October: The global Breast Cancer Awareness month

Where is Rwanda OR East Africa for that matter; in the Fight against this horrible disease? On Saturday, October 2, 2010 I was one of more than 30, 000 participants in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Houston Texas. I woke up at 4.00 am to go and be part of this incredible event. My prayer is that One day; we will have one in Kigali! This is the largest annual foot race and it grows each year. This group included about 1,600 breast cancer survivors, plus me; I am a 16 year breast cancer survivor. More than 4 million dollars raised will support breast cancer screening, treatment, research and education. Sponsors include oil companies, businesses whether big or small, hospitals, grocery stores, restaurants and individuals. In Houston, like most cities in the USA, everyone is involved in the fight against breast cancer and the policies are being passed to fund research to find the cure. Breast cancer has become everyone’s burden. The burden impacts not only the patient, but also the family, the community and the Nation at large. Breast Cancer Facts: • Early detection of breast cancer greatly improves the treatment options, chances for successful treatment, most importantly, survival. American Cancer Society Guidelines for the early detection of breast cancer include three types of examinations: annual mammograms, clinical breast examination and monthly breast self examination. • Age 20 and above have to conduct monthly breast self examinations and have clinical breast examination at least every 3 years. • Age 40 and above should conduct monthly breast self-examinations, and have clinical breast examinations every year and have annual mammogram. • Women under 40 with family history of breast cancer with other concerns about their personal risk should consult a trained medical professional about risk assessment and when to begin screening mammography. • With early detection, breast cancer survival rate is 98% in the USABreast cancer incidence rates appear to correlate with variation in diet especially fat intake, while vigorous physical activity and maintenance of a healthy body are associated with lower risk. Men are not immune from breast cancer although it is rare. Male breast cancer accounts for 1 percent of breast cancer in USA. Breast Cancer Myths and Reality: Myth: I’m too young to worry about breast cancer.Reality: While it’s true that breast cancer risk increases as you get older, the fact is that women of all ages are at risk for breast cancer. There is an increasing number of women under 40 being diagnosed with breast cancer. Myth: There is never been breast cancer in my family so I don’t need to worry about it happening to me.Reality: The truth is that the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer don’t have a family history of breast cancer. However if your mother, sister, daughter or grandmother had breast cancer your risk is significantly increased. Myth: Having yearly mammogram will expose me to too much radiation and cancer will occur as a result.Reality: According to the American College of Radiology, the benefits of annual mammograms far outweigh any risks that may occur because of the minute amount of radiation used during this screening and diagnostic procedure. Myth: I’m not going to breastfeed because breastfeeding increases my risk of getting breast cancer.Reality: Just the opposite is true. Breastfeeding may decrease the risk of peri-menopausal breast cancer. The unity, synergy and the passion from the Race for the Cure in Houston, can only confirm that indeed I am my Sister’s Keeper. We are indeed each other’s keepers and must realize that in order to deal with the challenges before us whether health, socio-economic or otherwise, we must own the challenges and face them head on. Please be informed, read and learn about breast cancer while strides are being taken to bring about health services and infrastructures for diagnosis and treatment. My message till next time: Love yourself, Value your Life, Know your Body, Take charge of your Health. So that when you notice any changes, you immediately go to your doctor. www.breastcancerafrica.org; info@breastcancerafrica.org