This month I attended a memorial service for my friend, Dr. Tina Harris. I knew Tina from serving on the American Heart Association Mesquite Go Red board. She was an amazing woman. A mother, a wife, an active community member, a woman of faith, she touched the lives of many people, far more than I will ever know of. Tina was young, not yet reaching her 52nd birthday. Tina was a high energy, positive spirit who lit up the room. She was someone who fought for women’s health and served her community. She was a genuine example of servant leadership. And she had breast cancer.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and I dedicate this article to Tina. She is a reminder that no matter how healthy a life we live, how active we are, how positive and upbeat, we are still at risk. Breast cancer can affect everyone. Early detection is one of the best things that we can do to find and fight abnormal cells. Mammograms are, to date, the best way for us to do that along with monthly self-exams.
Breast cancer facts (http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org)
• One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women.
• Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.
• Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year.
According to Johns Hopkins Medical, some genetic risk factors are gender, age, race, family history, dense breast tissue, menstrual and reproductive cycle, as well as previously having other cancers and mutations in certain genes. Caucasian women over the age of 55 are at highest risk, before entering in the other genetic risk factors. Other risk factors that you can change are: lack of physical activity, poor diet, being overweight or obese, drinking alcohol, radiation therapy and certain hormone replacement therapies have been shown to increase your risk. These factors are all you can do something about. Discuss these risks with your doctor, get your annual exam including a mammogram, and take the lifestyle steps to reduce your risk.
Not everyone that has breast cancer has these risk factors. 75% of all women who get breast cancer have no known risk factor. There is still much work to be done and much more research needed to find a cure. So grab your sister, your mother, your aunt or your wife and remind them to get their annual mammogram every year after the age of 40, earlier if they are at higher risk determined by their doctor. If you are a woman, set a reminder to do your self-exam every month and take preventative measures to guard your health.
Liz Jones is the Wellness Coordinator for the City of Mesquite and a wellness professional in Rockwall, Mesquite, Wylie and surrounding areas. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. Liz Jones can be reached at: [email protected].