Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a month that has received a great deal of attention over the years due to the tremendous donations to support new treatment options. That does not mean we should look the other way and think it has enough attention. The success rate of survival has increased but there is still so much to know about Breast Cancer.
The types of Brest Cancer
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC)
Breast Cancer During Pregnancy
Breast Cancer Myths
Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer
Myth: Men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only
Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer or spread it
Myth: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop breast cancer, too
Myth: Breast cancer is contagious
Myth: Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer
Myth: A breast injury can cause breast cancer
Myth: Breast cancer is more common in women with bigger breasts
Myth: Breast cancer only affects middle-aged or older women
Myth: Breast pain is a definite sign of breast cancer
Myth: Consuming sugar causes breast cancer
Myth: Carrying a phone in your bra can cause breast cancer
Myth: All breast cancers are the same
Myth: Bras with underwire can cause breast cancer
Breast Cancer Resources
Free Educational Guides
NBCF is dedicated to delivering comprehensive, educational information on breast health and healthy living. From understanding the importance of early detection, to knowing how to prepare for a mammogram, NBCF’s online resources and guides aim to empower women and men with useful information. View guides. Click here to learn more about breast self-examination steps.
National Mammography Program
NBCF provides grants to facilities across the United States that provide screening and diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, clinical breast exam, and patient navigation to underserved individuals who qualify. Find a facility.
Patient Navigator Program
The Patient Navigator Program is a proactive approach to helping patients overcome the barriers of cost, fear, and misinformation surrounding a disease and its prevention. Find a facility.
Other Resources
In addition to the breast care services that NBCF provides to women in need, the following resources offer financial assistance for breast cancer patients.
National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides access to breast cancer screening services to underserved women in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, 5 U.S. territories, and 12 tribal organizations.
National Cancer Institute
Information about free or low-cost mammogram screening programs is available through NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 1-800-422-6237.
The American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society (ACS) provides resource lists for free or low-cost mammograms and financial assitance based on your location. When you go to their website, Cancer.org, look for the “About Us” tab in the top right corner. When you click on that, select your state in the “Where We Help” menu to be directed to a list of local resources.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP)
This state program is funded through Medicaid to provide underserved women free healthcare throughout treatment. The program is available in all 50 states. For the application process, contact your local hospital and ask to speak to a nurse or patient navigator regarding the program.
The Patient Access Network Foundation
The PAN Foundation provides assistance to remove financial barriers for medications, treatment, and travel expenses for patients.
Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition
The CFAC is a coalition of organizations that help patients reduce financial barriers during cancer treatment. When you visit their website, select the type of assistance needed and enter your zip code to find resources near your area.
Mammography Facility Database
The Mammography Facility Database is updated periodically based on information received from the three FDA-approved accreditation bodies: the American College of Radiology (ACR), and the states of Arkansas and Texas to provide a list of facilities where mammography services are available based on your location.
Breast Cancer needs to be taken seriously by all and it starts with self-exams and reaching out at the first sign of trouble. You also need to keep your doctor aware of your family history because it can play a big role in whether to not you have the DNA makers for Breast Cancer. Always air on the cautious side.
Melinda
References:
https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/types-of-breast-cancer/
https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/about-breast-cancer/early-detection/breast-cancer-resources/
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lookingforthelight.blog 
I have many friends with breast cancer and are hanging in there. I’m sure they have difficult days, but most are still active.
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The greatest thing is that so much research and awearenes has taken place and new drugs have hit the market that women today have a much higher chance of having a quality life.
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I have a close, family woman who, while taking a shower several years ago, felt a small lump in one of her breasts. She went immediately to her doctor and a needle sample of the pea-sized lump came back positive for breast cancer.
Her lifestyle and outlook on life were forever changed that day, and after surgery to remove the small lump, she has regular checkups, takes prescription medication to, hopefully, prevent the breast cancer from coming back, and takes long walks alone, and sometimes with a small group of women, who went through the same breast cancer surgery as she did.
On her walks on hiking trails, she clears her mind of any and all distractions by taking in the surroundings as she walks, something she had never done before. And she takes on life one day at a time.
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That’s the best thing you can. just keep living you best life, not over focus on the potential at the same time stay on top of monthly checks and doctors appointments. Medical advancements have come so far that chances are much higher for women. I wish her the best.
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