Cancer: It’s a scary word that affects millions of families across the country. No matter your race, your economic status or your zip code, most of us know someone, a family member, a friend or a co-worker who has been touched by cancer. Or maybe you have been diagnosed with the disease. Although it’s a sensitive topic, sharing our cancer stories, struggles and successes could encourage others. Knowing the signs and symptoms, knowing your family history and knowing how to make healthier choices could also make a difference. As we recognize that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to start the conversation.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recently reported that breast cancer is on the rise, especially for younger women. In the report the ACS says that since 2012, breast cancer rates have increased by 1%; and for younger women, breast cancer rates have increased by 1.4% since 2021.
Asian women and women under 50 have seen a 50% increase since 2000.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. Breast cancer in young women is more likely to be hereditary than breast cancer in older women. And breast cancer is more common among African American women.
One young woman who has the courage to share her breast cancer story is Jessica. At 37 years old, being diagnosed with breast cancer took this active African American wife and mother of two young children by surprise. Especially since she has no family history of cancer. An appointment to her dermatologist in June of this year for an unrelated issue is how her cancer was discovered. “(My dermatologist) found a mass under my underarm. The cancer is in my milk ducts. Your milk ducts can go all the way in your underarms.” In September Jessica had a lumpectomy and is now awaiting her test results to determine her next level of treatment. “It’s also good to make sure you get a genetic test to make sure you don’t have any other types of cancer”, she said. Jessica says family members have given her strength through this challenging time. “My husband and family have been so supportive. By praying for me, bringing my family meals, because I can’t move my arms much. They also (are) checking to make sure that I’m ok.”
In 2015 the CDC launched the Bring Your Brave Campaign to educate younger women about breast cancer. Through real life stories, the campaign shares information everyone can understand, if you are a Mom or a health care provider. The goals of the Bring Your Brave program is to:
- Encourage young women to learn their family history of breast and ovarian cancer.
- Educate young women on the risk factors for breast cancer before age 45.
- Inspire young women to talk to their health care provider if they think they may be at a higher risk for breast cancer.
- Encourage young women to live a healthy lifestyle and be aware of their own breast health.
- Educate providers on the risk factors for breast cancer before age 45.
Jessica adds that doing self-breast exams is very important at any age. “Doing your own breast exams at home is important and making sure that you feel any lumps or bumps in your underarms is great too, because you never know.” She adds, “Having a good support system is key to getting through it and your mindset has to be focused on just getting through all of it. No matter what the outcome is.”
