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Breast Cancer Awareness

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Breast Cancer: Stuff They Never Tell You

Survivors are part of a sisterhood, whether they choose to be or not. And sharing stories–funny, sad, ironic—is what sisters do best.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. Hearing the words, "I'm sorry, but it's cancer," comes as a shock to anyone, and I never thought I would hear them that day. I was in my mid-40s, a marathon runner, healthy eater, non-smoker, no family history. The only real risk factor I had was giving birth to my first child after age 30. I cried (hysterically), I went for a long run the next morning, I got a second opinion, I told only a handful of people and I went about my busy life trying not to think about it. I made a list of other women I knew who had fought – or were fighting – this awful disease. In a few moments, I came up with more than 15 names of women in my community, most of whom were right around my age. Clearly, I was not alone…

bill trudeau

10:04 am on Thursday, November 1, 2012

The thing I've learned in the last few years is that cancer is NOT pink, as you'll find out when you get prostate, pancreatic or lung cancer. Cancer isn't something to be packaged in pretty colors and merchandised by foundations that could care less if a cure is ever discovered, as long as the bottom line is healthy.   more ›

Monday, October 29, 2012

Show Us Your Pink Pride in Chicago's Western Suburbs

Show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month by uploading photos of your and/or your family and friends supporting the cause.

Showing off your pink pride during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a favorite thing to do with survivors and supporters alike. Thousands of hats, shirts, and other pink breast cancer items are sold in October, including at locations throughout DuPage County and Kane County. Millions of tiny pink ribbons are worn to support the cure for breast cancer and hope for many women. Also, countless numbers of people show support of Breast Cancer Awareness by participating in fundraising events. There have been numerous events throughout the western suburbs this month, including many in DuPage County and Kane County. Have you strapped on your pink running shoes for the Komen Race for the Cure? If a walk is more your speed, how about the …

Friday, October 26, 2012

Breast Cancer in Young Women: Resources and Statistics in DuPage County

Breast cancer isn't age specific. Here's how to cope with treatments and augmentations if you are diagnosed earlier in life in the DuPage County area.

Generally speaking, a woman in Illinois has a one in 124 chance of getting breast cancer, according to this breast cancer statistics chart from komen.org. An American woman in her 30s has a one in 232 chance of getting the disease, and a woman 20 years her senior has a one in 42 probability, according to the website. “Although we aren’t certain, the cause of breast cancer in younger women is likely caused by a genetic predisposition,” says Ann H. Partridge, M.D., M.P.H., the medical oncologist director of the Adult Survivorship Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. While breast cancer treatment in young women is often effective, the chance of recovery tends to be worse in women under 40. Breast tissue is…

shenqi

9:24 am on Monday, December 3, 2012

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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Outer Beauty Tips Lead to Inner Strength for DuPage County Women with Breast Cancer

Learn about local resources for women fighting breast cancer that your doctor doesn't offer.

By the nature of its side effects, cancer treatment can make a private battle a very public affair. For a woman with cancer, having a bald head, pale skin or a missing breast can make her feel like she's being targeted by a bright spotlight and a banner that says, "Cancer patient."  But now more than ever, there are resources for women that will put the spotlight back on their work, their accomplishments and their life—and change that banner to simply read, "Woman." Here are a few local resources that specialize in helping women with cancer: Girl on the Go provides private or in-home wig consultations for women with cancer, with locations in 12 states, including Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, New …

Friday, October 19, 2012

Where to Get a Breast Examination in DuPage County

The Illinois Cancer Registry estimates 1,890 women statewide will die from breast cancer this year, and about 9,400 women will be diagnosed. Early detection, offered in routine exams at numerous DuPage County locations, saves thousands of lives annually.

Studies have shown that early detection of breast cancer improves the chances of a cure. That in itself is the most important reason to make an appointment today for a breast exam or mammogram.  Here is a list of local places where you can go for mammograms and breast exams in DuPage County: Going for an exam can be nerve-wracking. To better understand the importance of exams, here's helpful information that explains the process, when you should go and why: Breast self-exams There has been a lot of heated debate in the research and medical communities about the usefulness of breast self-exams in detecting breast cancer in the early stages. One cancer research organization has even said it’s a myth. The American Cancer Society’s guidelines …

Friday, October 12, 2012

Downers Grove North Students Use School Spirit to Bolster Cancer Awareness

The student spirit organization "N-Zone" will raise money for the American Cancer Society on Friday by selling pink DGN shirts at the school's football game.

The Downers Grove North student spirit organization “N-Zone” hopes to generate excitement for the school's football game Friday night—as well as awareness about cancer. The Trojans will host conference rival Hinsdale Central for the schools' annual "Old Oaken Bucket" football game. The series dates back to October 1935, when Hinsdale created a "Little Brown Jug" rivalry for its game against Downers Grove. Each year, the teams play not only for bragging rights, but to keep possession of the bucket. This year, however, students are also hoping the game will bring attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “We thought the highly anticipated ‘bucket game’ against Hinsdale Central would be the perfect occasion to also raise awareness for …

Shop Pink in DuPage County to Benefit Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which means a variety of pink products will be hitting the shelves. But, do your pink purchases always go towards the cause?

A wave of pink is flooding stores everywhere, as retailers participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For the savvy shopper, it's an opportunity to donate to a good cause while snagging unique, pink-hued items. Here are a few local places offering pink products: But before you plunk down your green for some pink, the nonprofits behind Breast Cancer Awareness Month want you to check the label. Jenna Glazer, director of development for Young Survival Coalition (YSC), a global organization dedicated to helping young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer, said that buyers should be on the lookout for a label or tag that tells where the money from the purchase goes. "If you walk into Bed Bath & Beyond and see something with a pink …

Pro Life Crusader +

10:49 am on Saturday, October 13, 2012

Susan G. Komen reverses course, will keep funding Planned Parenthood February 03, 2012   more ›

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

DuPage County Offers Variety of Breast Cancer Support Groups

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here is a list of local breast cancer support groups.

One in eight American women and one in 1,000 American men are battling breast cancer today. It’s estimated that more than 2 million people are diagnosed with breast cancer and fight for their lives each year. Breast cancer is difficult to face alone—for both patients and their loved ones. To help in the battle, there are a number of local resources and support groups. “Support groups are really beneficial,” says Debra Somerrs Copit, MD, Director of Breast Imaging at Albert Einstein Medical Center, and a member of the medical advisory board for Living Beyond Breast Cancer. “When patients are told they’re sick, it can be an out of body experience and they aren’t taking in everything the doctor is saying. It can be helpful to have someone to …

Tina Koral

9:47 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012

Young Survival Coalition is a group supporting those diagnosed under the age of 40. There is a Chicago chapter with meet-ups in DuPage County. For more info, visit: www.youngsurvival.org   more ›

Friday, October 5, 2012

Think Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness Events in DuPage County

From galas to walks to shopping, here's how you can participate, pledge support and donate to the cause in DuPage County.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and whether you love to shop, attend events, walk or run, there are tons of different ways to support the cause. Check out the list below of opportunities to go pink in DuPage County and beyond: There are even more ways to spread breast cancer awareness this month by supporting national organizations that are fighting for a cure. Research centers like Susan G. Komen for the Cure are selling pink ribbon merchandise and it’s a twofer — retail therapy and donating to a cause that affects millions. You can also support breast cancer research by affixing a special stamp to your mail. The U.S. Postal Service has been selling a stamp commemorating breast cancer awareness for the past 15 years. The…

Debby

11:24 am on Friday, October 5, 2012

I join a team and very ptoud of it   more ›

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Healthy Living Can Prevent Breast Cancer: DuPage County Resources

Research shows good nutrition and exercise can help prevent breast cancer. Here are some resources around DuPage County to help you stay healthy.

You might be able to find help fighting breast cancer and other types of cancers at your local grocery store and fitness centers, according to the research findings of Dr. Marian Neuhouser, Ph.D, RD. Dr. Neuhouser is a nutritional epidemiologist with a background in nutritional sciences. She is an investigator at Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Her research is focused on lifestyle factors such as nutrition and physical activity. Some factors may prevent breast and prostate cancer and improve survivorship in those diagnosed with cancer.   According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, more than 200,000 American women are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 American women will die from…

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