Joint Base Andrews, Md. –
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a month dedicated to bringing awareness to breast cancer by educating the public on early detection and prevention, through events, campaigns, and information available.
The 779th Medical Group Women's Health Clinic, along with the Breast Cancer Support Group on Andrews, held a successful forum, Oct. 16, to educate patients and staff about breast cancer and the importance of early detection and prevention at the Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center.
Many of the guests present were survivors themselves, catching up with friends that had gone through or were going through the same fight--the fight to overcome breast cancer.
"I am a breast cancer fighter, an airman, a mother, a daughter, and a friend and having breast cancer has given me a love, a love for perfect strangers," said Deonna Jacobs, a former active duty airman. She was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year, with no family history of the disease and is one month out of chemotherapy.
What has helped, Mary Gibbs, a 14-year breast cancer survivor, through her fight was sharing her story with people she met.
"It's important to share your story because you never know who is going through the same thing or something similar," Gibbs said.
Gibbs found her lump by accident and with the help of her husband and family she was able to find strength.
"A lot of lumps are related to a woman's menstrual cycle and they can go away on their own but be aware of general signs, such as weight loss and fatigue, and pay attention to any changes around and under the breast," said Capt. Isami Sakai, 779 MDG general surgeon.
According to the American Cancer Society, detecting breast cancer early is key. It is the 2nd most common cancer among American women, behind skin cancer, and one- in-eight women in the U.S. will develop the disease during their lifetime.
Many doctors encourage getting a mammogram by the age of 40, and annually thereafter. However, some people are genetically susceptible to breast cancer. In these cases, Maj. Cristina Franchetti, the 779 MDG element chief of general surgery, recommends them to a genetic counselor.
"There is no right answer and the patient needs to make the right decision for him or herself," Franchetti said. "I let them discuss it with genetics, medical oncology and anyone else they wish to talk to before they make any decisions."
This year, it is estimated that about 231,840 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women and about 40,290 will die from the disease. As for men, it is expected that 2,350 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed, but their chance of developing the disease is less than one percent.
Franchetti has performed many types of surgery. "I find the best way to deal with my patients is with a big dose of empathy, open line of communication and a positive attitude," she said. "I always offer my patients the opportunity to obtain a second opinion and to meet with as many additional specialists they need so they are comfortable with their treatment plans."
At the forum, Dr. Imani Price, a 779 MDG psychologist, addressed the crowd about the risk factors of developing cancer which includes smoking, weight, alcohol consumption, age and gender. She stressed that staying at a healthy weight, being physically active and limiting the amount of alcohol you drink can help reduce the risk of breast cancer.
She also talked about the emotional toll that an individual may go through. "Many women feel a lot of guilt, they experience anger, or loss of control, and their memory may not be like it used to be due to chemotherapy," Price said.
Price's message to everyone going through the reality of this disease is to turn your grief into action and don't' stop living. "You don't have to be an advocate or wear pink; just own your own voice."
Studies reported in the Journal of Family Practice looked at research over a 10-year period. A lot of research results support that having a positive outlook and attitude in faith and spirituality benefits the physical health.
"There has been a slowdown in cancer progression for many people, overall, when they are able to feel a sense of meaning and purpose and having hope for the future," Price said.
The stories of survivorship garnered some tears, some laughter but more importantly, the willpower to continue to not let cancer have them.
Shonnita McCall, a two-year survivor, left the crowd on a high note when she boldly said, "I have cancer; cancer doesn't have me!"