Upsilon Sigma Alumnae Chapter
SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INC.
Nashville, Tennessee
"Where Leaders Are Made"
HATTIE McDANIEL
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
We celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness during October as a Women's Wellness Initiative. With a commitment to sisterhood and service to the community, Upsilon Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for women and their families in the U.S. and globally through early detection, education, and support services. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer, promoting early detection, and supporting those affected by the disease. It serves as a reminder of the importance of regular screenings and self-examinations, which can save lives through early diagnosis. By celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we shine a spotlight on the importance of continued research, encourage proactive health measures, and honor the strength and resilience of those touched by breast cancer.
let's raise awareness
The Upsilon Sigma family invites you to take part in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on October 19, 2024 in Nashville, TN, as we come together to support breast cancer survivors, raise awareness, and fund vital research. This inspiring event unites communities to honor those affected by breast cancer and celebrate the strength, courage, and resilience of survivors. By participating, you are helping to raise funds that support lifesaving research, patient care programs, and outreach efforts aimed at promoting early detection and prevention. Whether you walk in honor of a loved one or simply to make a difference, your participation has a profound impact. Join us, walk with purpose, and be a part of the movement to end breast cancer.
Date: October 19, 2024
Time: 7am-until
Attire: PINK SGRHO Breast Cancer
Community Service Hours: 7
Registration is Required
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting women worldwide, although it can also occur in men. It develops in the cells of the breast, usually in the ducts or lobules, and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early. With significant advancements in medical research and treatment options, breast cancer is increasingly being diagnosed at early stages, improving survival rates and outcomes.
The exact cause of breast cancer remains unknown, but various risk factors have been identified, including genetics, age, lifestyle, and hormone levels. Early detection through self-examinations, mammograms, and regular check-ups plays a critical role in improving treatment success.
Breast cancer treatment may include a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy, depending on the stage and type of cancer. Support networks, both medical and emotional, are essential for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer as they navigate the treatment process.
In addition to ongoing research, organizations worldwide are committed to raising awareness, promoting early detection, and supporting those affected by breast cancer through education, funding, and outreach programs.
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
share your story
We invite you to share your personal story of surviving breast cancer, living with someone affected by it, or experiencing the loss of a loved one due to breast cancer. Your story can provide hope, comfort, and inspiration to others who are going through similar experiences. Whether you’re a survivor, a caregiver, or someone who has been deeply impacted by breast cancer, your voice matters. By sharing your journey, you can help raise awareness, break the silence around difficult emotions, and remind others that they are not alone. Together, we can create a community of support and resilience as we continue the fight against breast cancer. Click the letter to share---->
early detection & screening
Early detection and screening are critical in the fight against breast cancer, significantly increasing the chances of successful treatment and survival. Regular screenings, such as mammograms and clinical breast exams, can detect breast cancer in its early stages, often before any symptoms appear. Early-stage cancers are typically easier to treat, with less aggressive therapies and a higher likelihood of positive outcomes. Self-examinations and awareness of changes in breast health also play a key role in early detection. By prioritizing regular screenings, individuals can take proactive steps in safeguarding their health, reducing the risk of late-stage diagnoses, and improving overall survival rates. Early detection truly saves lives.
How to check Your breasts
At the same time each month, check for any change in the normal look or feel of your breasts. Look for lump, hard knot, or skin that thickens or dimples. Report any changes to your doctor or nurse. Go for regular breast exams and pap tests. Ask about a mammogram.
To examine your breasts, follow these steps:
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Lie down on your back and place your right arm behind your head. The exam is done while lying down, not standing up. This is because when lying down the breast tissue spreads evenly over the chest wall and is as thin as possible, making it much easier to feel all the breast tissue.
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Use the finger pads of the 3 middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast.
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Use overlapping dime-sized circular motions of the finger pads to feel the breast tissue.
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Use 3 different levels of pressure to feel all the breast tissue. Light pressure is needed to feel the tissue closest to the skin; medium pressure to feel a little deeper; firm pressure to feel the tissue closest to the chest and ribs.
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It is normal to feel a firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast, but you should tell your doctor if you feel anything else out of the ordinary. If you’re not sure how hard to press, talk with your doctor or nurse. Use each pressure level to feel the breast tissue before moving on to the next spot.
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Move around the breast in an up and down pattern starting at an imaginary line drawn straight down your side from the underarm and moving across the breast to the middle of the chest bone (sternum or breastbone). Be sure to check the entire breast area going down until you feel only ribs and up to the neck or collar bone (clavicle).
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Repeat the exam on your left breast, putting your left arm behind your head and using the finger pads of your right hand to do the exam.
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This procedure for doing breast self-exam is different from previous recommendations. These changes represent an extensive review of the medical literature and input from an expert advisory group. There is evidence that this position (lying down), the area felt, pattern of coverage of the breast, and use of different amounts of pressure increase a woman’s ability to find abnormal areas.
"In loving Memory of those who lost their battle with Breast Cancer."
Upsilon Sigma Breast Cancer Awareness Committee 2024
Athenia Peterson, Chair
Brandi Harmon