American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Events/Programs:
- Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Kansas City Event: October 24
Making Strides has always been more than just a walk, it’s a movement. Because of the pandemic, how we unite and fight back this fall will look different but our passion to end breast cancer is the same. In 2020, we’re making it easier for anyone, anywhere to make an impact. We know the future can be free from breast cancer. Join the movement, fund the future:
makingstrideswalk.org/KansasCityMO - Support and Online Communities
If you have been touched by cancer, your American Cancer Society is here to help. We want to make sure you know about the rich resources provided by your American Cancer Society. The National Cancer Information Center provides information and support to those facing cancer 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 1-800-227-2345 and our website cancer.org has the most up-to-date cancer information.
Learn More: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/support-programs-and-services/online-communities.html - Reach To Recovery®
The American Cancer Society Reach To Recovery® program connects people facing breast cancer – from diagnosis through survivorship – with trained volunteers who are breast cancer survivors. Our volunteers offer one on-one support to people coping with a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, side effects, and more. Visit the new Reach To Recovery website and mobile app to match with trained volunteers and have a one-on-one chat when it’s most convenient for you. Learn more and sign up at https://reach.cancer.org/. - TLC Program
Feeling good about yourself during cancer treatment is important. The American Cancer Society Tender Loving Care program offers affordable wigs, scarves, turbans, and bras that are readily available for purchase from the privacy of your own home. https://www.tlcdirect.org/
Breast Cancer and Blacks
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) and an opportunity for the American Cancer Society to provide education and guidance to help people reduce their breast cancer risk; offer comprehensive support to those facing the disease; fund innovative breast cancer research; and take action to help make breast cancer a national priority through our nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN.
Websites Links to Inform and Educate (cancer.org):
- https://cancerstatisticscenter.cancer.org/#!/cancer-site/Breast
- https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/cancer-facts-figures-for-african-americans.html
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer.html
- https://www.cancer.org/about-us/what-we-do/health-equity/cancer-disparities-in-the-black-community.html
Mammograms for Underinsured and Uninsured:
- Missouri Residents: Show Me Healthy Women
https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/chronic/showmehealthywomen/ - Kansas Residents: Early Detection Works
https://www.kdheks.gov/edw/
Breast Cancer Guidelines:
Ways to reduce your Breast Cancer Risk: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention/can-i-lower-my-risk.html
Breast Cancer Risk Factors You Cannot Change: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention/breast-cancer-risk-factors-you-cannot-change.html
Survivor Quotes/Myths:
“I have found several misconceptions but the one which stands out the most is women of color have large breasts which are dense and most of what is there is fatty tissue; not a tumor. This is not true. Density does not mean fatty. There could be tumors instead of fat which is why early detection and treatment are so important. What we need in our community is awareness. The misconception is lack of resources such as insurance and time to go for mammograms and treatment.”
– Jan Thomas, Breast Cancer Survivor
“There are some facts about breast cancer that the Black community is not fully aware of such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene and being tested for genetic predispositions, if there are others in your family who have had cancer or if you are diagnosed at a younger age. Also, the tendency for cancer cells to be more aggressive in their reproduction in Black women. These are things I found out after the fact but had no idea about, prior to my breast cancer diagnosis. AND getting a Mammogram is not painful.”
– Lorriane Butler, Breast Cancer Survivor
“The following are the myths that the Black community has heard, all of which are NOT true:
- -A diagnosis of breast cancer is a “life sentence”
- -Living without breast can affect intimacy
- -You cannot work and care for your family during treatment
- -For cancer trials, the government and medical staff do not want a cure but use Blacks as guinea pigs as they did in the Tuskegee Study.
- -You will not be able to breastfeed after a cancer diagnosis
- -When the surgeon “opens you up” the cancer spreads”
– Shontrice Patillo, Breast Cancer Survivor
