Monday, October 29, 2012
When it comes to mammograms, some medical centers are turning this uncomfortable medical test into an excuse to throw a party.
It's no secret why women dread mammograms: the paper gown, the technician grabbing your "girls" to fit them onto the cold, metal X-ray plate, and then of course, there is the squishing of the breasts while you hold your breath. It may be a life-saving screening process, but not the most fun you can have in an hour. But lately, some health professionals have come up with some ways to make the process less heinous. It all starts with some wine and cheese... While there are no snacks involved, DeKalb Medical Center at Hillandale has an expanded 4,170 square feet Breast Center where mammograms are performed. Patients or doctors may call about appointments here: 404.501.2660. Breast cancer survivor and Patch editor Ronni Newton of Connecticut …
Survivors are part of a sisterhood, whether they choose to be or not. And sharing stories – funny, sad, ironic – is what sisters do best.
- BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
- Ronni Newton
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Monday, October 29, 2012
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. Hearing the words, "I'm sorry, but it's cancer," comes as a shock to anyone, and I never thought I would hear them that day. I was in my mid-40s, a marathon runner, healthy eater, non-smoker, no family history. The only real risk factor I had was giving birth to my first child after age 30. I cried (hysterically), I went for a long run the next morning, I got a second opinion, I told only a handful of people and I went about my busy life trying not to think about it. I made a list of other women I knew who had fought – or were fighting – this awful disease. In a few moments, I came up with more than 15 names of women in my community, most of whom were right around my age. Clearly, I was not …
Monday, October 22, 2012
Resources for women fighting breast cancer that your doctor doesn't offer.
- BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
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Monday, October 22, 2012
By the nature of its side effects, cancer treatment can make a private battle a very public affair. For a woman with cancer, having a bald head, pale skin or a missing breast can make her feel like she's being targeted by a bright spotlight and a banner that says, "Cancer patient." But now more than ever, there are resources for women that will put the spotlight back on their work, their accomplishments and their life—and change that banner to simply read, "Woman." Girl on the Go provides private or in-home wig consultations for women with cancer, with locations in 12 states, including Georgia. Breast cancer survivor Sheril Cohen started the business after her own struggles with hair loss that were matched only by the frustrating process…
Friday, October 19, 2012
Breast cancer isn't age specific. Here's how to cope with treatments and augmentations if you are diagnosed earlier in life.
- BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
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Friday, October 19, 2012
Generally speaking, about 119 women out of every 100,000 women in Georgia has breast cancer, according to this breast cancer statistics chart from komen.org. An American woman in her 30s has a one in 232 chance of getting the disease, and a woman 20 years her senior has a one in 42 probability, according to the website. “Although we aren’t certain, the cause of breast cancer in younger women is likely caused by a genetic predisposition,” says Ann H. Partridge, M.D., M.P.H., the medical oncologist director of the Adult Survivorship Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. While breast cancer treatment in young women is often effective, the chance of recovery tends to be worse in women under 40. Breast tissue…
Monday, October 15, 2012
Early detection of breast cancer through routine exams saves thousands of lives every year.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
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Monday, October 15, 2012
Studies have shown that early detection of breast cancer improves the chances of a cure. That in itself is the most important reason to make an appointment today for a breast exam or mammogram. Here is a list of local places where you can go for mammograms and breast exams in and around Brookhaven and Chamblee: Going for an exam can be nerve-wracking. To better understand the importance of exams, here's helpful information that explains the process, when you should go and why: Breast self-exams There has been a lot of heated debate in the research and medical communities about the usefulness of breast self-exams in detecting breast cancer in the early stages. One cancer research organization has even said it’s a myth. The American Cancer …
"Uplift: Secrets from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors" shares the wisdom of breast cancer survivors with the newly diagnosed. What's your story?
- BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
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Monday, October 15, 2012
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One of the greatest challenges for those who have been newly diagnosed is finding sources of support. Patients are eager for information on everything from enduring surgery and chemotherapy to how to deal with hair loss. While there are local resources and support groups, women can also find comfort in a sisterhood of survivors who have already been in their shoes. TELL US: Do you have an experience with breast cancer that you would like to share? Honor the sisterhood of survivors in our town by uploading a photo to the gallery above or sharing your story in the comment section below. Best selling author and breast cancer survivor Barbara Delinsky has gathered the wisdom of hundreds of …
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Research shows heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death among women, but breast cancer grabs the headlines, especially in October. Are we neglecting a major health risk to women?
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and all across metro Atlanta, events are being held to raise money and recognition of this major health risk to women. In Sandy Springs, bicyclists will be participating in an over Oct. 13-14 called the 24 Hours Of Booty Bike Ride. On Oct. 18, Brookhaven's Taryn Reed Jewelry & Loving Local will host a girls night out shopping event, where a portion of proceeds will benefit research through www.keep-a-breast.org. Rue 21 locations in Stone Mountain and Lithonia are donating portions of their Breast Cancer Awareness merchandise to the Glimmer of Hope Foundation. And in Buckhead and Virginia-Highland, Van Michael Salon and the Pink Heels Foundation are offering a variety of specials and deals through …
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Taryn Reed Jewelry & Loving Local are hosting "Girls Night Out - Shop for a Cause Event," which will benefit breast cancer through www.keep-a-breast.org.
Monday, October 8, 2012
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here's a list of local breast cancer support groups.
One in 8 American women and 1 in 1,000 American men will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. It’s estimated that more than 2 million people are diagnosed with breast cancer and fight for their lives each year. Breast cancer is difficult to face alone—for both patients and their loved ones. To help in the battle, there are a number of local resources and support groups. “Support groups are really beneficial,” says Debra Somerrs Copit, MD, Director of Breast Imaging at Albert Einstein Medical Center, and a member of the medical advisory board for Living Beyond Breast Cancer. “When patients are told they’re sick, it can be an out of body experience and they aren’t taking in everything the doctor is saying. It can be helpful to…
Monday, October 1, 2012
From galas to walks to shopping, here's how you can participate, pledge support and donate to the cause in Brookhaven and Georgia.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and whether you love to shop, attend events, walk or run, there are tons of different ways to support the cause. Check out the list below of opportunities to go pink in Brookhaven and beyond: There are even more ways to spread breast cancer awareness this month by supporting national organizations that are fighting for a cure. Research centers like Susan G. Komen for the Cure are selling pink ribbon merchandise and it’s a twofer — retail therapy and donating to a cause that affects millions. You can also support breast cancer research by affixing a special stamp to your mail. The U.S. Postal Service has been selling a stamp commemorating breast cancer awareness for the past 15 years. The …
RMK
8:54 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012
Most major breast cancer organizations do talk about the fact that men get breast cancer, but only 1 in every 100 cases is diagnosed in men. In addition only 1% of breast cancer related deaths are in men. Of course the majority of breast cancer awareness should focus on women... 99% of those being impacted with a diagnosis are women (close to 40,000 deaths annually is much more significant than … more ›