Women become 'passionately pink' in war against breast cancer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brittany Barker
  • 23 Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  There is a disease that has the potential to take your hair, your breasts and maybe even your life. It is a common one that women across the world are battling today, yet many still aren't educated or aware of the amount of women affected and the damage it causes.

The disease is breast cancer, and according to the American Cancer Society, it is the second most common cancer in women in the United States, trailing only skin cancer.
One out of every eight women in America will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and an estimated 40,460 American women will die from the disease this year.

According to the National Cancer Institute, women with family history of breast cancer have a higher risk of being diagnosed with the disease, especially if their family member was diagnosed before age 50.

Katie Brown, wife of Senior Airman Joseph Brown, 820th Security Forces Group equipment and cargo manager, has reason for concern. Her mother, Joni Cook, was diagnosed with breast cancer at 47 years old. Mrs. Brown said she now practices proper prevention by conducting monthly self exams in the shower.

"My mother found her lump that way," she said. "Fortunately, she found it in its earliest stages."

When Mrs. Brown initially discovered her mother had breast cancer she was in shock, and she was bitter that someone she loves so much must battle with this disease. She said her mom is currently approaching her five-year "clean bill of health" and the two plan to celebrate by participating in a three-day walk against breast cancer in the near future.

"Now I feel joy toward my mother's situation," said Mrs. Brown. "She has overcome so much, and when she gets her clean bill of health, it will be an occasion worth celebrating."

Early detection and treatment vastly improves the survivability rate from breast cancer, and that is why Mrs. Brown believes it's so important for cancer awareness and education programs like the "Passionately Pink for the Cure" campaign.

Nancy Brinken, founder of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, started the "Passionately Pink for the Cure" campaign in October 2006 to encourage others to support breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment.

There are seven stages in the breast cancer cycle, and the ACS advises that if the cancer is discovered within the first two stages, a person fares a much higher survival rate after five years.

"Good exams and good knowledge of your body are keys to preventing cancer," said Maj. Faye Centeno, 23rd Medical Group Women's Health Clinic nurse practitioner, "I recommend conducting a self exam once a month using the pads of your fingers, and not right before, during or after your menstrual cycle."

Symptoms of breast cancer include swelling of the breast, skin and nipple irritation, nipple discharge and a lump in the underarm area, says Major Centeno.

While October, which marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, has passed, people should remain aware of the dangers of the disease year-round, said Mrs. Brown. With a little information and awareness, people have the weapons to defeat the threat.

"Breast cancer can strike at any time; just ask my mom," said Mrs. Brown. "But it also can be beat."