Positively Pink...

     Good morning, ALL...  My first semester of my freshman year at college, during my monthly breast self-exams, I found a lump on my left breast.   I came home, was examined by a physician, had some additional tests and during Thanksgiving break, had surgery.  I considered my self blessed because my lump was formed by a conglomeration of benign (non-cancerous) cysts which were removed.  Because of that finding, I have been having a mammogram since I was in my 20's.  That short clip of my life brings me to my topic for the day, BREAST CANCER AWARENESS.  October is BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH and the PINK ribbon symbolizes breast cancer.  National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign where many activities and events are scheduled around the nation that support awareness of the disease and raise monies to assist in the research of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and possibly a cure for this life altering disease.   Breast cancer is the 5th leading cause of death for women.   Although breast cancer is thought of as a women's disease, about 1 in every 100 cases of breast cancer is found in MEN.

     The number of people being diagnosed with breast cancer is increasing and that could be because people are more aware of the disease and are staying on top of their mammogram schedules or having a doctor check them when warning signs appear.  The good news is the survivor rates are increasing and that may because treatments are more direct and targeted.  I have several persons very near and dear to me who are breast cancer survivors.  Here is some information about the disease.
     Risk factors for breast cancer include:

• gender (female),
• age (over 50)
• inheritance of the breast cancer gene (BRCA-1 or BRAC-2)
• family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• high breast density
•  starting menopause after age 55
•  never having children or having first child after 35
•  postmenopausal hormone use of estrogen/progestin
•  being overweight at menopause or gaining weight as an adult.

   As I have said in many previous discussions on this blog, you have to know your body and what's normal for you.  So, if strange happenings occur you need to get them checked.  You need to see your doctor if : 

•  you discover any lump,or thickening inside your breast or under your arm
• there is a change in the  size/shape/color of your breast
• dimpling or puckering of the skin on the breast
• an itchy, scaly, sore or rash on the nipple
• discharge of the nipple that starts suddenly
• new pain in the breast that doesn't go away.

     Mammograms are the best tests that doctors have to find breast cancer early.  Women should have their first mammogram at age 40 UNLESS there is a risk factor that suggests to have one earlier in life.   If you have a risk factor, DO NOT HESITATE AND DO NOT LET ANYONE keep you from obtaining one.  A mammogram can detect before a lump can be felt.  Mammogram screenings usually take place at a doctor's office or clinic, and there are even programs that send out mobile mammogram buses that stop in various neighborhoods.  DO NOT WORRY about the cost.  Many states have a way to receive a mammogram for free or at low cost, but you have to find this information out for yourself.  Check online to see what is available in your area.  You more than likely have access to a computer if you are reading this blog, but if you are restricted, please go to your public library and use their computer and access the necessary information you need. 

     Once again, the suggestion of a healthy lifestyle is right in our faces.  Maintain a healthy weight, add exercise to your daily activites, limit alcohol intake, limit postmenopausal hormone use are just a few suggestions from Komen.org.

     Those few things I listed are just the basics when it comes to breast cancer.  There are MANY websites with information about breast cancer.  I implore you to check some of them out.  They include, but are not limited to, 5Komen.org, www.cdc.gov, Mayoclinic.com, Breastcancer.org.  SMOOCHES...

(special thanks to 5Komen.org, mayoclinic.com, breastcancer.org, Medicinenet.com)