The Susan G. Komen Foundation


Last week, on ¡°Giving hearts Live¡± Internet Voices Radio, Susan Brown, RN and Manager of Health Education at the Susan G. Komen Foundation appeared live to discuss breast cancer issues and provide resource information to the public at large.

One of the main topics we discussed concerned the risks of breast cancer and prevention. In addition, I referred to an excellent new book by Julia Chiappetta, BREAST CANCER, THE NOTEBOOK and cited some of the risk factors extensively described in the book as follows:
.Being a woman
.Getting older
.family History
.Not exercising

Susan Brown clarified why not exercising would be a risk factor. As a result of weight gain, many women can become more vulnerable to breast cancer, and therefore exercising regularly would be key in prevention. We also discussed in detail some important steps to be taken toward breast health. In summary, early detection and screening options play an important role in health. Women are advised to become familiar with doing a self-examination regularly and also look for any physical changes such as :extreme skin irritations, discharges form the nipple, red, or scaly areas that do not appear to heal at all.

For women over forty, the yearly mammogram is advised. I think Julia Chiappetta really de-mystifies the mammogram in her book and it is worth taking note:
¡°This is done by placing the breasts between plates for a few seconds while x-rays are being taken.¡± I¡¯m eternally grateful for Julia¡¯s book, as well as the resources available through The Susan G. Komen Foundation. I know when I was advised to have my first mammogram, my doctor only described it as a ¡°screening¡± and did not take the time to go into the detail Julia¡¯s book does. For women who may have many questions concerning breast cancer, The Susan G. Komen Foundation makes a helpline available to the public: 1 800 462-9273.

In 1978, The Susan G. Komen Foundation was founded by Nancy Komen after her sister Susan died at age 36 as a result of breast cancer. For the past twenty years, the foundation has been active and considered a global leader in breast cancer research.

This week, we will discuss Passionately Pink for the Cure, the foundation¡¯s year long campaign to raise breast cancer awareness. Participants are requested to select any day in October and make a $5 donation.