Awareness Reality Check

Awareness of breast cancer, as I mentioned in an earlier post, is a double-edged sword. There is too much awareness when it raises fears about breast cancer to the point where women overestimate their risk. But a certain level of awareness is necessary for women to understand how they might protect themselves.

An interview with Nancy Brinker, founder of the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Race for the Cure, on the October 1st Oprah show reminded me of a different era when there was too little awareness. When Brinker's sister was diagnosed in the late 70's, no one talked openly about breast cancer, there were no support groups for women with the disease, and little information was available. Brinker says that if they'd known more about breast cancer, her sister might have considered going outside of their small town to get a second opinion at a large cancer center instead of putting her faith in the local doctors. She believes her sister's outcome might have been different if she'd been treated by knowledgeable specialists from the beginning.

Women need to be aware that they should get a second opinion when they're uncertain about the first one. Doctors may have different ideas about what follow-up a woman with a suspicious lump should have or which treatment is best for any particular breast cancer patient.

There is a list of cancer centers on the National Cancer Institute web site as well as a wealth of information. If none of these cancer centers are close enough for even a one-time consultation, it may be helpful to speak to doctors or call local hospitals to find a breast surgeon or an oncologist who is known to treat a lot of patients with breast cancer.

We should be aware that early detection is important because treating breast cancer at its earliest stages is simplest and most effective. Mammograms are not pleasant, but the small amount of discomfort is well worth the peace of mind they bring. We also need to get breast exams as part of our regular check-ups, and check our own breasts occasionally in between.

We should keep in mind that our risk for breast cancer is probably lower than we think, and that if further tests are necessary after having a mammogram, they're most likely to come out negative. Call-backs after a mammogram are common simply for getting clearer views of dense areas in the breast. And 80% of breast biopsies end up being negative.

We should also be aware that it is better to contribute to breast cancer charities directly than to buy pink promotional items. An excellent and informative article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune -- Which pink products really help fight breast cancer? -- addresses the issue of companies using Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a marketing tool. Of course, some companies contribute significant amounts to breast cancer charities, but others do not. The article links to a Guide to buying pink that offers suggestions on what to look for in a pink product to be sure the manufacturer is really using profits to support the fight against breast cancer.

Above all, we need to be aware that one of the best ways to fight this disease is to protect ourselves by using what scientists know about reducing breast cancer risk and recurrence through lifestyle.