Breast Cancer Awareness: You And Your Boobies
It's almost October and that means Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here. Since everyone is at risk, including men, here are some important breast cancer awareness facts:
Every 13 minutes, a woman dies of breast cancer in the U.S. Women of all ages from 15-99 are at risk for developing the disease.
200,000 women will be diagnosed this year. Over 40,000 of them will die of the disease.
Breast cancer is the second only to heart disease as the leading cause of death in women.
One in eight women or 12.6% of all women will get breast cancer in her lifetime.
Breast cancer risk increases with age: 77% of women with breast cancer are over 50. 7% are under 40.
Here's the kicker about breast cancer: men are at risk as well. Every day, 1 man dies of breast cancer in this country. While the risk is small, 1% of all breast cancers occur in men, 80-90% of those are invasive ductal carcinomas. Approximately 1500 men will be diagnosed every year and over 400 of them will die of the disease.
Regular readers of this column will recall that I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer (DCIS) earlier this year. I am one of the lucky ones. I've been religious about having yearly mammograms and this year was the year my results came back "suspicious". Nine mammograms, two biopsies, an MRI, one lumpectomy and two breast reductions later, I can happily report that I am cancer-free and celebrating life. It was not an easy journey, but I am grateful to be free of cancer and not having to undergo continued treatment.
Some are not so fortunate. In my case, there was no mass. My cancer, still in the non-invasive stage, took the form of micro-calcifications. Breast self exams would not have revealed the disease at this stage. Had it not been picked up on the mammogram, it would have eventually progressed to the tumor stage where a self-exam might have discovered it. By then, it could have also progressed to a more aggressive or invasive form, requiring more aggressive treatment.
For many women and men, the earliest signs of breast cancer most often show up as a lump, often discovered by doing a self-examination. Many women resist doing them however, especially younger women who tend to believe they're not at risk.
In an attempt to raise awareness and deliver the message to the 40 and under set, some new approaches are being utilized.
Last week, HuffPost ran an article on Canadian MTV Host Aliya-Jasmine's viral promotion for the "Booby Ball, Save The Boobs" campaign for breast cancer awareness. Some critics voiced concern the ad goes too far to make it's point. The Huff Post article asked readers' opinions: "Is this video ad too sexy?" See for yourself:
The PSA is the brainchild of M.J. Decoteau, founder of Rethink Breast Cancer, who says her organization had to find a way to reach young people who believe they're invincible to a disease that, in reality, is the leading cause of cancer deaths in young women under 40.
While breast cancer is rare in younger women and makes up just 7% of all reported cancer cases, it tends to be more aggressive and less responsive to treatment, due to the density of younger women's breasts. Younger women also are more likely to ignore early warning signs, such as a lump or nipple discharge, believing they are not at risk for developing the disease. Thus the need to raise awareness among the younger population of the necessity to do self-exams.
Towards that end, the national Feel Your Boobies Foundation is sponsoring its annual "Are YOU Doing It?" reminder campaign from Oct. 9-16. The intention is to use "unexpected and unconventional methods to remind women to feel their boobies".
You might be lying on the beach and see an airplane towing an "Are You Doing It?" banner, or do your daily commute on a "Boobies Bus". Or someone might ask you to join the nearly 61,000 others who've become fans of the foundation on Facebook. Here's the link if you'd like to join.
You can also support free mammograms for low income women who cannot afford them by clicking here. The advertisers who promote their products on the site will sponsor a mammogram for each click. Go ahead, click. It'll cost you nothing and you could save a life.
Women, don't forget to "feel your boobies". You can order T-shirts, bumper stickers and even design your "boobicon" for your Facebook page here. And men.... jump in! Get involved! Be a gentle reminder to your wife, sister, mother or girlfriend. Helping to raise awareness about breast cancer might save the life of someone you love .
What is your take on the video? Did it go too far? Is this the most effective way to reach the targeted population? What are your ideas for increasing awareness of breast cancer? Please drop by the comment section below or leave a comment on my personal website and blog at Rx For The Soul. You can also leave personal messages for me on the web site.
Thanks for being here and for being part of this vibrant reader community.
Blessings on the path.......
Follow Dr. Judith Rich on Twitter: www.twitter.com/dr_judithrich
Jennifer Manfrè: Beyond the Headlines and Under the Bra
The new mammogram recommendation is what cost control looks like: It's not rationing, it's not socialized medicine, it's cost control. What are the real outcomes, and what are the real costs? Do the math.
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Judith,
You just keep Rockin'!
See Kari Henley's Profile
HI Judith!
Sorry for earlier blooper in comments! Technical difficulties.
I could not see the video- it ran a comment that the video violated terms of use?
You will have to check as my curiosity is piqued!
I think the more outrageous- the better. If saying the word, 'boobies" helps break the fear, and encourages women to take important precautions, the more the merrier. I think the pink campaign has lost some of its impact, and inventive campaigns like this one will certainly generate interest.
Thank you for continuing to blog about your journey with breast cancer. Your gifts as a teacher, writer and friend inspire so many.
SO, don your tiara and continue to help save the world!
Love
Kari
Hey,
I wondered about your earlier comment that said only "test"!
I've also inquired about the "fate" of the video originally embedded here. It's still up on You Tube and I've included the link in another comment, so by all means check it out. I'm going to conduct a "test" of my own in my next blog and use another video on breast cancer awareness. This subject is too important to avoid.
Got my tiara polished and ready to go! Thanks, dear sistah, for stopping by.
Much love and many blessings,
Judith
My younger sister was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer 1 month after her mamogram. My mother died of ovarian cancer. My daughter is only 11 but we do monthly breast exams together. When she begins to menstrate she will begin having yearly pelvic exams. What do you think of Guardasil? At this time my daughter won't be getting the vaccine. I had stage 3 dysplasia 17 years ago and it was found during my yearly exam.
Dear Treehuggin
Bravo to you for initiating your daughter on breast cancer awareness at such an early age. If self exams become a part of a young woman's routine, she'll most likely continue this practice throughout her life. More mothers need to adopt this plan. Spread the word.
I'd love to hear comments from any readers who have had their daughters vaccinated. Personally, I don't think I'd jump on that bandwagon just yet. Gardasil does not protect against all forms of the HPV virus, so regular cervical exams are still necessary and the possible long term risks are yet to be determined.
I applaud your efforts as a mother to educate your daughter about these health issues. I hope you're health is good and that you are celebrating life.
Many blessings your way,
Judith
See Anne Naylor's Profile
Thank you Dearest Judith for your part here is raising the important awareness. The video was down so I cannot comment on that.
I am thrilled and delighted to hear that you are now cancer free and celebrating life.
It is amazing to me how much more and better treatment is available for cancer. I hope many will respond to your invitation to take greater care of their health.
Best love to you,
Anne
Dear Anne,
Thank you! This past year has been an eye opener for me. I never imagined I'd be a candidate for breast cancer, but that's the thing..... the disease doesn't discriminate. I thought I lived a very healthy life style, I'm relatively fit for my age, my nutrition habits are good, I exercise daily, I don't smoke, etc. And still, there it was.
The key is awareness. I never fully understood the importance of getting enough sun or taking adequate doses of Vitamin D. Now, I'm religious about it.
A little bird told me your birthday is next week. Happy Birthday, dear woman! Many blessings to you......
Much love,
Judith
The video has been taken down...wha
I watched a special the other night where 20 or so men have had breast cancer,they believe it was caused from he water contaminated when they were stationed in the military.O
Thanks for the links to other sites...go
Dear Janeycat,
I find it amazing the video has been taken down! There aren't even any bare breasts in it. I think it's a very effective ad in that it has generated a ton of interest in breast cancer awareness.
Here is the link to the video on You Tube. http://www
Thanks for your comment!
Best,
Judith
Dr. Rich, my gosh...the USA and boobies...
I've had a question about the mammogram radiation being a cause for cancer.
For several years I have opted for thermascan which doesn't involve "boob torture" and is based on temperature and reveals smaller masses that a mammogram.
Even though it has been used in France for many years, I have not found many U.S. physicians who are willing to accept them in lieu of the radiation emitting mammograms.
www.therma
ForVivi,
Yes, most physicians prefer to use thermography as a complement to mammography instead of a stand alone method for detecting breast cancer even though the risk is considerably lower with thermography. You are fortunate to live in an area where the procedure is available and to have found a doctor who uses it.
Women between 40 and 50 years of age would be well advised to investigate this as an alternative to mammography screenings. Get a baseline mammogram first.
Thanks for including the link in your comment. Excellent information!
Blessings,
Judith
I am also a survivor of stage 0 breast cancer that can only be detected by mammograms. I too had micro calcifications in my left breast. Now, one year and mascetomy later... If you had asked me last year this time if I would dream that my doctor would say "it is cancer' I would not have believed you. I am over 40 and that is a factor. Breast cancer tends to be more invasive and serious in young women. Why? Because doctors have these dag blasted statistics that cause them to say to young women "you don't fit the profile" not! Take control of your own health.!
Dear jbs902,
Yes, you are so spot on! Young women need to pay attention to changes in breast tissue. That's why the "feel your boobies" campaign is so important. Many women resist self-exams. It needs to become a regular practice for all women, especially each month after menstruation.
I hope you're doing well! You opted for a mastectomy
I was just with a support group of cancer survivors today and was once again reminded of how different this disease presents in different people.
Thanks so much for your comment. Sending you love and prayers for a full recovery,
Judith
Because of my really sudden triple negatiave MASSIVE invasive, Grade 3, stage IIB...canc
See Kari Henley's Profile
test
See Lokita and Steve Carter's Profile
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your reminder and sharing the awareness!
In our workshops www.ecstat
I will include a link to the "feel your boobies" campaign on our website today!
Dear Lokita and Steve,
Thank YOU for the work you do to raise awareness of breast and prostate cancers! Thanks for linking.
Blessings to you,
Judith
So sad to see so many smart people sucked into the cancer fund raising scheme. You're just putting money into the corrupt systems coffers. They do not want a cure for cancer. They surpress cures and remedies for cancer. Royal Rife, Royal Rife, Royal Rife. It cannot be said enough. This man CURED cancer decades ago. There are countless ways to cure cancer. Why does not the cancer industry take advantage? Because the cures are cheap and readily available without resorting to use of the Medical Mafia Machine. No conventional doctor in the world can debate this issue and win.
And Chemo? PLEASE!
What you write is dangerously misleading and wrong. Please make sure you use valid sources.
I'd be dead without chemo..YES
Thanks for making that clear. I hope you'll recover.
Thanks for these clarifications. Given the severity of the issue it is appalling that some people actually manage to think and act like these are questions and problems suitable for forging a political profile. No doubt there's even something immoral about the fact that while generals and doctors consider it part of their professional expertise to be well aware of the quandaries of judging life and death issues, lobbyists don't.
Well, the video has been removed..s
Dear Halsey,
I'm sorry about your diagnosis. Breast cancer is so different for each person. I hope you're doing all the things you can possibly do to beat this rap. Please, please, be sure to have your Vitamin D levels checked and take a daily dose. I take 5000 IU's daily.
I assume you've already had surgery (?) and perhaps chemo, given how aggressive your cancer is. I'm not an M.D., but there are many alternative treatments you can also do to support you during traditional cancer therapy.
Love and prayers to you,
Judith
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