October is a time to remind ourselves and others of the significance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer. By encouraging regular screenings, we can help save lives. Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment, and as advocates for health and wellness, it's important that we continue to raise awareness and support those affected by breast cancer. Our club's dedication to education helps empower our community to take proactive steps in ensuring their health.
Our Breast Cancer Awareness campaign started with a Glam Bra Contest led by our Arts & Culture chair, Joyce Yocum. The entire community was invited to participate, and everyone got very creative. There was a ten-dollar entry fee, and on the night of October 7th, anyone who attended our General Board meeting could purchase six voting tickets for five dollars.
Darlene Epstein took home the first place blue ribbon with her Carmen Miranda Bra. Artist Carlos August Pereira Correia took home second place with his gorgeous up-cycled jewelry masterpiece, and our second vice president, Cookie Lange, took third place with her Dance for a Cure bra. All donations from this event went to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
This year, in addition to the pink ribbons and awareness signs down Curtiss Parkway, we added an installation in front of our club. Some folks said, "Are you hanging bras in front of our clubhouse?" that's when I knew we had to do it because it would catch someone's attention; it could start a conversation and perhaps encourage someone to get a mammogram.
On Monday, October 21st, our Health & Wellness Chair, Elizabeth Fisher, organized the Mammography Matters & Navigation Insurance program. Over 55 people attended this program and came out with valuable information. It was incredible!
Dr. Mirelys Barrios, MD, University Of Miami (UM) Breast Radiologist, with such detail, took us on a journey from statistics to the latest technologies. I hope to do her justice and share some of her covered topics.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and the risk of developing it is significant. In the United States, approximately 1 in 8 women (about 12.5%) will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. This statistic highlights how widespread the disease is, making it a major concern for women's health.While the risk increases with age, breast cancer can occur at any age. Family history, genetics, lifestyle, and reproductive history can also influence an individual's risk. However, most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease, which is why regular screenings like mammograms are so important for early detection.
Although the lifetime risk is significant, the good news is that survival rates have improved thanks to advances in detection and treatment. With early diagnosis, many cases of breast cancer are treatable, and the earlier it's caught, the better the outcomes typically are. The growing awareness around breast cancer and efforts to promote regular mammograms have helped save countless lives by enabling women to catch the disease in its earliest, most treatable stages.
In recent years, Mammography has seen significant advancements, improving the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. Here are some of the latest technologies in mammograms that Dr. Barrios shared with us:
Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) or 3D Mammography
How it works: 3D Mammography is a more advanced form of Mammography that provides a three-dimensional view of the breast tissue. A traditional 2D mammogram captures a flat, two-dimensional image of the breast. However, with 3D Mammography, multiple low-dose X-ray images are taken from different angles around the breast, usually in an arc pattern. These images are then reconstructed into a 3D model of the breast, which allows radiologists to examine the breast tissue layer by layer.
Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM)
How it works: CEM involves injecting a contrast agent (iodine-based dye) into the bloodstream before the mammogram. This contrast highlights areas with increased blood flow, often associated with tumors.
Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS)
How it works: ABUS is often used as a supplemental screening tool for women with dense breasts. It uses sound waves to create 3D images of the breast.
I've done yearly mammograms since the day I turned forty, and thanks to that, I was saved thanks to early detection. So please don't wait, and remember that things can change from one year to another.
Also presenting that night was Kathleen Sarmiento with the "Shine" Program at the Alliance for Aging and I will share her information on another blog.
Thank you to all our clubwomen who have helped spread awareness about Breast Cancer, and together let's continue the good fight!
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