October is here and it’s time for everyone to show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness by wearing ribbons, participating in walks, and raising funds for research to hopefully find a cure. I even love it when the NFL gets involved and the players wear different shades of pink in their uniforms and gear. It’s great to be united for the cause. However, when I read some startling facts in the October issue of Glamour Magazine‘s article 7 Things No One Ever Tells You About Breast Cancer, I realized we may not be so “aware” about breast cancer as much as we think. I’m going to share the three of the seven that were the most startling to me.
GM: We’re not trying hard enough to end breast cancer.
Thirty government agencies; hundreds of universities, drug compaies, and nonprofits; and thousands of grassroots walks and ribbon sales – are poured into investigating breast cancer every year. But what most Americans don’t realize is this: The majority of the funding goes to science aimed at treating the disease once a woman has it rather than finding ways to keep her from getting it in the first place.
Pump your brakes – whatyoutalkinboutwillis?!
Wow! I’m floored by this. Rather than finding the solution to the problem, we’re putting more time and effort into going to finding the band-aids for it? At this time, research is done on rats and mice, not the actual study of humans.
GM: You should be able to pick your breasts out of a lineup
If you’ve been confused about the conflicting headlines on breast self-exams (BSEs), here’s the bottom line: Forget the step-by-step monthly ritual of feeling yourself up – just knowing your breasts well enough is generally enough.
Whether or not your give yourselves BSEs monthly is a discussion I think you should have with your doctor, but I totally agree with the point the statement above makes: regardless if you do or don’t you should know your own set. Rather than go by the book and wait each month, you should be vigilant and take action if you notice any changes (i.e. discharge, dimpling, discoloration, etc.). Out of 30 women polled by Glamour, only 27 women could pick their breasts out of a line up.
Get to know them. =)
GM: Breast Cancer might be caused by a virus
“We should know within the year whether or not breast cancer – or at least certain types of breast cancer – may be caused by one or more viruses,” says Hurlbert.
This would be an amazing find, if true, so we can better pinpoint exactly where and how breast cancer develops in the first place. The researcher mentions efforts to actually preventing it can go into developing a possible vaccine for the virus, similar to the Gardisil vaccine for HPV. This would possibly open doors for vaccines for women that could help prevent cancer from even developing.
Overall, Glamour’s article really opened my eyes to understanding breast cancer and all the things that aren’t mentioned in statistical data and findings. For me, it starts as small as understanding the truth and taking action with myself. The next step is sharing it with the ones I love & my readers. Understand the facts about your health and take action! It’s not just a “wait until you’re 50 to start paying attention” situation; the time is now! Let’s continue to raise money, walk, and share facts and push forward to hopefully finding a cure for this disease! Happy Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
Dreisbach, Shaun. “7 Things No One Ever Tells You About Breast Cancer.” Glamour Magazine October 2012.
The information shared is strictly upon the research of Glamour Magazine. I, in no way, take credit for any of the stats and findings in the article
