Breast Cancer Awareness

October is recognized as ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month.’ The American Cancer Society (ACS) hosted kick-off events with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, in communities all across the country, to raise awareness and funds to end breast cancer. Funds raised through Making Strides Against Breast Cancer have helped do the following:

• Fund Breast Cancer Research grants totaling more than $64 million.
• Provide Transportation programs where more than 480,000 rides to treatment have been provided.
• Create Hope Lodge where more than 470,000 nights of free lodging was provided.
• Form Patient Navigators where more than 34,000 patients were served.
• 24/7 Cancer Hotline

Getting regular mammogram screenings is very important because it can often detect breast cancer early. Mammograms are not exclusive to women either. According to a 2019 report by Breastcancer.org, there are approximately 266,120 cases of non-invasive breast cancer this year in American women. Although men do develop breast cancer, less than 1% of all new cases occur in men. Still, approximately 2,550 cases will be diagnosed in American men this year.

Music Executive Mathew Knowles, and father of singer, songwriter, and actress Beyonce, recently announced his stage 1A breast cancer diagnosis in July. He underwent a mastectomy in July and is scheduled to have the other breast removed in January to reduce his risk. According to a New York Times article by Derrick Bryson Taylor, studies reveal how the BRCA2 gene mutation places men at a higher risk for prostate cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and melanoma. Thank goodness for Mr. Knowles’ being proactive and bringing awareness to an ailment that most men would be too embarrassed to talk about. Wishing you Godspeed and a full recovery Mr. Knowles!

Low-cost Programs – Mammograms are covered by almost all insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid. Some doctors, hospitals, and clinics may lower their fees for those who can’t afford the usual charge (ranging between $80 to $120). To learn about low-cost programs where you live, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.

On October 26, 2019, my team and I will be participating in the Making Strides (3-5 mile) Walk in the Michigan area, in support of Breast Cancer Survivors, and the fight against Breast Cancer. To find an event near you, go to www.MakingStridesWalk.org and sign up.

For more health, wellness and lifestyle news, stay connected to [email protected] or at www.50plusshadesofus.com.

And, remember…You Shine!!!

Kimberly Richardson, Founder