Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon

One, two, three, four, five, six, cancer. One, two, three, four, five, six, cancer. "One out of seven people will be develop breast cancer." Patricia Keck, director of student health, uttered this surprising statistic at the start of the  Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon. Provided by TAMIU Student Health Services and Mercy Ministries of Laredo, the luncheon took place on Oct. 10, and was geared to bring awareness and preventive care of breast cancer to the the TAMIU community.

Due to limited spacing, an audience of 51 students, faculty and staff members listened attentively as Dolores Canales, women's healthcare nurse practitioner, mentioned that breast cancer "is a very treatable disease, but if it not caught on time, it can be deadly," as she demonstrated the proper way to self detect breast cancer. The presentation also provided information of the possible risks that may aid the development of cancer, as well as physical symptoms, such as visual and physical changes  that one may encounter when faced with the disease and the options available for seeking medical treatment.

According to the American Cancer Society, the United States had an estimated 229,060 new cases of breast cancer reported in 2012 so far; 2,190 of those affected were men. Within these new cases, 39,510 women and 410 men are expected to lose their fight with this relentless disease. In Texas, there are 15,050 victims of breast cancer and 2,650 have ended in death. The Texas Department of State Health Services estimates that in 2012, there will be 96 new cases of breast cancer, resulting in 19 deaths, in Webb County. Though rare in men, breast cancer is the second most deadly cancer for women,with lung cancer being the first. The key to decreasing the mortality rate is prevention and early detection.

Though there is not a clear cut cause of breast cancer, there are certain factors that put one at greater risk. Major uncontrollable factors are being female, aging, and a history of breast cancer in the family. On the other hand, risk factors that can be controlled include being overweight/obese, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, and those that affect hormonal balance; oral contraception and hormone therapy after menopause. All these factors increase the probability of breast cancer. 

In the early stages of this type of cancer, when it is at its most treatable state, there are usually no symptoms. This stage it is normally detected with a mammogram. Mammograms are recommended by the American Cancer Society to be done annually when a woman turns 40. Those with a family history of breast cancer should begin mammograms five years earlier than the youngest member of the family that was diagnosed. Under 40 years of age, women should do a self breast exam once a month after menstruation. Cause for concern during the self examination, will be a either painless or painful lump located in breast area, near the clavicle or in the underarm. Differences in the texture or the look of the breasts are also cause for physician assistance. Early detection gives a better chance of survival and more opportunity for treatments. Like many other cancers, breast cancer treatment can consist of radiation, chemotherapy, and in more advanced cases a mastectomy. Canales advised that treatment is best decided by a physician.

To bring the luncheon to a close, Keck questioned the audience on what changes would they make, now knowing the facts of breast cancer. Many individual responded by saying, "I'm going to lose weight," "I'm going to tell my mom to get checked," "Self breast exam!" Canales mentioned earlier in her presentation, "Protection is..awareness." Get tested.

Students can visit the Health Center, located in room 125 in the Student Center during regular hours Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from  8 a.m to 5 p.m., and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m to 7 p.m. For questions or exams regarding women's health, Canales is available on Wednesdays from 8 a.m to 5 p.m, and a doctor is on campus Tuesdays from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. and Thursdays from 4:30 p.m to 6:30 p.m. These services are available to students free of charge. For appointments to see the doctor, or woman examinations, you may call (956) 326-2234. For any further information or questions on other medical attention, walk-ins are always welcomed.

For more information on breast cancer or the American Cancer Society, visit www.cancer.org.

(Monika Sanchez may be reached at monika@dusty.tamiu.edu)