About four years ago, my grandma was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, she had just moved away from my mom and I to live near other family, so I wasn’t aware of how she was dealing with cancer. I can remember my mom telling me once that my grandma felt so alone. The truth about breast cancer, or cancer in general, is that it’s not only taxing on your body, but also on your psyche. People need a support system to get through a difficult time like that. The Susan G. Komen Foundation becomes that support system for thousands of people; they provide medical and emotional help to those who need it. Every day, Komen is searching for a cure and raising awareness about breast cancer. In order to eliminate breast cancer, women and men must be aware: they should know risk factors, …show more content…
The Problem
First off, in order to be aware, one must know what breast cancer is. According to The Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health, breast cancer is the abnormal growth and uncontrolled division of the breast cells. The uncontrolled division and growth of these cells can lead to a lump forming in the breast, which can lead to breast cancer. The cancer cells can then metastasize, or spread, throughout the body by means of bodily fluids, the bloodstream, or lymph fluid destroying healthy tissue along the way. The Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health states, “Breast cancer is a leading cause of morbidity (illness) and mortality (death) for women” (“Breast Cancer” 553-559). About 227,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year and only about 2,400 men are diagnosed. Of all breast cancer cases, men make up only 1%, so it is extremely rare. Women are much more at risk of developing breast cancer. Their risk increases with age