October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to recognize survivors, cheer on fighters and remember those who have lost the battle. We're celebrating life and lives.
Chances are someone you know will be affected by breast cancer during their lifetime. In fact, according the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, an estimated 178,480 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in American women this year. Early detection is your best defense, and doctors recommend regular self-breast exams starting at age 20 and yearly mammograms starting at age 40.
Get the facts on the different kinds of tests by clicking here.
To all the breast cancer survivors, we admire your strength. And to those who are currently struggling, our thoughts are with you, especially during this special month.
Has someone you know been diagnosed with breast cancer? Feel free to use the comment space below to recognize, remember or cheer them on. And to read more about this disease or to make a donation, visit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Web site.
Comment: Tuesday, October 02, 2007 6:58:00 AM - 
said...
I would just like to say that I am a breast cancer survivor, sinse 2004...I always get an annuel mamogram and because I do, they were able to catch the cancer at a very early stage and remove it totally...THANK GOD! PLEASE DON'T PUT OFF GETTING ANNUEL MAMOGRAMS! If I had, it could have been much worse...I could have lost my breast...or, my LIFE! PLEASE, GO GET SCREENED!
Comment: Tuesday, October 02, 2007 10:25:00 AM - Jenny said...
My best friend's mom has been diagnosed with breast cancer and it has affected all of us. I pray for you and those that have been touched by this. Love.
Comment: Tuesday, October 02, 2007 2:45:00 PM - said...
Iam a breast cancer survivor since 1998 and I recoment to all womans to examiner your self because that was the way I found my and save my life. I thank God today and I also want to say who ever is going through that today keep faithfull and do not be scare to get the treatment and you will be one more survivor in the world. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Comment: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 4:49:00 AM - said...
Please, I beg all of you out there who have breast cancer, to TELL THE DOCTOR if you took the pill. I just found out that all of us who took the pill before having a baby, especially if it was for a few years beforehand, have a 45% greater chance of getting breast cancer!!! Why didn't someone tell us this BEFORE giving us the Pill????
I have so many friends who took the Pill and now have breast cancer, and I'm only 48....
Please, SOMEONE speak out about this, and let's tell our sisters and daughters and friends....so they won't make the same mistake!!!
May the Lord stop this terrible epidemic of breast cancer!!!!
Comment: Thursday, October 04, 2007 11:23:00 AM - said...
In response to the Worst Foods column today, reader "Barbarah" said that after eating all those potato chips that she eats "Sneakers" and "Bounty". This is a new one on me! Does eating Bounty help absorb the calories?!? This is one weird chick!
Comment: Monday, October 08, 2007 7:49:00 AM - said...
Yes ladies I agree with Linda go get your mamograms! I am a survivor for 14 months now. When I was diagnosed in Oct 2005 it was because of a mamogram. The tumor was only 1.3cm and could not be felt...not by myself nor by any of the doctors. Because of that mamogram we caught it early (stage 1). I had a lumpectomy, 6mos of Chemo and 6 1/2 weeks of Radiation, but I am cancer free and here to talk about it! Mamograms may be a little uncomfortable, but it may just save your life, like it did mine!
Comment: Monday, October 08, 2007 10:12:00 AM - Marsha said...
Yes, ladies. I have been a breast cancer survivor since August 1, 2005. My tumor was found because of an annual mammogram. It was deep in the breast tissue and was hard to feel upon self examination. Please go and get those mammograms! My tumor was the size of a quarter and I lost my breast. My life was more important than my breast! I could have lost my life if I had NOT had a mammogram. I had 4 rounds of chemo and now I'm on tamoxifen. Yes, I am a survivor and have been for two years and plan on being one for a LONG TIME! Please go for your mammograms today!
Comment: Monday, October 08, 2007 10:24:00 AM - said...
My mom did not get mamograms and her cancer was well advanced when it was found. We lost her in Nov. 02.My heart still aches that she never saw my grandchildren, or met my daughters husbands, or all the other things that go on just living.I go every year for my mamograms and talk to my daughters often about theres. Please get checked.. The great grandchildren you have not met yet need there great grannies and your grown daughters still need there Mamas.
Comment: Monday, October 08, 2007 12:05:00 PM - said...
Hello everyone. I had my yearly mammogram today and because I felt the tech did not squeeze tight enough and because she didn't put the nipple protector on right on my RIGHT breast, I requested a do over.. however, the doctor was there to review my films and she decided that she wanted a do over for my RIGHT breast at a certain angle. THANK GOD,I'm fine and she told me "See you next year".
PLEASE, speak up if you feel the mammo wasn't done right! I would have had to come back, scared stiff, and it would have been for nothing.
I pray for everyone who is a survivor ..and continue to get those mammos every single year without fail..
Love love love to all.
Rhona
Comment: Monday, October 08, 2007 1:50:00 PM - said...
Please do get screened, even if you feel you're too young to be concerned. Years ago one of our employees had a "funny feeling" and decided to make an appointment with the mobile van that our health plan sent on-site yearly. She could not get the mammogram because the van only screened for age 35 and up (she was 33 at the time). Rather than let it go, she went to her OB/GYN. Thank God she did - it turned out she had a very tiny lump deep in the breast, and it was malignant. She had it removed and fortunately it was the only one and had not spread. Had she not pursued it, though, she might have been less fortunate and not had it detected until much later.
Comment: Monday, October 08, 2007 1:55:00 PM - said...
Presently my mother-in-law is undergoing diagnosis for potential breast cancer. She had been advised by her first doctor that after biopsy, he had determined that the two tumors were cancerous and need to be removed along with a full breast mastectomy. We are hopeful that her second opionn doctor will diagnosis a less aggressive treatment as these tumors only appeared after one year. Please pray along with our family for the best diagnosis upon completion of her examination.
Comment: Monday, October 08, 2007 2:34:00 PM - said...
To the woman whose mother inlaw has been advised to have a mastectomy - I would listen to the doctor! My mother was advised to have a lumpectomy (removing the lump but leaving the breast) but she had a mastectomy anyway. She was placed on 6 monthly mammograms following the ooperation. the first 2 were clear - but 3 months after the second she felt a pain in her chest. It wasa grade four cancer of a completely different type than the previous one. Following her second mastectomy she was clear again for approximately a year. Then felt a hard lump on her chest. it was removed and the bisopsy showed it was benign, however at the same time they had taken an xray of her chest. The xray showed tiny tumours throughout her lungs, the breast cancer had metastased to her lungs. It is bombastic in nature - meaning it 'pops' sending cancer particles into the surrounding tissue. Mum has had approximatelt 8 months of Herceptin and another chemo drug - initially the tumours were shrinking. Now they have grown again and there are more of them. It is now merely a waiting game. Do everything you can on the first diagnosis in order to hopefully make this the only diagnosis. Even if it means the removal of the whole breast. Your doctor knows what he is talking about - they do not suggest mastectomies lightly.
Comment: Monday, October 08, 2007 3:32:00 PM - said...
A friend had been diagnosed a year ago, went through 24 weeks of chemo and recently had a left masectomy. She has been a trooper throughout & I want to praise her and her Faith dueing this difficult time.
Comment: Monday, October 08, 2007 4:43:00 PM - Lizette said...
I am a survivor of 8 years. how foolish I was....leaving the tumor in my breast grow for an entire before seeking medical treatment. why did I do this...because I thought, "if Linda Mc Cartney couldn't beat this what hope do I have.?" very dumb I realize that now. but I pray that not one of you out there Waits a single moment to seek treatment. remember You are You and whatever outcome anyone else obtained has not much to do with You.
Comment: Monday, October 08, 2007 9:14:00 PM - said...
I am a breast cancer survivor. I went for my annual mammogram last year, where they found a non-palpable microcalcification. My doctor did a lumpectomy, which saved my life. Breast self exam is a good idea, but it would not have helped cases like mine that can only be found on a mammogram. I urge every woman not to put off going for a mammogram, it might just save your life.
Comment: Tuesday, October 09, 2007 6:23:00 AM - said...
This is unrelated to breast cancer, but I can't find the right forum for what I wanted to say. I want to thank Raphael for the "6 Weeks to a Better Butt" exercise plan. It's amazing and it works!! I love how strong my thighs feel and how little my rearview has gotten. I've been keeping it up for 8 weeks now. Thank you so much!
Heidi Parsons
Michigan
Comment: Tuesday, October 09, 2007 6:03:00 PM - said...
One month ago I had a lumpectomy. My tumor was small and I could not feel it with my self exam so it was discovered with a routine mammogram. I am healing from the surgery which went very well and in the midst of making a decision about what further treatments I will have. Luckily I am here to make those choices. I am 52. Have those mammograms, they could save your life.
Comment: Wednesday, October 10, 2007 7:57:00 AM - said...
I detected a lump on my right breast. It was time for my mammogram and to get one was 5 months down the road, everyone is getting one. They told me I needed to see my primary doctor first so he could ask for a diagnostic mammogram if I felt it might be urgent. I saw my doctor, he didn't think I needed diagnostic testing, but he went ahead and scheduled it, I had my testing done last week, the doctor at the center said it looked suspicious and he was glad I came in, because of the location, the mammogram machine wouold not have detected it. I had a biopsy done yesterday and am awaiting the results. Please be assertive, you know your body. PJ
Comment: Wednesday, October 10, 2007 8:47:00 AM - said...
Make your appointment today.
I had a mammo on 9/17 a biopsy on 10/3 and found out yesterday I have
cancer. It is very early so I was lucky.... be lucky too
Comment: Wednesday, October 10, 2007 9:20:00 AM - Joyce Glenn said...
October 10, 2007
I had breast cancer 1993(lumpectomy)then 12/13/05 had mammogram,a different cancer came in the same breast it was calcium my breast was removed 1/6/2006, I could not feel calcium, my mammogram doctors were looking through Jesus EYES, Praise God.
J. Glenn
Comment: Wednesday, October 10, 2007 10:15:00 AM - said...
Thank you to the person who let you know about the pill and about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). These are the 2 MAIN CAUSES of breast cancer. There are so many studies out now that confirm this research of linking breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and many more things associated with the use of these two drugs. Please ladies, do your research, STOP taking the pill or HRT, watch what you eat and what you put on your skin. It is a matter of life and health. Be an educated consumer and take care of yourself and the ones you love. Bless you all for your courage to speak out. We MUST change what our doctors are prescribing and open their eyes. It is up to us to change the statistics. Read Dr. John Lee's books about menopause, breast cancer and natural hormone therapy. It is a must! Thank you all for your comments and God bless you as well.
Comment: Wednesday, October 10, 2007 1:46:00 PM - said...
HARMFUL RADIATION OF MAMMOGRAMS?
I am hearing lots of concern out there about the harmful effects of mamograms....anyone have any comments on this? I have been getting mine every year, but I have concerns now that they may be doing more harm than good. The exposure to that type of radiation is harmful.
Comment: Wednesday, October 10, 2007 4:26:00 PM - said...
In May of 2005, I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer, I never even heard of it, my Doctor was quick in recomending I have a mammagram. soon followed tests, I went thru Chemo, a mastectomy, and radiation, believe if anything looks diffent with your breast, go to a doctor, they told me this is the worst, but it all is, and I am a surviver
Comment: Wednesday, October 10, 2007 10:34:00 PM - said...
I just found out that one of my old friends has breast cancer and is undergoing a mastectomy right away. I wish her well and lots of strength and courage as she also receives treatment afterward. May God Bless her and her family right now.
Comment: Friday, October 12, 2007 6:52:00 PM - said...
My mother celebrated her 87th birthday on October 10th. She had her cancerous left breast removed at the age of 42. She is a 45 year survivor and counting! Today everything about this disease - diagnosis, treatment, and recovery - is far better than it was 45 years ago. So please, have courage and trust. And have that yearly mammogram.
Comment: Saturday, October 13, 2007 2:40:00 PM - said...
I am a breast cancer survivor and just had a lumpectomy 10 days ago. I had a few different types of cancer in the same area, but one was invasive lubular carcinoma--still very small and caught early. My lymph nodes were negative. What I want to say is, had it not been for my surgeon probing around at the time of the lumpectomy, he would not have found a second site of invasive lubular carcinoma. This was located farther back towards the chest wall, and would have remained in me had it not been for the doctor's decision to probe and move breast tissue around. So if any of you have been given a diagnosis of invasive lubular carcinoma, please know that it is typical to have multiple sites of this type of cancer. I'm now awaiting the final pathology report on this second area and a mastectomy of my right breast might be a possibility.
Have your mammograms yearly and be interactive in your health care. My love to you all. Judy
Comment: Monday, October 15, 2007 12:06:00 AM - Israel said...
my best friends mom passed from breast cancer. it was so sudden. it saddens me to see pink ribbons.
Comment: Monday, October 15, 2007 2:26:00 AM - said...
I am a great believer in any form of prevention for any form of cancer. I have my mammograms on a regular basis, and having had a full hysterectomy five years ago as a result of faulty smears and a very observant gyno (I can't spell the full word ) I still have my smears even though some people think it is stupid, after all what can go wrong, I am not going to take any chances.
Any preventive measure for any diseases please everyone take advantage of them, I am a widow because of late treatment for bowel cancer, so if it doesn't feel right say so, and keep saying so until it does feel right.My husband didn't.
Stay healthy everyone.
Comment: Monday, October 15, 2007 12:28:00 PM - said...
Ladies, I, too, am a Breast Cancer survivor... it has been almost 7 years now! If you could see me now!! whit,whew! :) All I wanted was to get back to the gym...
I was 37 (Sept. 2000)... it was found by an intern (my doctor was on vacation) during a routine annual pap exam. To follow up, a couple days later, I went to the LGH Breast Center, the doc (at that time) said it was "just a cyst" (because it moved)... I insisted on having it removed (even though my breasts were small). To verify, he had an ultrasound done (I suggest this highly!!), and they noticed it was a solid mass. A week later, I had a Lumpectomy (only the lump and surrounding tissue gets removed) - my "margins" were not clean, and was told I had Breast Cancer, and had 6 months to live...NOW WAY I said! I got another opinion, found a different doctor (he's awesome!!), but confirmed I had 3 forms of cancer...a month later I had a Mastectomy, and opted for reconstruction right away... I found a great plastic surgeon, who then put a tissue expander in immediately after the removal, during the surgery. A month later I started 12 weeks of chemo...YUK! ..and lost my long blonde hair (which I chopped sequentially throughout this ordeal)! During chemo treatments, intermittently, I would have my tissue expander injected with saline, and my butt cheek injected with Lupron (to protect my ovaries)...after completing chemo, and when I was strong enough to withstand another surgery, I got my "boob job"...lol (reconstruction with silicone implants - most natural looking), and became part of FDA's silicone test program.
I've gone through several minor surgeries thoroughout the years: nipple reconstruction, replacing of ruptured implants, new 10-year FDA test study. It's been a long road, and throughout this journey, have helped many along the way...
If you could only see me now! LOL...
So, in conclusion... keep your appointments, follow through, keep your head up, shoulders back, and a smile on your face! Never give up hope - and reach for a goal!
If anyone needs my help, I'm here for you!
God Bless!
Beth
Comment: Monday, October 15, 2007 11:45:00 PM - said...
Ladies, be your own advocate! My mother died
years ago at only 46 of breast cancer because in
those days they decided to "leave the lump and see what happens." Her legacy to me was to always trust my own instinct. After two benign
biopsies , during a physical by my surgeon , he
felt a lump and since it hurt, he said it was probably a cyst. I insisted on an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed nothing. I insisted on having it drained and, you guessed it, it was cancer. It was only 1cm.and had not spread but I was strongly urged to have chemo, since it was aggressive. That was in 2001 . I thank my mother for her words that have stayed with me all these years. We all want to hear good news but if you find out the truth as soon as possible, it could save your life. God Bless you all.
Comment: Monday, October 29, 2007 11:57:00 AM - said...
I am one of the new breast cancer survivors as I was diagnosed and operated on August 2006. Mammograms are so important in catching these things and also helps if the women themselves are aware of what is happening - makes it much easier(mentally)
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