The National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc. (NBCF) has identified the month of October, to focus on an annual campaign to raise awareness of the impact of breast cancer – Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The bottom line is that if (keyword being IF) detected early, with today’s medical technology, breast cancer can be beaten. Survivors have been known to have stayed NED (No Evidence of Disease) for 10-15 years; and even longer. Hence the effort to raise awareness and encourage pro-active screening tests, gives a head start in the fight to beat breast cancer

NBCF has identified 8-10 Types of Breast Cancers. Of these, the most widely occurring (80% of cases) is Invasive ductal carcinoma, also known as infiltrating ductal carcinoma or IDC. A variation of IDC is Ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS. This is the easiest to cure almost completely – as it has not yet spread through the wall ducts into the breast tissues. The deadliest form and hardest to treat however is Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). It is considered aggressive cancer because it grows quickly and is more likely to have spread at the time it’s detected.

Reading some of the facts above – You might wonder why I am writing this. My background/experience and education are in SW Engineering Management; with NO medical training. Why am I putting a spotlight on this topic?

The last few years I have seen multiple cases of this disease impact family, friends, and some extended contacts. In all cases, the afflicted had lived their lives by the book. No action of theirs was a cause-effect situation; where they could be, in any way responsible for what hit them so hard – turning their lives around completely. In all cases, the question asked was – WHY ME? Folks leading perfectly normal personal and professional lives one day; and the next day would start as a nightmare, filled with hospital visits, complex medical treatments, fear, uncertainty, and living life day-by-day and month-by-month. Think of the onset of cancer, as the few set of high waves building up in the ocean far away, unnoticed. Given the right conditions, they build up to a tsunami and come crashing to the shore, destroying the coastline and everything on it.

We are all aware of the saying “Prevention is better than cure”. Therein lays the first step that needs to be taken. This is why NBCF is investing so much effort to bring this information to all – who may be thinking: “I am fine; it will not happen to me: I have no indications of any changes in my body”. I know that my reader base consists mainly of highly educated professionals, living very fast-paced lives, totally immersed in their work and their families. Take advantage of the resources provided by NBCF at most hospitals, and clinics across our country and the world. Take the time to consult your doctor, and assess/discuss your family history (not just your immediate family – look for anyone of your relations who may have been diagnosed and treated for any form of cancer)

For some unidentified reason, the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer TODAY, for women is 12% (1 in 8). In the 1940s, this metric was 5% (1 in 20). Age is a factor in most cases, unless there are genetic reasons, which make some people (women and men) with certain genetic mutations in their BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, very likely targets. This gene mutation is passed on from parents to male and female children, although it may skip a generation.

In the last few days, Katie Couric put a press release announcing that she was diagnosed with Stage-1 breast cancer in June 2022. She concluded the post by urging readers to schedule their annual mammograms, which she had missed by just six months, – and to find out if they might need to get additional screenings for further diagnosis. For the serious type of breast cancer 6 months delay in the start of treatment, can make a big difference. “To reap the benefits of modern medicine,” she wrote, “we need to stay on top of our screenings, advocate for ourselves, and make sure everyone has access to the diagnostic tools that could very well save their life.” Her doctor provided the guidance that for almost 75% of breast cancer detected today, the patients did not have any of the risk factors – they just fell in the ‘statistical’ 12% of women pool.

Spread the word….yes this is a terrible affliction but the medical progress of today is on your side. Being proactive it can be beaten. Reacting when the tsunami is about to strike, may be too late and very disruptive for the entire family. Catching sight of the high waves in the distance and acting on it now, is easier. Talk about it, and bring this difficult topic on the front burner so it gets the required attention. Ask the difficult questions. Not addressing it does not make it go away. Do everything in your power, for yourself, your friends, and your family

This is not something to be afraid of. Fear can cause inaction or procrastination. Early knowledge of potential risks will arm you to respond to this with confidence and the belief that you will be fine.

To my women friends – I’m hoping this is old news and you are already doing what needs to be done, regularly and on time.

To my men friends – support the women in your lives at all stages. From disease prevention actions to full unconditional care and support if they happen to pick the short straw and fall in the 12% bucket.

If you are regularly being tested and have prioritized this task – you have nothing to fear. When detected early, medical technology has multiple tools to eliminate the root cause and get your life back on track. You have the ball to act now……