Breast Cancer Awareness

THE FACTS & ISSUES

There are over 180,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer each year.  Breast cancer is categorized as invasive or non-invasive, which refers to cancer’s ability to spread to other parts of the body.  If cancer arises in breast tissue and spreads outside the breast, cancer cells have the ability to travel in the blood or lymph fluid areas requiring immediate medical attention depending on its stages.  Breast cancer elicits so many fears, including those relating to surgery, death, loss of body image and loss of sexuality.  Breast cancer is the leading cancer among White and African American women.  However, this disease affects African American women at large, so managing these fears can be facilitated by information and knowledge so that each woman can make the best decision concerning her health care.

THE NEED

Breast cancer is such a prominent issue, that there is an urgent need to continue to raise the level of breast cancer and health care awareness to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis or death.   The primary need is to educate women to be pro-active about their health, promote resources available for medical needs and expenses, and to empower women who experience the life altering hurdles of breast cancer.  In addition, there is much need for support programs and services for newly diagnosed breast cancer partients and survivors following breast cancer procedure, chemo, radiation, therapy and other challenges of personal and family life adjustments.  This need will help overcome some of the obstacles, so as to maintain focus on health care, educate and provide comfort and support as well as encourage the quality of life during this delicate phase.  If women are not educated, they are less inclined to take preventive measures against breast cancer.   Early detection can increase long-term health and prevent misdiagnosis. Breast cancer awareness is such a vital tool in our lives today and so many folks, even those near and dear to us, lack proper knowledge about this disease.  Therefore, we need to raise the level of awareness to educate our community and our families to provide wellness information, educational and medical research material to help save more lives.

In the past, breast cancer disease was considered a foreign issue amongst women – let alone a frightening experience.  Women were at a disadvantage about the risks involved with their personal health due to insufficient knowledge and education.  Furthermore, medical cost was a big issue for women who couldn’t afford proper medical care for breast exams.  In addition, breast removal resulted in low self-esteem then and now.

Today more disclosed educational and advanced technology (medical and clinical tests) have opened the doors about breast cancer and health care awareness, informing women about early detection and preventive measures against breast cancer.  Furthermore, several health centers offer free clinical testing to assists women unable to afford proper breast exams/screenings.  Today’s state-of-the-art technology provide new and improved recovery options for women to enhance their self esteem (i.e. reconstruction, implants, prosthesis, complimentary apparel and accessories).   In addition, support groups are available to help women build a strong focus on positive living before, during and after breast cancer.

Although circumstances may vary, significant issues still surround the subject of health and medical care for breast cancer patients.  Therefore, they should not be the victims of neglect, and more health care providers should support the patients' needs accordingly.  

The future will become more promising for women with breast cancer, who are pro-active about their health. As research continues to find a cure for this disease, it is strongly encouraged to empower women to enjoy the richness of a healthy, strong and quality of life.

 *Information on this website is not intended to replace the advice of medical professionals.  Contact a healthcare professional for any serious medical concerns.