Welcome to Random Acts of Kindness

Breast Cancer Awareness Page



I take special pride in working on this page because I have seen the devastation that Breast Cancer causes for individuals and families. So to be able to help increase the awareness for me is a honor. Breast Cancer doesn't know age, race, or gender when it strikes.  We hope that this page will provide valuable information and links to increase awareness of this deadly form of cancer.

Am I Not A Woman?

Am I not a woman?
My shape has been changed.
My form has been revised.
My breast has been de-sized.

Am I not a woman?
My heart still loves.
My arms still hug.
My body still craves.
Am I not a woman?

My hips still swerve.
My lips still entice.
My eyes still allure.
Am I not a woman?

My fingers still caress.
My mouth still soothes.
My ears still listen, tenderly.
Am I not a woman?

Sylvia Dunnavant
Author of The Celebrating Life Book

Breast Cancer is the commonest form of cancer among women. 1 in 9 women in North America will develop breast cancer. In 1996, it caused 5300 deaths in Canada and in the same year, there were approximately 18,600 cases new cases.

Some women are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer than others. Women with the following risk factors show an increased incidence of breast cancer:

Not all women with one or more of these risk factors will develop breast cancer just as some women without these risk factors my be diagnosed with this cancer.

Information Links

Breast Cancer Network is about Mammography
Breast Cancer Campaign for the UK
Women's History Month
Breast Cancer Wall of Courage is Survivors of Breast Cancer
Breast Self Exam
National Cancer Institute
 Pink Ribbons For Your Homepage
Male Breast Cancer, Information Center
Men are affected by Breast Cancer too!
Men & Breast Cancer
Risk Factors for Men
Family Guide to Fighting Breast Cancer
Canadian Cancer Society
University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center
The Avon Breast Cancer Awareness Crusade
National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations
Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization

Breast Self-Exam (BSE)

The American Cancer Society recommends that all women over the age of 20 examine their breasts once a month. The best time is the first week after your period. If you do not have regular periods, just do it the same day every month...like the first... or the tenth...or the day that matches your birthday. (Note: just before your period or during pregnancy, your breasts may be somewhat lumpy or more tender.) If you are taking hormones, talk with your doctor about when to do BSE.



What to look for in a BSE:

After you have done a BSE a few times you will have gotten to know the normal feel, shape and look of your breasts. If you notice any changes, such as:

•  puckering (dimpling) of the skin on the breast or around the nipples

• the appearance of patches that are pink, red or normal in colour but where the pores stand out

• any place in the breast that feels lumpy like a pea or that is thicker or harder than the rest.

• tenderness or pain in the breasts

• unusual discharge, bleeding or crusting from the nipples call your physician immediately.
  
  

These beautiful quilt square have been added to the Quilt for the Cause Webring

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