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By Cpl. Nikki M. Herman
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort
Pink. Usually not the color one would recognize in the changing of color of the leaves during the fall, but the month of October has grown accustomed to the light, pastel shade of red because of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
In 2007, an estimated 40,460 women were diagnosed with terminal breast cancer - the most common cancer in women in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society.
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that grows in one or both of the breasts. Breast cancer usually develops in the ducts or lobules, also known as the milk-producing areas of the breast.
While breast cancer occurs primarily in women, men are still susceptible. Although men have less breast tissue than women, they do have breast cells that can undergo cancerous changes.
Most breast lumps in men are due to gynecomastia and not cancer, according to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Web site. Gynecomastia, the most common male breast disorder, is an increase in the amount of a man's breast tissue. However, it is still important to see a medical professional about any of the symptoms, including a lump, to rule out male breast cancer.
According to the ACS, right now there are slightly more than 2 million women living in the U.S. who have been treated for breast cancer.
As breast cancer survivors go on with their lives, there are many changes they will face in the months and years after completing their treatment, according to the NBCAM Web site. Breast cancer survivors are faced with the possibility of the cancer coming back (recurrence), as well as an increased risk of developing a new breast cancer. Recurrence is possible, even if a woman has undergone a mastectomy, or breast removal.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Semper Fit, along with Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Keyserling Cancer Center and the Beaufort Naval Hospital, will be hosting its Annual Pink Ribbon Awareness Luncheon, Oct. 29, 2008, at the Air Station's Officer's Club.
"This event is planned, coordinated and hosted by Semper Fit in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month," said Crystal Dillard, the director of Semper Fit. "Our goal is to increase awareness within our military and civilian community during this National health observance. We plan to highlight the importance of prevention, early detection and treatment, as well as increase knowledge regarding the latest research and treatment options available. We have a wonderful survivor recognition portion of the program planned with musical support from a couple of Beaufort School Music Directors and talented student vocalists. We plan to offer the 'Parade of Hats' competition again this year, and a local artist is donating paintings that will be given to some lucky participants."
The luncheon will also feature the latest advances in prevention, education and awareness as well as its 'Parade of Hats.'
The lunch is free, but seating is limited. To reserve seating, call Semper Fit at 228-7010.
"Our theme is 'Navigating the Tides to Optimal Awareness in the Lowcountry,'" Dillard said. "Our message is about a journey, the journey one chooses to take whether you have cancer or you stand beside someone who has been diagnosed. Today's combined efforts in breast cancer awareness offers more options within our community, offering direction, in what may have been described as a rough sea of storms. Knowing we will join together during this social event of awareness and celebrate our advancements in breast cancer represents the difference we have made over the years."
| Date Taken: | 10.17.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 10.17.2008 07:48 |
| Story ID: | 25130 |
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| Web Views: | 143 |
| Downloads: | 117 |
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