The world is buzzing, supporting and giving major kudos to Angelina Jolie. In a New York Times op-ed article Angelina announced that she underwent a preventive double mastectomy after learning she carries a mutation of the BRCA1 gene, which sharply increases her risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
Photo Credit: NYT
“My doctors estimated that I had an 87 percent risk of breast cancer and a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer, although the risk is different in the case of each woman,” Jolie writes. ”Once I knew that this was my reality, I decided to be proactive and to minimize the risk as much I could. I made a decision to have a preventive double mastectomy.”
Although she kept everything private during the process, which began on February 2nd, Angelina shares “… I am writing about it now because I hope that other women can benefit from my experience. Cancer is still a word that strikes fear into people’s hearts, producing a deep sense of powerlessness. But today it is possible to find out through a blood test whether you are highly susceptible to breast and ovarian cancer, and then take action.”
Wanda Sykes and Ellen
Photo Credit: People.com
I commend Angelina for sharing this choice and experience. In 2011, on The Ellen Degeneres Show, Wanda Sykes announced after cancer was discovered during breast reduction surgery, she made the decision to have a double mastectomy. She says, ”…Cancer is cancer. I had the choice of, you can go back every three months and get it checked. Have a mammogram, MRI every three months just to see what it’s doing. But, I’m not good at keeping on top of stuff. I’m sure I’m overdue for an oil change and a teeth cleaning already.”
The point at which both Wanda and Angelina made their decision, along with so many women is a scary one. Cancer doesn’t discriminate. It is affecting the young, the old, the rich, the poor, all races and both sexes. Early detection is vital to survival.
According to The American Cancer Society estimates for breast cancer in the United States for 2013 are:
- About 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women
- About 64,640 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be found (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).
- About 39,620 deaths from breast cancer (women)
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.
The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is about 1 in 8. The chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 36. Breast cancer death rates are going down. This is probably the result of finding the cancer earlier and better treatment. Right now there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. (Cancer.Org)
My Story:
In my junior year of college, during a self-examination, I discovered a lump in my right breast. I immediately made an appointment to see my doctor at school. She told me it probably wasn’t a big deal and that we would monitor it. (Um…ok). A year later, she still didn’t feel any major need to investigate more about this lump but I swore it was getting bigger and decided to get a second opinion. (My doctor in my hometown rather than my school doctor.) This doctor immediately ordered a biopsy and then a mammogram… this of course led me to have a breakdown in the waiting room with my Mother proclaiming I was surely dying.
Biopsy done. Mammogram done. Benign but definitely needed to be removed. Surgery scheduled. Thanks, DOCTOR… I appreciate your ability to do your job, ease my mind AND take my health and well-being into consideration. This all took place in less than a week. A week from the time I first told the doctor about the lump to the surgery to remove the lump… and it was HUGE. I had to see it (so gross, I know) but after a year of feeling it, I had to see what it looked like.
I tell my story to stress the importance of self examinations as well as persistence in seeking the correct care if you do not feel as if you are being heard from a doctor. It happens and you deserve to feel comfortable and at ease.
Self Examination: ONCE A MONTH
Women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month. Johns Hopkins Medical Center states,“Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.”
Mammograms:
- Women 40 and older should have mammograms every 1 or 2 years.
- Women who are younger than 40 and have risk factors for breast cancer should ask their healthcare professional whether mammograms are advisable and how often to have them.
Even women who have no symptoms and no known risks for breast cancer should have regularly scheduled mammograms to help detect potential breast cancer at the earliest possible time.
Healthy Living: Although you cannot prevent cancer, a healthy lifestyle can help reduce risks.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stay physically active
- Eat fruits and vegetables
- Do not smoke
- Limit alcohol consumption
Support: There are so many different ways you can support breast cancer awareness. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and throughout the month there are events to promote awareness and fundraising for continued medical research.
- Races and Fundraising Events: You can participate alone, in a group or as part of a team in any of the races or events to support Breast Cancer Awareness and Research.
- Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
- Revlon Run Walk
- Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
- American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
Kellie and Elisa at the Making Strides Walk October 21, 2012
Terita participating in Barbells for Boobs, which raises money to provide mammograms to women who cannot afford one.
Terita and her Cross Fit crew at Barbells for Boobs 2012
- Merchandise: MKB Breast Cancer Awareness Bows: 100% Silk Pink Bows you can wear throughout October, a percentage of sales is donated to the Susan G. Komen Fund.
- Donations: National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.
- Continued Support and Understanding : For Survivors and family and also the families of those who have lost the battle to cancer.
Awareness, research and persistence are imperative in this battle.