The American Cancer Society recommends women over 20 years old perform breast self-examinations every month; women between 20-39 have a clinical breast exam every three years; and women over 40 have a clinical breast exam and mammogram every year. It has been proven that mammograms save lives. A look at the more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. is testimony enough. Yet, nearly 13 million American women age 40 or older have never had a mammogram. Please remember that mammograms are safe and effective tests to detect breast cancers too small to be felt in a physical examination.

Richard Roundtree, actor and former model. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993.

 

Also let me touch on this: PLEASE know that MEN can also get breast cancer! The symptoms are the same as for women.

A lump in the pecs, chest, collarbone, nipples, torso, or underarms.

Discharge or fluid from the nipples that is bloody, clear, pus-like, or smells bad.

Skin changes that are bumpy, dark, different color, itchy, painful, rash-like, puckered, redness, sore/ulcer, shrunken, swollen, or tender.

So fellas make sure you are keeping  a look out too.

Ruby Dee, award winning actress. Breast cancer survivor of more than 30 years.
 

Breast cancer has been something that touches close to home for me. I have two aunts that I am proud to say that are breast cancer surviors. In this past year I have met so many other surviors. Remember to check yourself and remind your friends too. For anyone reading this that does have breast cancer .....or any cancer.... You can beat it!!! Until next time....PEACE!!

If you want more information Breast Cancer and how you can help visit
http://www.NBCAM.org
http://www.cancercenter.com
https://www.cancer.org/

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