Empowering A Sisterhood Healing By Fostering Hope Encourage To Cope And Survive To Thrive
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What Is Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a surgical process that recreates the look and shape of a woman’s breasts. It is performed by a plastic surgeon and typically involves prosthetic implants and/or the woman’s own tissues, including skin, fat and muscle. Women who have had one or both breasts removed or a part of a breast removed in their cancer treatment are ideal candidates for this surgical procedure. Federal law requires most group insurance plans that cover mastectomies to also cover breast reconstruction.
At SIU Medicine, our breast reconstruction specialists and plastic surgeons work tirelessly with our patients to make sure they feel fully supported in whatever they decide to do following their mastectomies. Having the breasts reconstructed is a highly personal decision that needs to take several factors into consideration, including a woman’s overall health, lifestyle and goals. We honor each patient’s preferences and intuition while educating them about all the risks and benefits so they feel well informed and respected.
Ideally One Should Examine Themselves Regularly And Especially After The Period Is Over Because One Is Less Likely To Be Bloated Or Swollen
Cancer the emperor of maladies is on a rise, and the causes for the same are multi-factorial. Dr Aruna Muralidhar, senior consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Fortis La Femme Hospital, Bangalore says: Although breast cancer is thought to be a disease of the developed world, almost 50 per cent of breast cancer cases and 58 per cent of deaths occur in less-developed countries. The age distribution of breast cancer also is changing as younger women, too, are also developing breast cancer.
She points out that breast cancer is amenable to early detection, since it involves a superficial organ which is not hidden deep in the body. In fact, the very symptoms of the same can be detected by yourself.
What is self-breast examination or SBE?
This is the most important basic level of inspection for detecting breast cancer. SBE is a convenient, no-cost tool that anyone can use regularly and at any age. A self-breast examination is ideally done by self after your period in front of the mirror says Dr Muralidhar.
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Ideally, one should examine themselves regularly and especially after the period is over, because one is less likely to be bloated or swollen. However, for women who have already gone through menopause, they should set a particular date on the calendar for SBE.
READ| Daily consumption of this food item may reduce risk of breast cancer, scientists say
Dr Muralidhar points out the steps to do an SBE:
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Sign Petitions To Increase Research Funding
Federal funding for breast cancer research is crucial for continuing to fight for a cure, and the Cancer Action Network has a form to send to Congress to ask for continued bipartisan support for breast cancer. The letter asks for at least $41.6 billion for the National Institutes of Health and at least $6.5 billion for the National Cancer Institute. You can also sign a petition asking for your state Senator to pledge more funding, or contact or call your Congress representative yourself to tell them how important breast cancer research is to you.
What Are The Symptoms
There are different symptoms of breast cancer, and some people have no symptoms at all. Symptoms can include
- Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
- Pain in any area of the breast.
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk .
- A new lump in the breast or underarm.
If you have any signs that worry you, see your doctor right away.
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Calendar Of Health Promotion Days
The calendar features health awareness:
- days
- months
Events marked with an asterisk take place on the same day every year.
These events are either promoted by recognized health organizations or recognized in the professional health community. Not all websites and events listed are celebrated or endorsed by Health Canada.
You can submit a health promotion awareness event for 2021 on behalf of your organization. Events are removed from the calendar once the date has passed, unless you mention next year’s event. If your annual event was removed, you can submit it again when the next occasion is announced.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Remembering The Burden Of This Disease
According to the World Health Organization , breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the world and the most common cancer in women worldwide, accounting for 25% of all incident cases of female cancers.
According to the World Health Organization , breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the world and the most common cancer in women worldwide, accounting for 25% of all incident cases of female cancers. Despite the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, this condition is still the leading cause of death for women. October is celebrated as a National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, where people from all over the world recognize the seriousness of this condition and show their support for patients affected by breast cancer. This month highlights awareness programs, serves as a reminder of those who have battled the disease, and educates the public on different medical and social aspects of breast cancer.
As people celebrate breast cancer awareness month worldwide, it is imperative to continue public health awareness programs and fundraisers, facilitate and improve the breast cancer screening/detection process, and support those who have battled this disease.
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Cancer Awareness Days & Other Important Dates
It can be difficult to keep track of all the cancer Awareness dates in a year, so we have compiled a complete list of awareness events in the US in 2022 for you. Scroll to the bottom of our list to download our 2022 calendar that includes all of these dates!
| Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancer Awareness | Month |
| Triple Negative Breast Cancer Day | |
| Head and Neck Cancer Awareness | Month |
| Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week | |
| Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness | Month |
| National Womens Health and Fitness Day | |
| National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer | |
| World Hospice & Palliative Care Day | |
| Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day | |
| Periwinkle |
Get a free containing monthly visuals of the dates listed above.
- TeamIHadCancer Connect Survivor: Breast Cancer
Team I Had Cancer is the group of people behind the scenes, making sure IHadCancer.com is running, and that you’re connecting to the people you need to know for the support and information you need while dealing with cancer.
Wvu To Recognize National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Day
WVU is committed to ensuring employees are aware of the risks to their health and the options they have to prevent them. In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Division of Talent and Culture has partnered with the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program to provide employees with information and resources about the second-leading cause of cancer death in women in the U.S.
West Virginia will celebrate its 25th annual Breast Care Awareness Day on Oct. 5, a day that has come to encompass what Breast Cancer Awareness is all about.
Hundreds of West Virginians will find ways to show their commitment to fight breast cancer a disease that has taken the lives of so many women across the state. Visit the WV DHHR bulletin board to learn more about activities planned in West Virginia and how to get involved.
Breast Cancer is a preventable disease if caught early, with preventive screening. Women who detect breast cancer early have more choices for treatment and a greater chance of treating the disease.
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Effects Of The Pandemic
The anxiety that comes with cancer is one of the worst and the COVID-19 crisis has now worsened the situation further. Comprehensive modeling research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgeries projected that 59·7% of cancer surgeries were deferred in India during the initial 12 weeks of disruption.
Since end-March, when the nationwide lockdown was enforced, nearly 80 percent of breast cancer patients decided to stay back at home by ignoring early symptoms, instead of coming to hospitals for screening. Patients already under treatment too suffered due to the lockdown, and while many of them are now turning up for follow-ups, the time lost and lack of treatment has led to the spreading of cancer and move to advanced stages.
Some of the measures suggested by international guidelines on how to treat breast cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic are:
During the COVID-19 times, special preparations are needed to increase the efforts for early diagnosis by creating mass awareness about breast self-examination and also the available treatment options, especially breast conservation procedures, and oncoplastic mammoplasty, and other reconstructive procedures so that patients dont hesitate to come forward. The earlier the cancer is detected, the more options open to the patient and the less money the patient has to spend. They can also avoid so many aggressive treatments like mastectomy and chemotherapy.
Breast Cancer In The Americas
In the Americas, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. More than 462,000 women are newly diagnosed and aproximately 100,000 women die from breast cancer each year. This is expected to increase by 34% in the Americas by 2030, if current trends continue.
In high income countries, organized screening programs with mammography have led to earlier diagnosis, and coupled with effective treatment, have led to reductions in breast cancer mortality. There are many challenges, however in implementing such effective organized screening programs in limited resource settings. Therefore, raising awareness and understanding about breast cancer risks, early signs and symptoms and overall breast health awareness is an important part of a public health approach for breast cancer.
Join the October Breast Cancer Awareness month campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer and support women to reduce their breast cancer risks, be screened and seek medical attention, if a suspicious lump is detected.
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Are You A Breast Cancer Survivor
SIU Medicine care providers envision a time when there is no more stigma surrounding breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery. We believe all women deserve privacy, dignity and empowerment at every stage of their breast cancer journeys.
If you’re a survivor and are interested in learning more about our breast reconstruction services, contact SIU Medicine at 217-545-8000 to schedule a consultation today.
Rally In Supporting Everyone
Behind every photo is a story with the power to uplift and inspire others. Tell us how you or a loved one has been impacted by breast cancer.Well share your stories throughout the month of October in celebration of the ways we RISE together and as a message of hope for others on their own breast cancer journey.
Every Dollar Matters
Whether youre funding a mammogram, supporting education, or helping reach women in underserved communities, your donation matters. Click the button below to select how your contribution will be used.
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Facts About Breast Cancer In The United States
- In 2021, an estimated 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 49,290 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer.
- 63% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage , for which the 5-year survival rate is 99%.
- This year, an estimated 43,600 women will die from breast cancer in the U.S.
- Although rare, men get breast cancer too. In 2021, an estimated 2,650 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the U.S. and approximately 530 will die.
- 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. It is estimated that in 2021, approximately 30% of all new women cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer.
- There are over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
- On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States.
Breast Cancer Awareness : Janice Lebel: Dont Let Pandemic Derail Medical Care
Courtesy photoJanice LeBel of Salem is a health professional and breast cancer patient. She recommends vigilance and feels gratitude as she battles breast cancer for a second time.
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Home delivery and Digital Access customers of The Salem News get deals for restaurants, hotels, attractions and other businesses, locally and across the country.
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Donate To An Organization That Helps Underserved Patients & Survivors
Women of color are disproportionately affected by breast cancer in America, especially by triple negative breast cancer, one of the more aggressive kinds. A few of your spare dollars can go towards addressing that gap. Sisters By Choice provides free mammograms to uninsured women and holds free educational programs on breast cancer, while the Black Women’s Health Imperative was the first organization in the U.S. devoted to the health of Black women and girls. The Smith Center for Healing & The Arts holds programs to help people affected by cancer, while Sisters Network is one of the biggest survivorship support groups for Black women facing breast cancer in the U.S. The National LGBT Cancer Network provides support for LGBTQ+ cancer patients and survivors, too.
For Nearly Four Decades Now The Country Has Recognized October As National Breast Cancer Awareness Month It Is A Time Annually Devoted To Educating Everyone About Breast Cancerincluding Metastatic Breast Cancer And The Importance Of Early Detection And Timely High
No matter who you are or where you live, breast cancer may touch your life. Its necessary to understand the warning signs of breast cancer, your risk and whats normal for you, so if there are any changes in your breasts, you can act.
Since 1989, Susan G. Komen has helped drive down mortality rates from breast cancer thanks to our focus on early detection and improvements in treatmenthowever, that progress is in jeopardy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people delayed their regular screening and the pandemic disrupted treatment and research progress.
And progress is needed. Through research, growing knowledge about breast cancer has led to new therapies and targeted treatments that improved outcomes for many people and replaced the one-size-fits-all treatments of three decades ago. It is research that brings hope to patients facing this disease, especially those living with MBC. We need to ensure more options for patients, especially when treatments stop working.
The COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted the disparity in breast cancer treatments for rural and low-income people across the country, as well as the disparity in treatment between Black and white women. Black women in the U.S. are about 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than white women.
Thats why Susan G. Komen encourages you to dedicate this October as a time of action, both for yourself and others.
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How Can I Get Involved In Wear It Pink
Register to hold your own wear it pink event, and let us know what date works for you.
If youd like to join us next year, let us know and well be in touch when registrations open.
If youd like to pay in your fundraising from your wear it pink 2021 event, you can do that here.
If youre not sure about what to do for wear it pink, dont worry. Weve got lots of handy tips on how to wear pink, raise money and help anyone affected by breast cancer. Just click below for some ideas.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month : Importance Of Early Detection
According to studies, early detection of breast cancer can increase the survival rates of the patient. It is important to check for the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Symptoms may include- presence of lump in the breast, pain in the breast, swelling in areas near the breasts, discharge from nipple other than breast milk, change in the shape of the nipple and swelling under arm. In some cases, these may not be the sign of breast cancer but any of these signs should be reported to the doctor immediately.
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2020
To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2020, the International Agency for Research on Cancer will highlight several interesting research projects on breast cancer throughout October, including findings from the African Breast Cancer Disparities in Outcomes study.
The ABC-DO study was a hospital-based cohort study of 2228 women who were newly diagnosed with breast cancer and were prospectively recruited in 20142017 in five countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Detailed epidemiological and clinical data on this cohort were collected using an active follow-up protocol based on mobile health using mobile phones, in which participants were contacted every 3 months for updates on their status.