Why increased breast cancer awareness is vital Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast cancer remains the most common type of cancer globally and the second leading cause of death in women. Each year in the United States, around 255,000 cases of breast cancer in women are diagnosed versus 2,300 cases in men, and it is estimated that breast cancer takes the lives of 42,000 females and 500 males in America every year, per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetimes.
Sobering statistics like these remind us of how crucial it is to be cognizant of the risks as well as proactive in our approaches toward breast cancer prevention and testing.
“Breast cancer awareness is extremely important among the public. For so long, the word ‘cancer’ itself was taboo. A family member would be diagnosed, and it would be kept a secret. The patient would feel ashamed, and those around them feared it could be contagious,” says Zoraida Mendez, MD, clinical lead and oncology consultant for Cleveland-based Care Oncology. “Thankfully, the medical community has made a big effort in breaking these myths, and breast cancer educational programs have grown tremendously throughout the country over the years.” One major factor that has enhanced recognition and understanding of this disease has been Breast Cancer Awareness Month (every October), first established in 1985.
“I was at first greatly annoyed by all the attention to breast cancer in October, when everything I saw was pink – football player cleats, cans of soup, kitchen strainers, even our newspaper,” says Meg Stafford, a licensed clinical social worker in Littleton, Massachusetts, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. “At that time, I did not want reminders of all the treatments and chemicals I received. But I came to appreciate this raised
awareness in the following years, even as my gratitude was profound, as these treatments have saved my life.”
Jill Binkley, founder of the nonprofit TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, and a two-time breast cancer survivor, says greater public consciousness about breast cancer has significantly contributed to higher screening rates for breast cancer.
“That’s important, as proper screening can catch the disease early enough when it is most treatable,” says Binkley, who particularly credits the Susan G. Komen Foundation with helping to spread the word about breast cancer prevention and treatment and driving down mortality rates.
Janice Johnston, MD, chief medical officer and co-founder of Redirect Health in Glendale, Arizona, appreciates that several significant efforts have been made to grow breast cancer awareness further. “These include social media campaigns, commercials, and the global focus on educating and encouraging females to conduct at-home selfexams,” says Johnston. “There have also been many scientific advancements in recent years that have made early detection of breast cancer easier for providers, including improved imaging technology and nanotechnology. Increased awareness has also pushed for improvements to certain standards
for routine checking of breast cancer, such as new recommendations for women at a certain age – usually 40 to 50 years old, to begin routine mammograms and for high-risk patients to receive more routine screenings earlier.”
One of the most common fears Johnston hears from her patients is that they are afraid to get
a mammogram because they believe it may be uncomfortable.
“While it’s true that some women may feel slight discomfort, the majority do not. As organizations worldwide continue to educate individuals about preventive measures, like mammograms, these misconceptions and fears should decrease,” she adds. Mendez notes that she’s been proud to participate in several programs designed to educate people about breast cancer better.
“The first thing I start telling the public is that it is okay to talk about breast cancer. I explain the importance of doing self-breast exams once a month and not ignoring any changes in your breasts. I also stress having a yearly exam done by your regular physician,” says Mendez. “Another subject I educate them on is knowing the risks, including hereditary risks and lifestyle risks like obesity or heavy alcohol intake. And explaining the different treatment options helps relieve their fear of seeking medical attention.” To learn more about breast cancer facts, risks, preventive measures, and treatment options, visit NCCN.org, Cancer.org, and Komen.org.