Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Advocacy
By Nancy Smith and Pam Franklin
Breast cancer is a life-altering experience in a woman. It affects not only the woman herself, but all those in her life. It is not to be feared, however, since God does not put a spirit of fear in us. Your Health Advocates at Christ Fellowship, are here to encourage all women to be aware of their bodies, and especially their breast health.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in the U.S. and the leading cause of cancer deaths among women aged 40-50. It is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer deaths in women. breast cancer accounts for 1 of every 3 cases of cancer diagnosed in women. About 211,240 cases this year of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women this year, and over 40,000 women will die this year from it.
The good news is that there are over 2 million survivors in the U.S. today. About 80% of these survivors will never have a recurrence! The number of deaths is declining as a result of early detection! We, as your Christ Fellowship Health Advocates, urge you to do all you can to keep yourself and your body, God’s temple, healthy, and know that early detection is the key.
Researchers don’t know precise causes of breast cancer, and no one can tell who will develop it. If you are over 50 and female, you are of the greatest risk. Interestingly enough, only 5 – 10% of all breast cancer cases are purely genetic. Recent studies show that women who exercise regularly and follow healthy diets have a decreased risk.
We encourage the following in order to assist early detection, which is the key to health and being cancer free:
- 1) Self-examination once a month of your breasts, beginning age 20
- 2) Clinical breast exams every 3 years beginning at age 20, and every year beginning at age 40.
- 3) Mammograms annually beginning at age 40
We urge you to do these things for you and your family. If you feel you cannot afford these exams, please contact Christ Fellowship’s HealthCare Advocacy Ministry. We believe that you can’t afford not to! We have resources and ways to assist you. Our passion is to encourage all women to listen to their bodies and to God, and to utilize the resources available today for early detection and save lives!
Nancy Smith and Pam Franklin are both breast cancer survivors and members of the HealthCare Advocacy Ministry, serving as Peer Counselors. If you have questions about this or any other article, please email and write the article title in the subject line.
