Breast Cancer Then and Now
Since my own diagnosis in 1988, today presents a whole different picture for women with breast cancer.
Pink is the color of October; the color of the ribbon representing courage, hope and solidarity. If you want to share some love (and info), go ahead and stretch your fingers to click the heart button above; because… who doesn’t like to feel the love?
Breast cancer awareness month started in 1985, just three years before my own diagnosis at 34 when I got my first-ever mammogram.
What a difference 40 years makes. And as a breast cancer survivor, it’s exciting to see what was then, vs. what is now.
Breast cancer has evolved…from its incidence, its ramifications; its diagnosis, treatments and outcome.
THEN…
💓 I didn’t pay much attention to the fact that the month was set aside as a way to promote awareness and raise funds. I was too busy concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other; caring for my two young toddlers and fighting fear and uncertainty.
💞Nor did I know that I was part of approximately only 6.4 percent of women under 40 with the disease. I felt even more alone than that; as if I was the only one.
💞Following my diagnosis, “standard practice” included a mastectomy, chemo and a five-year regimen of tamoxifen (a type of hormone therapy). It all left me exhausted, sad and overwhelmed, I didn’t know that one day women would have many, many more choices of treatments and be able to know what suited their individual situation, possibly even avoiding unnecessary surgery and/or chemotherapy.
💞In 1988, vigorous exercise, especially weightlifting, was frowned upon; rest and a conservative approach were encouraged. “Stand facing the wall and march your fingers up and down 10 times” was about all that was offered to ease the chest tightness that followed mastectomy. (Oh, and swimming too; but I hated swimming.) But I went with my gut, and ignored them all…I needed to move and remain vital and strong. (I got certified as a personal trainer, convinced I was going to help other women in my situation. At a meeting I set up with a leading cancer organization to suggest partnering on an exercise, they curtly dismissed me.)
💞Back then, I could only answer the recurring question from incredulous people: “Does it run in your family??” with a frustrated, “Um…NO.” I didn’t have an explanation as to why, with little to no risk factors, I was diagnosed with something I never expected, at such a young age.
💞Nor in 1988, at 34, having no experience with serious illness, could I have told anyone the “right” thing to say to me. I did, however, notice all the “wrong” things people said. (But who was I to tell anyone how to react? I barely knew how to react myself.)
👩🦰Hair loss. Every. Damn. Strand. This was (almost) as hard as losing my breasts. A stark reminder of my sheer powerlessness.
In 1988, it was a few decades too early to know what we all know today…
NOW…
💓Mammography and other screening has become much more sophisticated and advanced; thus finding tumors earlier (when they’re generally more treatable). Digital mammography and 3D tomosynthesis can now improve accuracy and reduce false alarms; they can also detect cancers hidden in dense breast tissue (which is more likely in younger women). All this may point to one of the reasons for the rising incidence of breast cancer - but with good reason. Better detection leads to earlier detection - which in turn, leads to lowering mortality rates.
💗Today, I would not feel so alone with a diagnosis of breast cancer at 34: The incidence rate has risen faster than in women over 50, according to the BCRF (Breast Cancer Research Foundation). (see above).
💗Since 1988, treatments and testing for breast cancer have come a very long way, with many more classes of drugs and unique and targeted treatments better able to target specific breast cancer subtypes. What’s more, there is no more “standard practice;” testing can help determine whether patients need or don’t need chemotherapy.
💗Today, exercise is encouraged, rather than discouraged. Aerobic plus resistance training has been found to help reduce the risk of recurrence, improve a patient’s quality of life, relieve anxiety, depression, fatigue and improve self-esteem. Many structured exercise programs are offered by gyms, cancer centers and non-profits. (Thank goodness!)
💗Although there is a multitude of risk factors for breast cancer, the exact cause is largely unknown. But family history only accounts for five to ten percent of all breast cancers, usually due to the inheritance of damaged genes.
💗I am able to share what I’ve learned about things to say or not say to someone who is diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m gratified to have had many platforms to write about the subject, including this one. (Following my diagnosis I had a so-called wake-up call to nudge me to do what I loved, and forged a long career as a health journalist). And if you want to read about my experience dancing with the Mombies to raise money for breast cancer research, here you go!
👩🦰Less toxic chemo regimens and chemo caps (scalp cooling systems) have helped to reduce hair loss. A biggie in my book.
If you’ve read this far, thank you for coming on my journey with me, and I truly hope you learned some helpful things, too.
But most importantly, get screened! Please, please, please. Read the latest guidelines here.
And second most importantly, tell your mother, sister, friend, niece, and whoever else you love to do as you do. (I’m assuming you will do the prudent thing!)
One More Thing…
Thank you to these fun, wonderful people for bringing a much-needed smile to so many faces!!
The information provided on the site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.