BREAST CANCER

Breast cancer awareness is abundant, as it well should be, but what we don't talk about often enough is breast cancer in men.

If you’ve heard of cancer, you’ve heard of breast cancer -- in fact, it’s the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women.

Perry, 29, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer on March 1. Triple-negative breast cancer is known as one of the most aggressive types of breast cancer because there are fewer treatment options, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “If you’re diagnosed under 40, it’s most likely triple-negative breast cancer. Even now, knowing that it’s gone, but triple-negative (breast cancer) has the highest rate of recurrence,” Perry said. Perry said she hopes her story of survival brings awareness to her type of breast cancer and the need for more research.

For someone who has never had to experience or endure breast cancer, it might be understandable that there are questions involved. Does a diagnosis typically come as a surprise, or do people often suspect that something feels not quite right?

SAN ANTONIO – At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Doctor Kate Lathrop with UT Health San Antonio and Mays Cancer Center said doctors were encouraging women to avoid routine check-ups. So it’s a safe way to get screened for breast cancer even during COVID. Lathrop also believes some women avoid these check-ups out of fear of a diagnosis. The earlier we can detect breast cancer, the higher the chance of us curing women of that breast cancer,” she stressed. Lathrop encourages women 40 or older to get routine mammograms every year or at least every two years.

For someone who has never had to experience or endure breast cancer, it might be understandable that there are questions involved.

According to recent research, the number of people being diagnosed with breast cancer has declined by half during the COVID-19 pandemic. Oncologists said the reason behind it is because fewer people are visiting their health care providers. The good news is many things can still be done to help reduce the risks of breast cancer. Be sure to get tested regardless of your gender:Oncologists say sometimes men ignore the warning signs of breast cancer for too long, and that can be deadly. Look for changes during self-exams:Doctors say even though not all lumps end up being cancer, they still need to be evaluated by a health care professional to rule out any problems.

For someone who has never had to experience or endure breast cancer, it might be understandable that there are questions involved. Does a diagnosis typically come as a surprise, or do people often suspect that something feels not quite right?

Chapko’s anxiety grew, knowing that her mother had breast cancer when she was younger. So, in late May, Chapko went to the doctor, and sure enough, tests showed she had breast cancer. “There are many oncologists reporting a 30 to 40% decrease in breast cancer diagnoses and cancer diagnoses in general, largely driven by patients not coming in for their routine screening exams,” he said. “All the staff are screened each day they come to work and all the patients are screened before they enter. Don’t put it off.’ Just because you don’t feel anything doesn’t mean there’s nothing there,” she said.

We realize the questions above are quite personal. But we’ll ask, for anyone who might be open to sharing: How did you learn of your breast cancer?

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio nonprofit dedicated to fighting breast cancer is shutting its doors, ending a 20-year relationship with the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Despite the breakup with the parent organization, Rosen is confident breast cancer victims will continue to be served in the San Antonio area. “I don’t have any doubt that the San Antonio breast cancer community will continue the mission that Komen SA had in the future, but what that looks like I don’t know," Rosen said. For ongoing assistance for local breast cancer patients, visit Komen San Antonio’s website for local grantees offering support. The legal and operational process of Komen San Antonio’s termination with the national organization is anticipated to be complete in early 2021.

These days, it’s pretty rare not to know someone who has struggled with cancer, especially breast cancer.

That means 40 years for the breast cancer that ravaged my healthy tissue once do the same thing again. Because it is relatively new, only a few doctors in the country specialize in the DIEP breast reconstruction procedure. Please keep me close in your prayers as I embark on another chapter of my battle - this time to prevent breast cancer!!! We decided he would make sure the vessels are viable before Dr. Rosenthal removes my breast tissue - just in case. I trust you, if it doesn't look right don't do it, and you can make me a new one later".

But facing cancer makes you appreciate the moments, not just the years. Cancer makes you angry. Cancer makes you cry. Cancer makes you strong. Cancer makes you a fighter.