Danyealle Posted October 1, 2010 Report Posted October 1, 2010 October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Since Skye and I have both been affected by this disease through a close relative, we put our heads together and thought, for October, we would do a couple things to raise awareness about the disease since AFF is a site that is frequented mostly by women. We also realized that, sadly, most on here have been affected by this disease in many ways, either through themselves, relatives or friends so info is always something everyone can use. Let’s start with some facts here… ALL women are at risk for breast cancer, no matter your age. Though men get it too, it’s rare. However, if you are older, you have more of a risk than younger women do. Here are some basic facts from the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org • Nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. • 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. • Over 30% of women are diagnosed after breast cancer has spread beyond the localized stage. • When breast cancer is detected early (localized stage), the 5-year survival rate is 98%. Though they are scary stats in some cases, the thing is if you catch it early, your chance of survival increases. That means early detection is the key. There are several things that can be done to detect it early Breast self exams are a VERY important tool in helping catch things early. Though they aren’t as effective as things like mammograms and other tests, they can alert you to changes in your breasts that could easily be a warning sign. It’s recommended that every woman out there do a self exam once a month, starting in their 20’s. Below is a youtube link that shows you how to do a self exam… You, more than anyone else, know your body and what is normal and what isn’t. Doing a breast exam once a month allows you to know what they feel like so that if something out of the ordinary is there, you will be able to feel it then get to the doctor. No, most lumps are NOT cancerous, they are benign and harmless, but it’s ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS better safe than sorry! According to the American Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.org ) women in their 20s and 30s should have a breast exam as part of a regular check up by a health care professional every 3 years. Starting at age 40, women should have one every year. Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year. Those at greater risk, for various reasons such as genetics, family links, other risk factors, should get both an MRI and a mammogram every years. Beyond that, there are ways to help. You can help raise awareness of the need for funds and the prevalence of it through many wonderful originations in the US, Canada as well as around the world. The Race/Run for the Cure (depending on the country as to what it’s called) is just one of those things that help raise awareness and money. Many sell things like pink ribbons and other things that help raise awareness and funds for research as well as things like support for family to help through the rough time while they deal with it. Those always need a helping hand and funds. On this thread, if you wish, you may add the names (first only, please) or titles (like mom, aunt, cousin, etc) and their relationship with you as a way to honor those that have dealt with this in a way that is personal to you. Just remember ladies, feel them boobies! It is something that could very well save your life. Priestess Skye Danyealle Mother: mastectomy 2 years ago Aunt Yvonne (father’s side): double mastectomy; lost the fight with it Quote
ApolloImperium Posted October 1, 2010 Report Posted October 1, 2010 Thanks for sharing! It's such a huge issue with women nowadays - We need to make sure that we pay attention! AFF will also be adding a few not for profit banners linking to various Breast Cancer Awareness sites into the footer banners so keep an eye out! Keep the boobies healthy! Quote
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