October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I had not started this forum at the beginning of the month so I was unable to hop on the pink ribbon band wagon that has spawned walks, merchandise, and a giant marketing frenzy that now, like Christmas starts about four months ahead. Even in the face of a medical crisis, this society has turned breast cancer into a marketing machine.
One thing is for certain though - breast cancer is a life altering event that affect millions every year. In fact, black women are more like to DIE of breast cancer than white women and they are diagnosed with the disease more! One of my cousins died of breast cancer back in '99 and other friends and family have also battled the disease. It really struck me though when three black women were affected by breast cancer or breast related diseases - all a part of morning television and all in 2007. The coincidence was surreal to me, but it just brought home the fact that breast health is something that women, particularly black women need to be thinking of 365 days a year.
Rene Syler was one of the "founding mothers" of the Early Morning show on CBS. In her book Good Enough Mother, she describes her journey to and through the decision to have a both breasts removed in a procedure called prophylactic double mastectomy. I am sure that may be very radical to some, but Ms. Syler's mother AND father both battled breast cancer so she had a genetic disposition to the disease.
On July 31, 2007 Robin Roberts announced on Good Morning America that she too had been diagnosed with breast cancer. In her case, she has no family history. She fortunately caught it early through self examination. The lump was removed and she is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.
The third story of this cancer "trifecta" is Hoda Kotb who recently announced that she has been battling the disease since February. Because the cancer has spread, Ms. Kotb had to have the breast removed. She has chronicle her story in a video diary and an extensive interview with her colleague Ann Curry.
I comend these women for deciding to put themselves out there. I know that it will help many. I am particularly proud of how it may change the life of a sister who is hanging on to old beliefs that "what you don't know won't hurt you", and cancer is something "you just don't talk about." Don't sleep - there are many she-roes like this! I have heard first-hand from one of my customers about survival. She lends her face to the pink and black campaign in Boston that spotlights the need for black women not to fall prey to health care disparity. Every time a bus passes or I drive by a bus stop, I beam when I see her smiling face!
Here are some links that are sure to helpful AND inspirational:
The Pink and Black Campaign: http://www.bphc.org/pinkblack/index2.asp
Rene Syler: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3000268&page=1 and http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/features/rene-syler-pre-emptive-double-mastectomy
Black Women's Health: http://www.blackwomenshealth.com/2006/index.php
Robin Roberts: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3430554
Hoda Kotb: http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-US&brand=msnbc&vid=702c2b28-22e2-4d80-9496-799758ece711 and http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21350469/
So I know I have said a lot, so I will close by saying to my black sisters - conduct self exams, make a date with your GYN, and get that mammogram (I know it does NOT feel good, but the alternative doesn't either). If the clinician you are dealing with is not tuned in - tune him or her OUT!!! Just take care of yourself, because if you don't who will?
With that I wish you all the best today and always.
G
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