Archive for the ‘Breast Cancer’ Category

Breast Cancer Prevention

Saturday, November 1st, 2008

October is the Breast Cancer Awareness. It is the month where you see pink ribbons everywhere as a sign of support. You can also hear about companies trying to sell products and the profits will be given to a research facility about cancer.

How can we prevent breast cancer?

  • Be aware. You have to learn about the disease to prevent it and when you should be screened. Studies have shown that when you are diagnosed early, there is a good chance for you to survive. You can find more information through the internet, books or you can consult your doctor on how to prevent and what are your options in case you acquire the disease. But get your facts from reliable sources, please.
  • Know the risk factor. Being aware of the risk factors on how to acquire breast cancer can aid you in determining whether you are at risk. By knowing early then you can be screened early.
  • Do self breast examination. You can also prevent breast cancer, by doing self breast examination regularly. If done properly, you can check your breast for lumps and then consult your doctor ASAP.

By becoming aware, you can have a greater chance of preventing the disease or surviving if you have been diagnosed. Just always remember to live a healthy lifestyle and learn as much as you can about Breast cancer.

Donating to Cancer Research

Saturday, October 11th, 2008

It never crossed my mind to give donations for medical research. Charities and our local church are our usual recipients, but for medical reasons like research, none. It was until my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer that I felt that I could do something to help my sister and others who have the disease.

Months ago, my sister who was 43 years old, had her annual physical checkup. During this checkup, she had a mammogram and through this, the doctor found a lump in her breast and she was diagnosed to have a developing breast cancer.

All the treatments and options available were explained. If a treatment would be successful, the doctor told her that she wouldn’t have to lose her breast. Thankfully, she was only in the early stage and the type of cancer is not rapidly spreading or no chance to spread at all.

My sister agreed to do a treatment that was being developed by the breast cancer research at the Mayo Clinic. The research team has been working on the project for more than 10 years and they have positive results. Plus the team only chooses candidates that have a very good chance of responding to the treatment and I’m happy to say that my sister has been chosen.

A month later, she had her first treatment and all the cancers signs are gone even her lump. However, she was advised to do follow ups to check her often for changes. No surgery for her and now I’m happy that she can now go back to her previous life but only more careful now than before.