i like to consider myself an active participant in the fight against breast cancer. I have no medical skills, so I guess my money will have to do. nevertheless, anything that can spread the word of early detection, and high standard of living for survivors gives me hope.
we're all impacted by this cause. men, women, young, old - there is no one safe from the risk, and no one un-touched by this illness. I think that's what makes it so hard to say "I'm a supporter of Breast Cancer awareness, and the fight against Breast Cancer" as there is no one that I know who is not.
So - in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month - some info and tips for risk reduction and awareness of Breast Cancer, for which we can all be attune to.
i would typically note risk factors, as there have been studies that have indicated a relationship between some environmental and 'modifiable' risk factors - however, I believe that the emphasis on environmental or modifiable risks are extremely subjective, and the sociologist/feminist in me obviously turns to the paternalistic medicalization of female activy. and once again I turn to Samantha from Sex and the City to make my point (from episode 'Catch 38' when she switched doctors because she was told that her not having children could have been a contributing factor to her development of breast cancer):
Samantha: Like it's my fault. I shouldn't be punished for not having kids, I should be rewarded. Since when did kids become the get out of cancer free card? He's basically saying I'm a whore who deserves chemo.
Carrie: No, I don't think that's what he was saying.
Miranda: What I don't understand is if they got it all why do you need chemo?
Samantha: Because he's an asshole.
Carrie: Evidentally there could be something microscopic....
Samantha: Like his dick.
Carrie: Excuse me, do you have cancer or Tourettes?
we're all impacted by this cause. men, women, young, old - there is no one safe from the risk, and no one un-touched by this illness. I think that's what makes it so hard to say "I'm a supporter of Breast Cancer awareness, and the fight against Breast Cancer" as there is no one that I know who is not.
So - in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month - some info and tips for risk reduction and awareness of Breast Cancer, for which we can all be attune to.
WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?
if the first site of a cancerous growth or tumour is in the breast, the condition is called breast cancer. this can present itself in various ways, in various areas of tissue of the breast - the area extending from the armpit, to the breastbone, up to the collarbone.
WHAT CAUSES BREAST CANCER?
it is believed that a combination of inherited and environmental causes must be present for breast cancer to develop. however, the exact causes of breast cancer are not known. ongoing research is providing more information about how inherited and environmental causes work together to result in the cell DNA changes that lead to breast cancer.
BREAST CANCER IN CANADA (sorry american's!)
breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women - in 2009, an estimated 22,700 women in Canada were diagnosed with breast cancer... that is about 437 every week. 1/9 (11%) Canadian women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime (this means by age 90). in 2009, an estimated 180 men in Canada will be diagnosed with breast cancer. men with breast cancer make up a little less than 1% of all cases. in 2009, an estimated 5,400 women and 50 men will die from breast cancer in Canada. among women alive on january 1, 2005 in Canada, 148,542 had been diagnosed with breast cancer in the previous 10 years. however - as a sign of hope - only one in every 28 Canadian women will die from breast cancer. this means that about two-thirds of the women diagnosed with breast cancer in Canada will live through it.
BE BREAST AWARE
the breasts are constantly changing through life - being breast aware means knowing how your breasts normally look and feel so you can quickly identify changes early. since it's also possible for breast cancer to develop without any changes that can be easily noticed through breast awareness, it's important to maintain a regular schedule with your doctor - early detection of breast cancer is your first defence. finding cancer early may allow for more treatment options such as less aggressive treatment or breast conserving surgery.i would typically note risk factors, as there have been studies that have indicated a relationship between some environmental and 'modifiable' risk factors - however, I believe that the emphasis on environmental or modifiable risks are extremely subjective, and the sociologist/feminist in me obviously turns to the paternalistic medicalization of female activy. and once again I turn to Samantha from Sex and the City to make my point (from episode 'Catch 38' when she switched doctors because she was told that her not having children could have been a contributing factor to her development of breast cancer):
Samantha: Like it's my fault. I shouldn't be punished for not having kids, I should be rewarded. Since when did kids become the get out of cancer free card? He's basically saying I'm a whore who deserves chemo.
Carrie: No, I don't think that's what he was saying.
Miranda: What I don't understand is if they got it all why do you need chemo?
Samantha: Because he's an asshole.
Carrie: Evidentally there could be something microscopic....
Samantha: Like his dick.
Carrie: Excuse me, do you have cancer or Tourettes?
Some links for more information… if you're curious, concerned, or just care.