Thursday, October 25, 2012
73-year-old fields phone calls from around the country from men diagnosed with breast cancer.
William Woodfill's habit of not using a washcloth in the shower may have saved his life. "I felt this lump one day ... underneath my left breast," he said. "I knew it shouldn't have been there." For the next month, he checked the lump, monitoring its progression as it grew from the size of a pea to the size of a lima bean. "He couldn't stick anything in it, so he said that we had to take it out," he said of the surgeon who attempted to biopsy the growth with a syringe. It was breast cancer. "I went back fully expecting not to have cancer," said Woodfill, who noted that about 1,500 men a year are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. "And that was the big stunner … it flipped the switch from things are normal to things …
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Breast cancer isn't age specific. Here's how to cope with treatments and augmentations if you are diagnosed earlier in life.
Generally speaking, a woman in Massachusetts state has a 133 in 100,000 chance of getting breast cancer, according to this breast cancer statistics chart from komen.org. That's on the high side compared with the rest of the nation. An American woman in her 30s has a one in 232 chance of getting the disease, and a woman 20 years her senior has a one in 42 probability, according to the website. “Although we aren’t certain, the cause of breast cancer in younger women is likely caused by a genetic predisposition,” says Ann H. Partridge, M.D., M.P.H., the medical oncologist director of the Adult Survivorship Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. While breast cancer treatment in young women is often …
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
And more to know today, Oct. 23.
1. Breast Cancer Fundraiser: Salon Eva Michelle is hosting a fundraiser for the National Breast Cancer Foundation tonight at the Revere Hotel from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will include a silent auction, live hair show, refreshments and more. For more information, visit salonevamichelle.eventbrite.com. 2. Cars and Climate Change: The New England Aquarium is hosting a free lecture on cars and climate change today from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 3. Author Talk With Howard Jacobson: What do you do if you fall in love with your mother-in-law? The Boston Public Library is hosting an author talk with Howard Jacobson tonight at 6 p.m. 4. Melanoma Foundation of New England’s Fourth Annual Shades of Hope Gala: The Melanoma Foundation of New England is …
Monday, October 22, 2012
Resources for women fighting breast cancer that your doctor doesn't offer.
By the nature of its side effects, cancer treatment can make a private battle a very public affair. For a woman with cancer, having a bald head, pale skin or a missing breast can make her feel like she's being targeted by a bright spotlight and a banner that says, "Cancer patient." But now more than ever, there are resources for women that will put the spotlight back on their work, their accomplishments and their life—and change that banner to simply read, "Woman." Here in Boston, The Salon at 10 Newbury in the Back Bay specializes in wigs and hair replacement for women undergoing cancer treatment. Also in Boston, Henia's Spa + Salon in the North End is run by a breast cancer survivor. Farther afield, Girl on the Go provides private or in-…
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Organizers expect the 5K walk will draw more than 7,000 people into the city and raise more than $1 million for breast cancer research.
- BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
- Sara Jacobi
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Thursday, October 18, 2012
In Massachusetts, 133 women out of every 100,000 will be diagnosed with breast cancer. This means that during your lifetime, there's a chance that you, a family member or friend could be diagnosed. Luckily, thanks to awareness, research and investment into the prevention of breast cancer by organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure, mortality rates are dropping, and more and more people are coming together to support those fighting against breast cancer. More than 7,000 breast cancer survivors and supporters will take to the streets of Boston this weekend for the 2012 Komen Massachusetts Race for the Cure. The 5k timed race and untimed walk will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 10 a.m. in Joe Moakley Park, South Boston. One …
"Uplift: Secrets from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors" shares the wisdom of breast cancer survivors with the newly diagnosed. What's your story?
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One of the greatest challenges for those who have been newly diagnosed is finding sources of support. Patients are eager for information on everything from enduring surgery and chemotherapy to how to deal with hair loss. Best selling author and breast cancer survivor Barbara Delinsky has gathered the wisdom of hundreds of breast cancer survivors who are eager to inspire those who are new to the “breast cancer sisterhood.” She shares all of the stories and tidbits she found in her book "Uplift: Secrets from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors." First published in 2001, the book was updated for a 10th anniversary edition published last year. Delinsky donates all the profits from the …
Monday, October 15, 2012
Massachusetts has some of the highest rates of breast cancer in the country, and, fortunately, some of the lowest breast cancer death rates. Early detection of breast cancer through routine exams saves thousands of lives every year.
- BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
- Rashmi Raman
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Monday, October 15, 2012
Studies have shown that early detection of breast cancer improves the chances of a cure. That in itself is the most important reason to make an appointment today for a breast exam or mammogram. Fortunately, Boston has a number of top-rate women's health facilities for such exams. Among them are Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center's Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Evaluation Center, the Boston Breast Diagnostic Center, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Breast Cancer Treatment Center, the BreastCare Center at Beth Israel Deaconness Center, Boston Medical Center and many more. Dana-Farber even has a mobile mammography van. Boston Medical Center offers free mammograms and breast exams to qualifying patients through the Women's …
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here's a list of local breast cancer support groups.
One in 8 American women and 1 in 1,000 American men will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. It’s estimated that more than 2 million people are diagnosed with breast cancer and fight for their lives each year. Breast cancer is difficult to face alone—for both patients and their loved ones. To help in the battle, there are a number of local resources and support groups. Here is a link to breast cancer support groups in the Boston area: “Support groups are really beneficial,” says Debra Somerrs Copit, MD, Director of Breast Imaging atAlbert Einstein Medical Center, and a member of the medical advisory board for Living Beyond Breast Cancer. “When patients are told they’re sick, it can be an out of body experience and they aren…
Monday, October 8, 2012
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which means a variety of pink products will be hitting the shelves. But, do your pink purchases always go towards the cause?
A wave of pink is flooding stores everywhere, as retailers participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For the savvy shopper, it's an opportunity to donate to a good cause while snagging unique, pink-hued items. In Boston, Urban Outfitters at 361 Newbury St. is selling a Boy Meets Girl Breast Cancer Tote, and Estée Lauder Evelyn Lauder is selling a Dream Compact that you can buy at Nordstrom's at the Natick Mall. If you'd rather drink to think pink: But before you plunk down your green for some pink, the nonprofits behind Breast Cancer Awareness Month want you to check the label. Jenna Glazer, director of development for Young Survival Coalition (YSC), a global organization dedicated to helping young women who are diagnosed with …
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Research shows good nutrition and exercise can help prevent breast cancer. Here are some resources around Boston to help you stay healthy.
You might be able to find help fighting breast cancer and other types of cancers at your local grocery store and fitness centers, according to the research findings of Dr. Marian Neuhouser, Ph.D, RD. Dr. Neuhouser is a nutritional epidemiologist with a background in nutritional sciences. She is an investigator at Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Her research is focused on lifestyle factors such as nutrition and physical activity. Some factors may prevent breast and prostate cancer and improve survivorship in those diagnosed with cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, more than 200,000 American women are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 American women will die …
