FSU Treasures Our Chests for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
posted by Je'Lesa Jefferson | October 13, 2017 | In NewsThe month of October is breast cancer awareness month. It is a time to represent survivors of the disease and a chance to inform others about its severity.
About 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop Breast Cancer in their lifetime. In 2017 alone there have been an estimated number of 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women in the U.S and out of that number about 2,470 of the invasive breast cancer cases are diagnosed in men. Male cancer is rare but it does exist.
Breast Cancer is a cancer that forms in the cells of breast. There are several different types of the cancer. However, breast cancer can be separated into two categories: invasive and non-invasive. According to Breastcancer.org, about 80% of all breast cancers are invasive, meaning the cancer has the ability to spread to different parts of the body. Non-invasive means that the cancer does not leave the milk ducts or lobules in the breast.
Dr. Deon Facillace, breast cancer survivor and local surgeon, compared the cancer to being like a natural disaster: “You can’t prevent breast cancer. It’s like a hurricane. You just have to rebuild.”
On a more positive note, people can survive from this cancer. According to gynecologist Dr. Andrea Dickerson, of A Women’s Place in Fayetteville: “Cancer is real, but if we detect it early chances of survival are really high.”
Most women are recommended to begin annual mammograms around age 40, but it might be necessary to go earlier if you have breast cancer in your family history. The National Breast Cancer Foundation suggested that women give themselves a routine breast exam once a month.
“We may never be able to cure it but we can control it,” said Dr. Facillace.
The best way to fight this disease is with knowledge by getting to know your body and your family history. In order to spread awareness there was a “Treasure Our Chests” Breast Cancer Awareness 3k Fun Walk hosted by the Fayetteville chapter of The Links Incorporated at Fayetteville State University on Saturday October 7th, 2017.
Dr. Yvette M. Stokes, president of the chapter, said “Breast Cancer, especially, has always been a focus.” Dr. Stokes was very concerned with informing young women about breast cancer. “When we catch them early, and we educate them, the prime reason we do so is so young women listen to us before they get to the age where it becomes prevalent.”
Breast cancer affects everyone in some way, whether it is you, a family member, a friend, or acquaintance. While it may be nearly impossible to avoid, it can be managed. The best way to survive is to check your body regularly.
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