Every Women's Journey is Different

I want to remind everyone that my own experience in no way reflects what the millions of women diagnosed with breast cancer globally each year go through. Not all breast cancers are the same and available treatments vary.  A women's response to treatments and its side effects also vary.  Factors such as a woman's emotional well-being, life stage and responsibilities, and available support systems can impact her life during treatment.  Her socioeconomic status may affect her quality of care, and her cultural background may influence her decision-making on treatments.  Every women's breast cancer journey is different.  It is just something to be very aware of whether you have the cancer or you are supporting someone who does.

Anyone Can Get Breast Cancer

This post is just a reminder that anyone, regardless of age or gender, can get breast cancer.  While risk increases with age, more and more younger women are getting breast cancer globally.  It is also possible for men to get breast cancer too.  Those who do not get regularly screened for breast cancer should consider doing the following:

• Familiarize yourself with how your breasts normally look and feel.  Perform self-exams to look for any changes such as new lumps, nipple discharge, or changes in skin texture or shape.
• See a doctor if you notice any concerning changes and advocate for yourself if the doctor won't order a mammogram because you are too young.  Seek a second opinion if necessary.
• Be aware of breast cancer risk factors:
• Increases with age
• Family history
• Dense breast tissue (harder to see on mammograms)
• Early menstruation (<12) and late menopause (55+)
• Having certain genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2
• Physical inactivity and obesity
• Alcohol consumption and smoking
• Using HRT after menopause
• Exposure to radiation and chemicals
• Having no children or children later in life 

Having risk factors does not mean you will get cancer though, and conversely, having no risk factors does not mean you will not get cancer. The exact cause of breast cancer is not known.  Anyone can get breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I knew very little about breast cancer prior to my own experience.  I had been doing my annual mammograms because that is what you are "supposed to do". Generally, I tend to follow the prevailing medical recommendations. I also understood that early detection is key when it comes to cancer.  Having insurance that covers the cancer screenings (e.g. mammograms, pap smears, colonoscopy) played a key role in me actually getting them.  There was no excuse not to.  Aside from the need to screen, however, I knew nothing.  I had no reason to think I would ever get breast cancer so I rarely thought about it and never looked into it.  

My decision to put together this blog was in spirit of awareness.  Maybe someone who has a recent diagnosis or is at high risk of cancer will be interested in some of the information I post.  If nothing else, it will be a good reminder of what I went through if I want to look back on it for any reason.  It may also be an interesting read for someone in the future who can look back on cancer treatments of our time.  Maybe it will encourage folks to get their recommended screenings if they haven't already.