3 Day Breast Cancer Walk

Published on Jun 28 2010, in the categories: breast cancer

Some wear pink ribbons, other raise funds. Another group takes a 60 miles walk for three days. Their common denominator is the fight against <a href="http://w-breastcancer.com/" target="_blank">breast cancer</a>. Every October, every year folks gather for a 3 day breast cancer walk. Their agenda is to increase the degree of breast cancer awareness around them.

<-336x280 Large Rectangle - center->

<a href="http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer" target="_blank">The 3 Days Breast Cancer Walks</a> are held every year by the Susan G. Komen Foundation. It is an event integrated in October also known as the National Month of Breast Cancer Awareness. Every city puts at the disposal of the walkers each night a tent somewhere in the surroundings. The organizers provide trail support as well as snack and meals. The sum requested for participation is a minimum donation of 2300 dollars.

The ticket is expensive but every penny is worth it. Just think of how much it can be done with all that raised money. The fee for registering is 90 dollars. You can choose from registering online or by email. After this step is done every future walker receives a package for training and it even assigned to a coach. In every walk city are held orientation sessions so that people get used with the route. Both men and women can participate. The walk is opened to minors as well if they are accompanied by parents or legal guardian. The only obligation is to benefit of health insurance during the three days.

3-day-breast-cancer-walk

Each participant is coached how to raise the 2300 dollars. Donations are accepted cash, credit or check. You can even set up a personal web page in order to make the fund raising more efficient.

The walk is 20 miles long. The distance is not something everybody can handle. That is why the foundation makes sure each walker goes through some basic training walks before the event. The route is marked; every 2 or 3 miles have stops for water, snacks, sports drink. Lunch is assured on the road. The organizers offer assistance when needed. The walk can be ended at any moment. There is no penalty for those who end it before the complete distance. In the camp each walker has access to hot shower and a hot meal at the end of the day. The tents have 2 places and the walker must bring his/ her own sleeping bag. The evenings end with some kind of entertainment form.

3-day-breast-cancer-walk-2

All the donations raised by this 3 day breast cancer walk go to different organizations and campaigns. 15% from the entire sum goes to NPT, the National Philantropic Trust. It is all about raising awareness and offering financial aid in building a long term support for breast cancer research.

Many cities, many locations and many people. Hands join in a beautiful attempt to make a difference in the world. What do you say? Are you up for it? After all...it’s just a walk.

Breast cancer statistics

Published on Jun 28 2010, in the categories: breast cancer

Breast cancer in medical terms is called malignant breast neoplasm. This type of cancer originates in the breast tissues. It can either be found in the milk ducts and in this case the diagnosis is ductal carcinomas or in the lobules supplying milk to the ducts and called lobular carcinomas. There are different stages, types, the aggressiveness of the spread and, of course, genetic makeup. Treatment for breast cancer embodies drugs, surgery and radiation. Drugs can mean hormonal therapy of chemotherapy.

<-336x280 Large Rectangle - center->

Breast cancer</a> affects woman as well as man. However, male breast cancer cases are extremely rare. The numbers say that less than 1% of the cases occur in men. In 2008 1.990 breast cancer cases were recorded to male patients. The majority of the victims are women of different ages. Worldwide the number of patients suffering from this cancer goes through continuing growth.

breast-cancer-stats

The first most common form of cancer among women is non melanoma skin cancer. Statistics show that breast cancer deaths are the second most common cancer deaths among women. For example, in the United States of America one woman in eight is diagnosed with breast cancer. After twenty years of increase the rate of breast cancer incidence has decreased by 2%. A number which means close to nothing compared with the 20% increase. In the U.S, for example in 2009, for 40,170 women the diagnosis meant death. The good news is that the number of deaths cause by this cancer has gone down and continues to decrease since 1990. This is due to research breakthroughs and early detection. More and more women have learned that a routine mammography can be a real life saver.

breast-cancer-stats

<a href="http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics.jsp" target="_blank">Statistics</a> also say that white women compared to African women are more exposed to breast cancer. In case of African women the tumors are more aggressive and the death rate is higher. Some of the causes behind breast cancer remain unknown. What doctors really know is that 5-10% of breast cancer cases come from gene mutations inherited from the father or the mother. The remaining 90% still make case for scientific efforts in research. Among the most risky factors leading to breast cancer are considered to be gender and age.

Breast cancer statistics depict a sad reality. Women and men die every year because of this cancer. Treatment has improved over the years but scientists still don't know what makes breast cancer grow and grow as the time goes. Little is known about causes or a cure, and early detection is the only sure, safe solution to escape breast cancer death.

In conclusion being a woman and growing older can be troubleshooting. The secret is to take care of your body and don’t neglect routine exams.

Breast Cancer Symbol

Published on Jun 28 2010, in the categories: breast cancer

We all need symbols to follow from time to time. We all need a common denominator in a fight. The fight itself will not do. A symbol is a statement made in front of the world in favor of one thing or another, supporting one cause or another.

<-336x280 Large Rectangle - center->

<a href="http://www.ehow.com/about_5081464_symbols-breast-cancer-awareness.html" target="_blank">Breast cancer symbol</a> is not only a manifestation of support and solidarity but it is also a visit card. The power of the symbol comes from the millions of people wearing it with pride and openness. In case of breast cancer the symbol is embodied in little yet powerful pink ribbon.

breast-cancer-symbol

The pink ribbon was first introduced to the audience in 1991. It was fall and New York hosted a race for breast cancer survivors. The organizer was the Susan G. Komen Foundation. 8.500 walkers were handed a small ribbon to wear during and after the race. The idea caught to the people there.

One year later the editor in chief of the Self magazine, Alexandra Penney while working on the issue covering the second year of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month thought of expanding the idea of the ribbon. Evelyn Lauder from Estee Lauder Corporation came with the initiative to make cosmetics corporations to include such a ribbon in their store. The first stores to do that were those from New York City, followed shortly by stores throughout the country.

In the same time a survivor of <a href="http://w-breastcancer.com/" target="_blank">breast cancer</a>, Charlotte Hayley had been selling peach ribbons with a card attached. The ribbons and the cards wanted to raise awareness about breast cancer and get the Govern to allocate more money to breast cancer research. Penney and Lauder wanted to collaborate with Charlotte and expand this concept. When Hayley refused Lauder and Penney came on their own with the idea of the pink ribbon as breast cancer symbol.

The international step was made possible by the Dutch businessman Walter Scheffrahn. He allocated 10% of the company’s power to take the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_ribbon" target="_blank">pink ribbon</a> all over the world. His sister’s diagnosis of breast cancer trigged the entire initiative. Walter Scheffrahn was also responsible for introducing a breast cancer campaign built on five concepts: accreditation, advocacy, alignment, alliances and, last but not least awareness.

Not everybody is pleased with the pink concept. The Breast Cancer Action of San Francisco promoted the slogan, and later the campaign “Think before you pink”. They claim that the money raised every October from selling pink merchandise has no clear destination.

breast-cancer-symbol3

As it turned out the idea was great and, despite criticism caught on quickly. Years after the symbol grow in popularity all over the world. People wear it from Tokyo to Washington, from Paris to Tel Aviv and so on. Patients and survivors adopted the small pink ribbon to be a part of a difficult, hard struggle. There are other symbols related to this form of cancer. However, from the multitude of signs the simplest caught on.

Think Pink!

Breast Cancer Celebrities

Published on Jun 27 2010, in the categories: breast cancer

Like any other disease, breast cancer doesn’t take the time and effort to discriminate. There are no privileges, no favored persons, and no discounts. Unfortunately, every person is exposed to the risk of breast cancer just like the next one. One of the moments in which celebrities step down from their upper corner is when a disease like this one enters the scenery.
<-336x280 Large Rectangle - center->
Life is neither a movie anymore nor a play. It is as real as it gets. Over the years many celebrities fought against breast cancer. There are many famous names on the list. Most celebrities survive the disease and get the chance to tell their stories to others.

breast-cancer-celebrities

Cynthia Nixon hesitated in revealing the fact that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The news came after a routine mammography. A cancerous tumor, a lump was discovered on the right breast. Nobody knew about her disease during treatment. She later declared that she didn’t want to be stocked and followed everywhere for a photo or two. Her breast cancer treatment included a lumpectomy and radiation. After the treatment was over she decided to share her experience with other women, to help and inspire them. The actress diagnosed at 40 with breast cancer is now ambassador for the organization called Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

breast-cancer-celebrities-2

When Sheryl Crow received the breast cancer diagnosis at age 44 she immediately postponed concerts and shows programmed. The next thing was going into surgery. After surgery, 7 weeks of radiation followed. Herbal teas and acupuncture supplemented the radiation. Luckily, the singer didn’t need to go through chemotherapy. The cancer was in an early stage. The year following the treatment Sheryl Crow made a petition to the Congress to give more money to research.

breast-cancer-celebrities-3

For Christina Applegate breast cancer was a tough life exam which she managed to pass successfully. In the summer of 2008 a lump was found in one breast. Christine decided to go into surgery and have a double mastectomy. It is one of the toughest decisions a woman can make through her life. Breast cancer was in case Christine a genetic mutation, her mother being a breast cancer survivor. She declared that she went for mastectomy in order to avoid any possibility of the cancer reappearing. After this experience Christine decided to create a foundation for women who have financial problems and are not able to pay for MRI testing. The actress believes that this is what gave her an early start in dealing with the disease.

breast-cancer-celebrities-4

There have been many celebrities diagnosed with breast cancer that made it through the fight. Their story continues to be a source of inspiration for other patients. From every experience there is a lesson to be learned. The trick is to realize what that lesson is.

Breast Cancer Awareness Color

Published on Jun 27 2010, in the categories: breast cancer, Related topics, stages, symptoms

Breast cancer has turned in the last years in a world wide phenomenon. Unfortunately, more and more women are affected by this form of cancer. It is no longer a local or national problem; it has become an international disturbing situation. Without being too pessimistic the truth is that the numbers grow every year and, despite awareness campaigns and events there are still many women who have no idea how important it is to fight the disease from early beginnings. Breast cancer found in an early stage is highly treatable. The change is on the patient's side.
<-336x280 Large Rectangle - center->
Good hearted people have created international structures in order to draw attention. Symbols and logos and specific, let’s call them street movements have the purpose to make a statement. More and more patients and survivors get involved in all this. Their success is measured in lives saved and survivor to tell their stories. Organizations, corporations, famous or simple people joined this common ideal. They have built together symbols, gave them identities and a color. The official color is pink and the official symbol is a ribbon. Great combination.

breast-cancer-awareness-color

The pink ribbon is no doubt the most important symbol of the fight against this cancer. Millions and millions of people wear it as their way of saying: let’s fight this and win! Stories of survivors back up their initiatives and spread the word around. The story of the ribbon goes back in

In October, the breast cancer awareness day among the events there is one event called Global Illumination. Guilty for this initiative is Estee Lauder Corporation. From them came the idea to illuminate in pink light different land marks all over the world. More than a dozen buildings, important structures from different countries were pink for a little while.

The Harbour Bridge in Sydney, City Hall Square in Seoul, Tokyo Tower in Tokyo, The Angel of Peace in Munich, The Majestic Hotel in Cannes, Niagara Falls in Ontario or Azrieli Towers in Tel Aviv are some of the landmarks wearing the breast cancer awareness color. The intention was to underline the importance that mammography screening have in an early diagnosis. Another point on the agenda was to remind the world hoe important research is in finding better treatment, prevention treatment and possible cures for breast cancer.

breast-cancer-awareness-color-2

October also hosts pink days. During these days people organize charitable events, parties with a pink theme. For example, the employees of a company must wear pink clothing or accessories when they go to work. All the money raised goes to research or support centers for breast cancer patients.

Breast cancer awareness color starts to really make a difference all around the world. More and more pink becomes synonym with breast cancer fight. A fight each and every one of us should join. Think pink!

Every beautiful woman risks breast cancer

Published on Jun 27 2010, in the categories: breast cancer

To raise awareness about breast cancer risk is not that easy to do. The task is difficult as the battle is fought against financial problems, lack of information, poor medical resources, and so on. Despite all the problems international and national campaigns are organized every year by people who are not afraid to start the battle. Some of the projects are more than efficient and lives of thousands and even millions are touched.
<-336x280 Large Rectangle - center->
The Beautiful Women Project was initiated by Nancy Bruno. The project is nothing more and nothing less than a collection of biographies and photographs of women from all around the world. The photo exhibition gathers 35 pieces of women’s life. The big picture wants to underline what really makes a woman beautiful. Beauty comes from small or big gestures; the exhibition brings them all together.

risk-for-breast-cancer-women-beautiful

It is not a coincidence that the project was launched on the same month that breast cancer awareness is celebrated around the world, October. The event took place in Saratoga Springs, New York in 2006. Nancy Bruno decided to make a link between these two dates as a way of reaching thousands of people and making a difference.

According to her every October women are reminded how dangerous this cancer is but in the same time as easy it can be detected. It’s not that big a deal: a simple, minor self examination of the breasts. This preventive measure is the best way to gain some time in this fight. In general women are scared of all the aging sign on their body: the breast that start to sack, arm skin that just hangs, sun spots on the décolletage, childbirth consequences, and the list goes on. The exhibition seeks to underline that beauty stands in every woman no matter age, profile, etc. Life experience gives a certain glow that makes a woman beautiful.

Every woman is beautiful and every beautiful woman risks breast cancer. That is why self breast examination is by far on the must do list. A good start is to look at your body and, instead of feeling disappointed, unpleased make a list of what you do like. This is one of the reasons many women prefer not to go through with an examination: the fear of looking at their naked body in the mirror. As odd it may sound it is not fiction, it is a true fact about thousands of women. It is important to feel comfortable with your body. A good, positive attitude and a bit of information lead to a healthy life.

risk-for-breast-cancer-women-beautiful-2

risk-for-breast-cancer-women-beautiful-2

All these projects are genuinely sincere. There is no hidden agenda, no hidden intentions than the ones declared. The Beautiful Women Project’s intention is to demonstrate that every woman is beautiful while in October organizations try to increase (at least!) the number of breast self examination as early diagnosis saves lives. These two combined give: every beautiful woman risks breast cancer in consequence don’t neglect a simple examination!

Breast Cancer Month

Published on Jun 25 2010, in the categories: breast cancer, treatment

If we look at figures related to <a href="http://w-breastcancer.com/" target="_blank">breast cancer</a>, there is always a sadness coming up on us. Over the last few years this form on cancer has spread in so many countries that it is hard to keep track. From Western societies where patients get the best treatment to Asian countries where the disease is still a shameful secret cancer remains the same. It comes with the same physical pain and emotional impact.

<-336x280 Large Rectangle - center->

Medical research is still trying to figure out what exactly lays behind these anomalies that the body experience and let to cancer. The only good news about this is that an early diagnosis is highly treatable. In order to get to this early diagnosis women should be informed and know that, for example, breast cancer is not contagious. Basic information should be something every woman has access to no matter what. This is difficult to do in places where there are no good hospitals, or medicines or support center.

breast-cancer-month

All these need money, every drug must be paid by someone. The question is who can do this?. Who has the financial power to make such an effort? The answer would be: there are a few out there. However, in most cases it is the simple person from the street that helps as little as he/she can. Of course, from those a few raise to the occasion good hearted people, who make the impossible possible in some situations.

People can help people. In order to do this people need to be gathered under the same umbrella. Otherwise their efforts will spread in different directions without being able to stick. Getting hands in a common place it is hard. Many attempt, few succeed. Over the years tow major breast cancer symbols have passed the time

breast-cancer-month-2

The <a href="http://breastcancer.about.com/od/whatisbreastcancer/tp/bcam-hub.htm" target="_blank">breast cancer</a><a href="http://breastcancer.about.com/od/whatisbreastcancer/tp/bcam-hub.htm" target="_blank"> awareness</a> logo is the little and delicate pink ribbon. Breast cancer also has an official month. This month is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Breast_Cancer_Awareness_Month" target="_blank">October</a>. The beginning of the day as a national awareness symbol goes back to 1985. The initiative belongs to AstraZeneca, a company that manufactured breast cancer drugs like Arimidex and Tamofixen.

When the whole thing started the idea behind the project was to promote the mammography as one the most effective, if not the most effective weapon in this fight against this form of cancer. Over the years more and more companies joined the campaign. It developed becoming an international movement with millions of supporters all over the world.

Breast cancer month stands as a very important pylon in building a future, larger support structure for both patients and survivors. From a pink White House to a pink world the distance is rather hard to see. But not impossible. Listen to just one survivor story and the impossible appears possible just after few lines.

Warning Signs Of Breast Cancer

Published on Jun 25 2010, in the categories: breast cancer

Patients suffering of no matter what form of cancer experience different symptoms and signs. There are many variables from one case to another. However, there is a list of common symptoms that may send you immediately to a physician for analysis.

<-336x280 Large Rectangle - center->

The classic, if I may say so symptom, world wide known in suspecting<a href="http://w-breastcancer.com/" target="_blank"> breast cancer</a> is a breast lump. This is what every woman will tell you: a breast lump signals the possibility of cancer. Other warning signs of breast cancer are unusual bleeding and skin mole change. When these signs are observed the cancer is already in an advanced stage. The good news about breast cancer or about any form of cancer, if there is such a good news regarding cancer, is that early diagnosis means a good prognosis. Cancer discovered in early stage is highly treatable.

warning-signs-of-breast-cancer

However, there are some other symptoms that may raise question marks. In the following lines there are described 7 of the most important <a href="http://www.cancerlynx.com/7signs.html" target="_blank">warning signs of cancer</a> that could help you detect in time this awful disease.

The first one is abdominal bloating. Distended or bloated abdomen can mean a sign of ovarian cancer or colorectal cancer. If this bloating lasts more than one, two weeks then it requires a medical exam.

warning-signs-of-breast-cancer1

The second sign one should be worry about is feeling full sensation as after eating a big meal. If this sensation goes on for a longer period can mean either pancreatic or stomach cancer. For women this also associates with loss of weight and appetite.

In the third place comes breast swelling. A lump is for most women extremely bad news. Not just the lump is warning sign of breast cancer but also the swelling of the breast or even just a part of the breast is a bad sign. Also worry if the skin is red or discolored. Other symptoms in case of inflammatory breast cancer are: dimpling, skin irritation, itching, nipple don’t discharge milk but other liquids, nipple thickening or breast skin thickening. They all sound extremely worrying and should not be ignored under no circumstances.

The fifth sign is drastic weight loss. This loss is worrying if it comes when the appetite is normal, eating as well, and no diet is intended.

Last tow warning signs are hoarseness and stripped nails. Persistent straining of the voice can signal stomach, thyroid, or esophageal cancer. In the case of stripped nail the diagnosis could be skin cancer.

Your body signals you when something is wrong. In most cases we ignore the things it is telling us. Days go by until when, sometimes, it’s too late to notice them. The lesson here is to listen carefully to your body and treat every malfunctioning in detail.

Magazine Articles On Breast Cancer

Published on Jun 24 2010, in the categories: breast cancer

Many words have been written along the years about this delicate yet frightening subject. Journalists, columnists, editorials have gave this subject the attention deserved. Magazine article about <a href="http://w-breastcancer.com/" target="_blank">breast cancer</a> try to raise the degree of awareness about the disease among readers. The campaigns are many and the efforts are impressive. Access to information is a basic human right. In case of breast cancer information is essential: women should know as much as possible about this form of cancer including treatment and cure. A breast cancer diagnosis in an early stage is less difficult to fight and win in the end.

<-336x280 Large Rectangle - center->

One of the best magazine articles on breast cancer made the cover of <a href="http://www.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,20071015,00.html" target="_blank">Time Magazine</a> in October 2007. A couple of years have passed by but the article remains as actual today as it did back then in 2007.

magazine-articles-on-breast-cancer1

The article starts with the story of a Chinese woman whose lump the size of a marble changed her life. In her view breast cancer diagnosis meant a death sentence. Why start with a story from China? The next lines talk about the novelty this form of cancer was in the eyes of both patients and doctors in some developing countries. Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia and Latin America are now facing a growing “popularity”. Unfortunately, advanced treatment is available only to the Western (the term western comprises the more evolved, capitalist countries) populations. Clinics, specialists, treatment are not at the reach of patients in less developed societies.

magazine-articles-on-breast-cancer-2

The cultural impact opens another discussion. Used to pink ribbons and awareness movements, some don’t realize that in other countries the disease is not just a secret but it’s a shameful one. For example, in India breast cancer is believed to be contagious while in Egypt the first fear after finding out the diagnosis is: what if my husband leaves me?. Others are very reluctant in showing or even talking about their breasts.

The investigation made by Time journalists revealed not just the misinformation but also the lack of information about breast cancer.

Problems also involve money. In some countries mammograms are the equivalent of a monthly income. Chemotherapy sessions are closely connected with money as well. In some countries governments, nongovernmental organizations and private hospitals collaborate in eradicating and finding possible solutions for such problems. Efforts include better information and trying to change the view these women have upon on breast cancer.

The article is accompanied by a list of the novelty in treatment and possible cures. The article wants to draw the attention upon this world wide phenomenon that is spreading more and more. The number of breast cancer victims grows from one year to another. The most important thing these women should learn is how to deal with it, how to cope and how to fight. Without having to keep it a shameful secret.

Breast Cancer Personal Stories

Published on Jun 23 2010, in the categories: breast cancer

Most stories start with Hello, my name is…I’ve got breast cancer. The beginnings all look the same. The testimonials are touching, emotional and very human. Details vary from one story to another. They share a common idea, a common disease and the same desire to fight it and win the battle. Some of them manage to do that and survive the illness, others are not so lucky and the cancer wins over their body and their life. Patients dealing with the disease, survivors, family and friends of victims reunite. Their purpose is to tell the world how to fight, how to cope, how to accept breast cancer and how to go on living your life.
<-336x280 Large Rectangle - center->
The first story is about a survivor. Her name is Christina and she had cancer. The awful news came one week after the birth of her forth child. After one month Christina went through a reconstructive surgery and a bi lateral mastectomy. It was the week before Christmas. In medical terms the lymph nodes presented no cancer. Christina didn’t have to go through radiation because everything was removed during the operation. However, chemotherapy followed after surgery recovery. Family, friends, relatives helped her through this exhausting period the intervention.

breast-cancer-personal-stories

Chemotherapy was a drag and Christina confesses that her husband made her go by carrying her to the car every time she has a session. She started to look at God in search of that promise of life that now seemed so fragile. After a six months efforts, and many chemo sessions Christina put an end to treatment. Two years later the moments seem far and far away. They belong to a distant past which she tries to leave behind.

Another touching breast cancer personal story is signed by Sherry. In 2004 doctors told her that she had three more months to live. This was due to an advanced breast cancer. The news gave her existence a new and weird twist. To know you have only three months to live is beyond any nightmare. Sherry started to see things differently around her. She became “selfish”. The things she now did were only for her good being. She goes to spa; she plants flowers and takes care of her garden. Suddenly, the oncologist started to give her good news.

breast-cancer-personal-stories-2

The tumor marker in the blood tests was coming down with every month passing. Christmas came, January came, February came and Sherry was feeling better and better. Then something awful happened and the disease returned. It was bad news after so many months of positive results. Sherry is taken a little bit back. She sees these results as a death sentence. In the end optimism gains some ground and her thoughts say everything will be ok if she tries harder.

All these breast cancer personal stories have an amazing power. Every author sends the readers some of her inner feelings. If you stumble on such a story then treat them with the respect they deserve.