Breast Cancer Societies: What They do for Women
Two decades ago, only a few know about breast cancer. Unlike heart attack, lung cancer and tuberculosis, nobody ever cared about breast cancer until the recent years. From obscurity, breast cancer has rapidly become one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the country. In fact, it is a close second to lung cancer.
What had contributed to the growing rate, no one knew. Until now, no one even knows what causes breast cancer. The only thing that experts know is that some aspects of our genetic make-up and lifestyle will contribute in increasing our risks for breast cancer.
Today, breast cancer has affected more than two million women in America and has caused the death of more than 40,000 women in 2005 alone. Although men are also affected by the problem, women develop it more often. In fact, more than half of the cases of breast cancer are actually women cases. It is estimated that a woman’s risk for developing breast cancer in her lifetime has about a 1 out of 8 chance while death is pegged at 1 is to 28. This is actually very high considering that breast cancer is a relatively new condition compared to other ones.
The rapid increase in the rate prompted many organizations to launch campaigns to address breast cancer issues. Some people even organized breast cancer societies to help in disseminating valuable information about the problem. They believe that a better informed America can help stave off the threat of breast cancer in the country.
Breast cancer societies may be identified by their organizations own insignia. They have also adopted the pink version of the cancer symbol of a ribbon intertwined at the bottom.
One of the many projects of breast cancer societies is the campaign for early detection. All experts agree that the best way to treat breast cancer is to have it detected early. Early treatment will increase a woman’s chance of recovery and will also decrease the likelihood that the breast cancer will recur. Early treatment will also mean that chemotherapy can be avoided. Chemotherapy, although effective in the treating and removing cancer cells, has bad side effects to the body and depletes the body of nutrients that will help fight off the cancer.
Breast cancer societies encourage women to conduct self-examinations everyday. They are asked to feel their breasts for any lumps, which is one of the earliest signs of breast cancer. This way, they have something to consult when they do get to the oncologist.
Breast cancer societies also organize charity drives that will help breast cancer patients in the country. To increase awareness, Hollywood stars and other celebrities in the United States have lent their support to the cause. This is perhaps why awareness campaigns of breast cancer have become quite successful.
Another benefit that breast cancer societies provide is the sense of community not only for those who have already survived the ordeal but also those who are just starting to deal with the problem. Online forums are available in breast cancer society websites where visitors and members can post their questions about the problem. Some patients prefer this anonymous way of consulting as some people are afraid or ashamed of what they can potentially have.
Websites of breast cancer societies also contain testimonials and inspirational stories from people who have made it and lived to tell their tale. This is done to encourage and give hope to other breast cancer patients.
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