By AUDREY BRAGGS
October 21, 2006

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2005 -- right after my high school graduation. She began chemotherapy on August 19, 2005, the day I moved to college. Before my mother’s diagnosis, breast cancer was a very distant threat with which I wasn’t really familiar. But now that my mother has gone through what she has, I want to help raise awareness in the community about breast cancer.

Because October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I just wanted to share a little of what I’ve learned about breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 214,640 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year, and of those diagnosed 41,430 will die.

One of the most important aspects of preventing and detecting breast cancer is awareness. The first method of prevention and detection is to know your risks. First and foremost breast cancer is not limited to the female population; men are at risk for breast cancer also. Men who are heavy alcoholic drinkers, have liver disease, or are overweight are more at risk for breast cancer due to the increased levels of estrogen (a female hormone).

Older women (77%) are more at risk to develop breast cancer than women under the age of forty (5%). African American women have lower survival rates and are more likely to die than their female Caucasian counterparts.

All women are at risk for breast cancer regardless of family history. To be exact 90% of all breast cancer cases occur in women with no family history of breast cancer.

The second method of prevention is early detection. This includes monthly self breast exams, yearly mammograms, and yearly breast exams done by a doctor.

Breast cancer for many spells an instant death sentence. Fortunately, God has given us the needed tools to not only treat cancer but also prolong the survival rates of those affected. Although the methods of early detection are not a sure-fire way to catch cancerous cells or tumors, that is not an excuse not to be vigilant. The more aware both men and women are, the better the chances of survival.