In my forty-three years as a physician, I’ve diagnosed cancer many times. It’s a terrible fate, the doorway to prolonged treatments, sometimes painful and disfiguring, and occasionally ending in death. According to WHO, cancer is the leading cause of death in two-thirds of the countries in the world. In America, cancer ranks second only to heart disease as a cause of mortality.
Although fourth in causes of death by cancer overall, breast ranks second to lung as a site of cancer in women. The incidence of breast cancer has remained steady over the past thirty years at 130 cases per 100,000 population. Fortunately, though, because of increased early detection and improvements in treatment, the yearly death rate has fallen significantly from 32 to 20 cases per 100,000.
Risk factors for breast cancer include:
· Being overweight
· Limited physical activity
· Taking hormones
· Alcohol abuse
· Late or no childbearing
· Specific genetic mutations
Both of my mother’s sisters had breast cancer although neither had significant risk factors. This goes to show that all women are at risk of developing breast cancer so getting screened can save lives. In both of my aunts’ cases their cancers were removed, and they died many years later of other causes.
When I was a younger physician, the American Cancer Society recommended women perform self-examination in the shower. The theory went that finding a lump could direct the woman to seek further evaluation. However, this method was found to be relatively unsuccessful in catching cancers early when they’re most treatable and now isn’t promoted. Currently, women should consider annual mammograms at age 40, and definitely obtain yearly tests from ages 45 to 54. After that, the screening test can be decreased to every other year. Newer tests, such as the 3-D digital breast tomosynthesis, provide even better screening results.
Social media is in an ideal position to remind women of the seriousness of the disease and urge them to obtain their yearly exam. In the mid-2000s, each October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Facebook promoted cyberactivism with clever memes such as having a woman post her bra color or making a reference to where she set her purse. “I like it behind the couch,” gave a sexual overtone with the hope that its humor would raise awareness of breast cancer.
These kinds of social activities became viral, both because they were fun and because of the seriousness of the topic. However, did they do any good? Being aware of breast cancer might remind a woman to schedule her mammogram appointment, certainly a positive result, but so much more could be accomplished with more directed stimulation. What about volunteering at a breast screening mobile facility, running a donation campaign, or obtaining and distributing material at your place of work?
I’d like to be part of that activism. If you’re female over age forty, why not make an appointment right now for your mammogram? If you know someone who qualifies, your girlfriend, your mother, or even a drinking buddy, bring it up and encourage them to schedule their screening. I called our local imaging center and they explained that they require a woman to have both an appointment and a referral from a physician. Or, consider this CDC website that offers directions to the nearest screening center and explains how those without money or insurance can qualify for free screening. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/screenings.htm.
I have my own love, my French Girlfriend, and would like her to remain healthy. It’s about time for her screening!
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