SHAPE PWOC Wears Pink to Show Support for Breast Cancer

            On January 31, 2008, the women of SHAPE’s PWOC (Belgium) wore pink in support of a former member who has recently been diagnosed and is going through treatment for breast cancer. This individual was only at SHAPE for a short time but had a positive influence on the ladies she came in contact with. This young mom has already undergone a bilateral mastectomy and is currently being evaluated for the right combination of chemotherapy drugs before she undergoes reconstruction. She lives in Hawaii and has been in our thoughts and prayers. Since she is so far away, PWOC wore pink in her honor and sent her a care package of Belgian treats and Nerds, a candy she is craving. It has been amazing to watch everyone pull together for someone in need. Many in the group do not know our friend but many have been touched by someone they know with breast cancer. The support was awesome to see.

            So who is at risk for breast cancer and what can be done about it? According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States (other than skin cancer). Each year, more than 211,000 American women learn they have this disease (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/breast/). Risk factors include age, personal history of breast cancer, family history, gene changes, reproductive and menstrual history, race, breast density, being overweight or obese after menopause, lack of physical activity and drinking alcohol.  As a woman gets older, her chances of getting breast cancer increases. Breast cancer usually occurs in women over 60, after menopause. If a woman has had breast cancer in one breast she is at risk for having breast cancer in the other breast. If her mother, sister or daughter has had breast cancer, she is at increased risk for developing it, especially if the family member was diagnosed before age 40. If there are changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, a woman may be at an increased risk for breast cancer. The older a woman is when she has her first child, the greater her chances of developing breast cancer. If she had her menstrual period before she turned 12, she is at an increased risk. If she goes through menopause after age 55, she’s at an increased risk. If she has never had children, she’s at an increased risk. However, studies show there is no association between abortions and miscarriages and the risk of breast cancer. Women who take menopausal hormone replacement therapy with estrogen and progestin after menopause have a greater chance of developing breast cancer. Breast cancer is diagnosed in more white women than in Latina, Asian or African American women. The more dense the breast tissue is the greater the risk for breast cancer. Women who are overweight after menopause are at greater risk for developing breast cancer. Increased physical activity may decrease the chances of developing breast cancer. The more a woman drinks, the greater her chances of developing breast cancer.
            It is important to screen for breast cancer before there are symptoms of breast cancer. Early detection means better survival rates and better outcomes. Detection of breast cancer can be made through mammogram, clinical breast exam and self breast exam. The National Cancer Institute recommends women in their 40s should have mammograms every one to two years. Younger women should have mammograms earlier if they have increased risk factors. Ask your health care provider if you are at risk and how often you should have mammograms. Clinical breast exams should be performed by your health care provider at your annual well-woman visit (e.g. pap smear appointment). A self breast exam should be performed monthly to check for changes in your breasts. Changes can occur because of aging, your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause or taking birth control pills or other hormones. It is normal to have breasts that feel a little lumpy or uneven. They may become swollen or tender right before your menstrual cycle or during your period. Contact your health care provider if you notice anything unusual concerning your breasts.
            Our friend’s mother had breast cancer when she was in her 30s. This individual also tested positive for the breast cancer gene. She had been screened early for her breast cancer through clinical breast exams, self breast exams and yearly mammograms. Her cancer was caught early. Through health education and clinical research maybe we can decrease the chances of breast cancer among other women. Throughout our friend’s entire ordeal she has put her hope in the Lord and her life continues to shine because of Him.

Additional resources: www.4women.gov
                                   www.cancer.gov
                                   www.hhs.gov/breastcancer