FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023 - BREAST CANCER AND MORE

 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023 - BREAST CANCER AND MORE

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. October 13 (in addition to being Friday the 13th) is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day and No Bra Day.

First, some statistics:

Some statistics 

64% of Breast Cancer Cases are diagnosed at a localized stage for which the 5-year Survival rate is 99%

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the U.S.

1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime

In 2023, an estimated 297.790 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. 

This year, an estimated 2,800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States, and about 530 will die.

There are over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

This year, 43,700 women will die from breast cancer in the U.S.

Approximately 30% of all new cancer diagnoses in women will be breast cancer.

Mammograms save lives.

The most common types of cancer among women in the U.S. are skin, breast, lung, colorectal and uterine. Cervical and ovarian cancer affects only women and is also a significant cause of cancer worldwide. With early detection, cancer is more likely to be treated successfully.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women other than skin cancer. It occurs in the breast cells and can spread to the lymph nodes under the arms. In the U.S. this year, there will be an estimated 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women and 2,620 points in men.

Risk factors that increase your likelihood of developing breast cancer include:

Drinking alcohol
Being obese or overweight
Living a sedentary lifestyle
Not becoming pregnant
Not breastfeeding
Use of birth control, particularly oral contraceptives
Hormone therapy after menopause

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Okay - enough background, enough statistics, enough rational thought

Breast cancer is the number two cancer for women. Skin cancer is first. 

Skin cancer is generally preventable. The suggestions are:

Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.
Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade your face, head, ears, and neck.
Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block both UVA and UVB rays.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.

(Okay, I needed to touch on the first cancer for women).

*****

I had my first mammogram last year, and my second one is coming up. My primary care physician was adamant that I needed an annual mammogram - and I did.  

For my female friends reading this, I don’t know if my experience is typical. I remember my ex-wife describing her experience, and it seemed like her breasts were put in a vise, which was tightened until it hurt, and they took an image.  

I went to the ARA Diagnostic Center. Yes, they took an image of my breasts, but it didn’t seem as onerous as expected. (And, I was negative)

Maybe more interesting for me was that I also did a bone-density scan, and I have osteopenia - on the road to osteoporosis.  

I am glad that medical facilities are concerned about women’s health (especially now that I am a woman). My mother had breast cancer and had both breasts removed. The key seems to be early detection.  

Cancer (at least in my mind) is an evil disease. 

*****

What are the common signs and symptoms of breast cancer?

If any breast or nipple changes occur, make an appointment to see your healthcare provider.

Breast lump

Nipple changes

Dimpling in your breast (like an orange peel)

Swollen breast

Lump in your underarm

Nipple discharge – particularly concerning is spontaneous or bloody discharge. Stimulation of the breasts, hormones, pregnancy, and lactation can cause normal nipple discharge.

Breast or nipple pain

Nipple retraction (inward into the breast)

Red, itchy, scaly, or thick skin on your breast

*****

Please take this seriously. One of my life goals is to live to see my grandchildren graduate from college and get started on a good life. I want to be able to see LOVE WIN.

So, 

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS AS YOURSELF - and LOVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TO GET SCREENED FOR CANCER

LOVE THOSE WHO HAVE CANCER - SUPPORT THEM BY VISITING THEM, HELPING THEIR FAMILIES, AND GOING THE EXTRA MILE FOR THEM

KAREN ANNE WHITE, ©, OCTOBER 13, 2023