Breast Cancer Hits Close to HOME!

Greetings all!!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  When I first started thinking about what I’d like to write and share for this month, it was merely more information that needed to be passed on to you.  But that all changed recently.

Within a matter of weeks, I’ve found out there THREE women in my family (both sides of my family) have been given the diagnosis of breast cancer.  The first, in her early 40s, found a mass on her self breast exam (SBE), has had surgery and her first (and hopefully ONLY) round of chemo.  The second, in her late 50s, also found her mass during a SBE.  She will have her surgery within the next few days.  The third, in her early 50s, found her mass during a mammogram [her first one] – which she probably would not have gotten had she not gone to the doctor for a completely unrelated issue.  She had the mass removed and was just about finished her radiation treatments before she decided to mention it to anyone.

“Silence Kills”

In a matter of weeks MY OWN personal risk for breast cancer (BrCa) and that of most of the women (and men) in my family, has increased tremendously.  None of us would have known what was going on had these women not been asking for prayers OR been ‘forced’ to tell by a nosey family member (Thank GOD for the nosey family!!!!)  None of use would have realized how close to home the disease really is because, unfortunately, our community is not one that is accustomed to sharing information about history, family, wealth, health, etc.  We tend to want to hurry up and get through it, we don’t want to be a burden on others, or we don’t want to be bothered with other people in light of what we’ve just found out.  These are all very understandable reactions to an overwhelming diagnosis, but the reality is that none of us are alone.  What affects one of us affects ALL of us in one way or another.  In this case, Silence can be deadly!

Who is At Risk?  EVERYBODY!!!

    We know that women are more at risk, but the reality is that MEN can get the disease too!  Though men account for less than 1% of the BrCa Diagnoses, the fact is that there ARE men that get diagnosed with the disease.  Anyone that has a first degree relative with it is at increased risk.  This means that if your mother, siblings or child (yes, you ARE at risk if your daughter has it… it goes both ways) is diagnosed, you should be more diligent about doing your own SBE and going to your physician regularly

    Also, as we age, our bodies begin to work less efficiently.  This can mean that our immune system, which normally keeps cancer and other disease processes in check, works less efficiently increasing the risk of many ills.  The healthier you are as you age, the less likely you are to receive this diagnosis.

There are many other risk factors out there.  It is up to you to arm yourself with it!  Fear and silence can kill you, but Knowledge is Power!!  Remember, "My people perish for a lack of knowledge" Hosea 4:6. 

This month I will focus on various aspects of BrCa, including holistic treatments (not just the body, but the mind & spirit as well).  As you learn more, please share more.  Now, I don’t just mean complain to everyone in the family about “what ailes you”, but have real dialogue about what is going on, how it was discovered and treated, how it can be prevented, etc.  By doing so, you can help save the lives of everyone in your lineage.

Make it your business to get to know yourself so that you can know when something is not quite right.  Do your monthly SBEs and get your physical exams done annually by your primary care provider.

More information about Breast Cancer can be found at:

©      www.BreastCancer.org

©      National Cancer Institute: www.cancernet.gov/cancertopics/types/breast

©      For a glossary of terms related to BrCa visit http://www.vancouversun.com/health/glossary+breast+cancer+terms/2060845/story.html#

©      To help raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation check out www.The3Day.org

Until next time… Peace and Health,

Dr. Turshá Hamilton, Naturopathic Physician

www.DrTursha.com

This information is meant for educational purposes only.  It has not been approved by the FDA.  It is in no way meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease condition.  It is not intended to serve as a substitute for medical supervision.  Please consult with your naturopathic physician or other healthcare provider before using this information.  Keep this and all other information, out of reach of children!!  J