This is National Breast Cancer Month. I hope and pray that I help some one to get a mammogram. For females, please do self- examination of your breasts- one week after your period. Men reading this, please do your self exams and report any changes in your breasts or nipples. Unfortunately, men get Breast Cancer too.
One of the most common cancers among Black women, as you may know, is Breast Cancer. And that, my friends, is only surpassed by the number one culprit Lung Cancer. More than 217, 000 people will be affected by Breast Cancer this year. Now tell me that this fact isn’t a good reason for us to feel some fear. Every 2 minutes, my friends, a woman is diagnosed with Breast Cancer. And every 13 minutes because of Breast Cancer, one woman’s life is over. Imagine, 20, 000 newly diagnosed cases are expected to occur among Black Women. Of that, 57 hundred Black Women, because of Breast Cancer, will leave this earth my friend. Black Women 5 year survival rate is 74%. Compared to White Women whose survival rate is 88%. Scientists still don’t know why Breast Cancer affects Black Women differently to White Women. There’s a higher incidence of Breast Cancer in Black Women as compared to White Women. Black Women are more likely to be diagnosed with much larger tumors. And they are also more likely to be diagnosed with more advanced stages of Breast Cancer. Among women under 45 Black Women have a higher incidence of this disease. And this is compared to the incidences among women, if you please. The risk of Breast Cancer for all women surely increases with age. But yearly mammograms and monthly self- exams help to discover it at an early stage. Women between the age of 20-30 should have a mammogram every 3 years. Be familiar with your breasts so you’ll notice any changes occuring there. Report any changes that you find to your doctor without delay. The best method of protection is early detection, that’s what I always say. Mammograms are avalable; they are free for everyone. But if you have no insurance you can still get yourself a free one. Ladies remind your husbands and boyfriends to check their breasts when you do; They should report any changes they see in their breasts because men can get Breast Cancer too.
To God be the glory for your strength, courage and ambition to spread the word of education about this cancer that is killing many people. I admire your strength through it all. Cynthia and i have ou in our prayers and we both love you. I hope to meet you one day and you will tell me that you are cured. God bless you and give you peace. Rock of ages cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee.
Dear Sis. Pamela, this should be a public service announcement, as is. Very creative and educational! (Just had my mammies grammed!)
blessin's to you, hope all is well with your spirit (sounds from this poem that your spirit is amazing!)
Sorry to ramble, I just think you are such an inspiration to so many folks. Sending this to two of my friends.
cynth'ya lewis reed
... a message I can surely endorse, having been diagnosed only last week as having an invasive level 2 ductile tumour. It is only 7mm, and I face surgery for the removal of further breast tissue and lymph nodes for examination next week. I have just posted a poem beneath yours tonight, Pamela, so the coincidence is extraordinary. I will return to check out your Odyssey in due course, but thank you so much for flagging up this increasing and encroaching threat. I am white and 48, but have been fighting a premature menopause (medically induced) for about 15 years. I understand that it is the younger females, those of child-bearing years, who really need to take extra-special care as the disease tends to be more aggressive while hormones are still naturally circulating. But I really, as yet, know very little, so I won't seek to confuse, only endorse wholeheartedly your informative message. Bless you - and so glad that you are a survivor and an overcomer! I intend to be the same! Many thanks and pleased to meet you. Kate x
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