Cancer Screening Guidelines

Let’s face it, visiting the doctor’s office is not an activity that many people rank as one of their favorite things to do. So when it comes to getting screened for cancer, most people feel quite uncomfortable as their doctors poke or prod them and perform other tests. This is an understandable anxiety, but as advocates of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month… have tried to convey, many of these cancer-related deaths could be prevented through routine screenings and early detection. In the end, wouldn’t you say that undergoing these somewhat uncomfortable screening tests would be worth it if they can

Why are More Younger Women Being Diagnosed with Advanced Breast Cancer?

It seems that there are a lot more young women who are being diagnosed with an advanced type of breast cancer, compared to about 30 years ago. While the overall rate of cancer still remains low for this age group, a new breast cancer clinical study has shed some light on a potential issue. Medical researchers now say that one out of every 173 women will develop breast cancer before she reaches 40. Too make matters worse, the prognosis is often worse for younger patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer…. The Rate of Breast Cancer among Younger

Top 5 Cancer Stories of 2012

As the year of 2012 comes to an end, we wanted to look back at some of the biggest headlines from this memorable year. Some of these stories made us cry, some made us angry, and some showed us the true strength of the human spirit. So as we say goodbye to yet another year of human history, we should remember these stories for some time to come. Lance Armstrong’s Epic Downfall 2012 was certainly a rough year for this former seven-time Tour de France champion. Lance faced a doping scandal… that would cost him not only his sponsors, but

Recent Developments in Pancreatic, Breast & Colorectal Cancer Research

All over the world, there are ongoing cancer clinical trials… which are providing new insights into some of the most deadly diseases known to human kind. With every successful study, medical researchers are developing better treatments and methods of detection which will be used to save many thousands of lives all over the world. Forward progress can be slow and requires a tremendous amount of effort, but they are making some very positive steps in a number of different fields. There aren’t many people out there today who have not been touched by cancer in one form or another. For

Breast Cancer Treatment Options

Today, breast cancer treatment has two primary goals: 1. Rid the patient’s body of the cancer 2. Prevent the disease from returning First though, an oncologist will need to determine what type of treatment would be most effective for their patient. They will make this decision based on the size of their patient’s tumor, as well as the extent to which the breast cancer has spread into the lymph nodes and/or throughout other areas of their body (i.e. determining the stage of the patient’s breast cancer…). Several other factors will also play a key role in this decision process

Recent Breakthroughs in Breast Cancer Research

If you or someone you love is affected by breast cancer, there is hope. Almost daily, new breakthroughs in research are being made. Stem Cells To Fight Breast Cancer Stem cell research continues to lead to new discoveries in science and medicine. Recently, researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a gene (RhoC) which may prevent the spread of breast cancer. The results of this research… “suggest new avenues to combating the deadliest cells driving the most lethal stage of breast cancer progression” by targeting this gene in order to stop the spread of cancer

Top 10 Breast Cancer Fighting Foods

The Relationship Between Diet & Disease What, exactly, is the relationship between diet and disease? Can the food that you ingest on a daily basis really make a difference? Avoid Meat, Eat Plants Eat plants. This is the general consensus in cancer research today. Through a 20-year research project, commonly referred to as The China Study… (or China-Oxford-Cornell Diet and Health Project), researchers identified 8,000 significant associations between diet and disease. What you put into your body matters. It can create health or disease. The China Study found that “most people who had plant-based diets were healthier” than their

Breast Cancer Awareness Month [INFOGRAPHIC]

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we put together this little infographic to give an overview of breast cancer. Click the thumbnail below to open the full image: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. The chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman’s death is about 1 in 36 (about 3%), however death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening

Breast Cancer Screening – Oh How Our Views Have Changed

In 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force officially recommended that women from the ages of 50 to 74 should get a mammogram every two years. Over the years though, women with no medical history of breast cancer risk factors have been given some conflicting recommendations from various medical and advocacy organizations. So, when should women begin to get regular screenings for breast cancer? Well, it seems that women can actually lower their risk of dying from breast cancer by starting to get regular screenings at an even earlier age. In fact, the American Cancer Society, the National …

Getting Ready for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is right around the corner, and that means that people are starting to gear up for this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month! This is an annual event that takes place every October in order to help raise awareness for breast cancer. During this month, plenty of information and support will be offered to anyone who has been affected by this illness. It also serves as a great opportunity to remind women everywhere of the importance of early detection…. So, it is time to break out the pink ribbons and show your support for breast cancer awareness this

The Top 5 Cancers Affecting Women

Unfortunately, the numbers show that more and more women are being diagnosed with cancer every year. The higher rates of cancer have become a major concern for medical science, but there are many factors which can increase a person’s risk of cancer…. In many cases, a cancer diagnosis is connected with the patient’s family medical history. While our family history is something that we cannot control, there are a number of environmental and lifestyle factors which we can. Lifestyle choices like your diet, activity level, or smoking can have a significant impact on your overall risk of cancer. The

New Drug Approved for Breast Cancer Patients

Incredibly, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved a new drug for breast cancer patients. On Friday, the FDA gave its approval for Novartis’s new breast cancer drug, which will expand the available options for patients in the more advanced stages of this deadly disease. According to recent reports, the drug is known as Aflinitor…, and it works by increasing the time in which endocrine therapy is able to keep this disease at bay. Now that it has been approved by the FDA, the drug can be used by the patients who are postmenopausal with a

Susan G. Komen and the Planned Parenthood Debate

Over thirty years ago, Nancy G. Brinker watched as her sister, Susan G. Komen, was losing her battle with breast cancer. Nancy promised her dying sister that she would do everything possible to end the disease, and in 1982 began the long process of fulfilling that promise by founding Susan G. Komen for the Cure. What began as a humble mission by a loving sister has evolved into a massive grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, which has invested approximately two billion dollars into ridding the world of breast cancer…. For example, in January of this

$15 Million to Breast Cancer Victim After Doctor Misdiagnosis

In 2002 Stephanie Tesorioro walked into the Carol Baldwin Breast Cancer Center complaining of a lump in her breast. It was there that Ms. Tesorioro was told that, regarding the lump in her breast, everything was okay. According to Ms. Tesorioro’s attorney, Dr. Fisher missed mammography abnormalities, and did not conduct the relevant sonography of the area where the lump was being reported. It was following this experience at the center that Ms. Tesorioro missed the chance to have her cancer diagnosed…. Sixteen months later, Ms. Tesorioro’s cancer spread to her lymph nodes and bones. Not relevant to

New Breast Cancer Drug Pertuzumab Improves Survival Rate

As we reported earlier this week, the science community is buzzing with joy over some new findings regarding breast cancer…. A new drug developed by Genetech called Pertuzumab, significantly delays the worsening of breast cancer within most women. The study was conducted around the world, and represents the greatest advances in breast cancer treatment in over 10 years. Dr. Sandra Swain, one of the leaders of the study and Medical Director of the Cancer Center at Washington Hospital, said “”You don’t see that very often. … It’s a spectacular result.” A similar study was put on by Novartis regarding

Breast Cancer Cure Now Possible with New Scientific Discovery

Scientists have long understood the importance of the mitochondria, a membrane-enclosed organelle found in most eukaryotic cells. Now, the science community is now recognizing the mitochondria as the new Achilles heel of breast cancer. Studies are showing that there are now some new goals in dealing with breast, and other types of tumors. The mitochondria are responsible for producing energy in cells. This works in a negative fashion when discussing cancer cells, because their power is amplified by up to 5 times the capacity of normal cells. Says Dr. Michael Lisanti…, of the Thomas Jefferson University in

Creator of Pink Ribbon, Evelyn Lauder, Dies from Ovarian Cancer

The daughter-in-law of world famous cosmetics founder Estee Lauder, died from ovarian cancer on Saturday. Evelyn Lauder was 75, and was well known for her creation of the Pink Ribbon Campaign, now known around the world as a symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness…. Evelyn had been originally diagnosed in 2007, many years after she had already battled breast cancer. Lauder was a huge proponent of breast cancer research and awareness, and brought forward the pink ribbon campaign in the early nineties along side Alexandra Penney of Self Magazine. She also helped raise funds necessary to create the Evelyn

5 Breast Cancer Organizations You Probably Never Heard Of

As we come to a close of Breast Cancer Awareness Month… here in October, we like to take a look at different breast cancer organizations that held events throughout October. Breast Cancer Organizations come in all different sizes and from all over the globe. Lets take a look at the 5 breast cancer organizations you have probably never heard of. Mothers Supporting Daughters with Breast Cancer (MSDBC) A mother is someone who is there for you, through thick and thin, and always trying to protect you from anything that could hurt you. When a woman is struck with breast cancer,

Early Detection of Breast Cancer: Mammograms & Screenings

You may know that it is very important for every woman to get screened for breast cancer. However, do you know what all a mammogram entails? Is it a word you are familiar with or is it just another breast cancer word tossed around? Well, here are some great Mammogram and Breast Cancer Screening Facts…. What is a Mammogram?A mammogram is simply an x-ray picture of the breast. They can be used to check breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early

Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Celebrating 25 Years of Awareness!

As most of us already know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month…! This month will be filled with a whole lot of emotion, support, awareness and PINK! The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) Organization The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Organization is working together with other national organizations to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to screening services. Their primary mission is to encourage women to get periodic mammograms. The organization celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2009 and continues to spread the word about breast cancer. While October is recognized

Breast Cancer Awareness, Pink Ribbons & Some Quick Facts

Pink, Pink, Pink! Throughout October, You may find Pink Ribbons all over (yogurt boxes, t-shirts, hats, bagels..) to represent Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Let’s help you learn a little bit of information behind this widespread form of cancer. Types of Breast Cancer There are two main types of breast cancer:Ductal carcinoma – starts in the tubes or ducts. Lobular carcinoma… – starts in the parts of the breasts, called lobules, that produce milk.Breast Cancer can be invasive or noninvasive.Invasive – it has spread from the milk duct to other tissues in the breast. Noninvasive – it

Breast Cancer Overview: Prevention, Detection, Diagnosis, Staging, Treatment & Survivorship

Did you know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Yup, it’s that time of year again! We’d like to share some steps you can take toward preventing breast cancer… as well as some research about diagnosis, staging, treatment and survivorship. Tips for Breast Cancer PreventionLimit alcohol intake Maintain a healthy weight by eating well and exercising Breast feed your child Discontinue hormone therapy Avoid exposure to environmental pollutionExamine yourself and consult a doctor about any irregularities (lumps or skin changes). Tips for Early Detection of Breast CancerTry to catch it early before symptoms occur. If the

“Sketchy Pink” Initiative to Raise Awareness for Breast Cancer Month

With National Breast Cancer Awareness Month coming up in October, we wanted to ignite a meaningful initiative to raise money for Breast Cancer in a local community…and that’s exactly what we’ve done! We proudly introduce to you the “Sketchy Pink”… initiative! A partnership between Know Cancer and Sketchy Miami that will use caricature drawings to pay homage to local Miami breast cancer fighters and raise money for University of Miami’s, Braman Family Breast Cancer Institute. Sketchy Miami Sketchy Miami is an online art project that aims to connect Miami artists and the general public through portraiture. It’s a simple process:

Recent Breakthroughs in Cancer Drugs

As long as there is the possibility for newer and better drugs to fight cancer, there remains hope. A few of the recent breakthroughs in cancer drugs are listed below: Breast cancer that has metastasized in patients who have already been treated with chemotherapy at least twice can be treated with a new drug called eribulin mesylate. The FDA approved use of this drug on November 15, 2010. Trademarked under the name Halaven…, it is manufactured by a company called Eisai, Ltd., and has been shown to improve overall survival in patients by 2.5 months on average.

Phil Mickelson – Golf Champion & Breast Cancer Supporter

Phil Mickelson, the famous left-handed golf champion, has a number of impressive titles: winner of four major golf championships and the winner of 39 PGA events. But he also has another more impressive title: a cancer supporter. Rewind the clock a couple years when Phil’s wife, Amy, was diagnosed with the shocking news of her breast cancer in May, 2009. More shocking: only six weeks later, Phil’s mom, Mary, was also diagnosed with breast cancer…. While prayers and support were being sent out in abundance for Amy and Mary, it became evident that Phil’s world was rocked, too. To

Christina Applegate’s Courageous Battle with Breast Cancer

As someone who made her living for many years as the sexy (although ditzy) daughter of Al Bundy on Married With Children, Christina Applegate knew as well as any actress the pressures to look good in Hollywood. Yet when she was diagnosed with breast cancer… in 2008 she decided rather quickly to have a double mastectomy. Her mother had also suffered from cancer and Christina inherited the BRCA1 mutation. Christina had a tough decision to make, but she rightly put her health above any Hollywood standards regarding her looks. The decision for any celebrity to come out about their cancer

“Garden variety” breast cancer?

When my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer… last year I was amazed that the doctor called her at her office, during work hours, to tell her the news. I guess I thought these things were told to you in person, maybe with the support of a family member or friend by your side. I was even more surprised when we went to meet with him and he called her cancer “garden variety breast cancer”. I suppose that’s a good thing, but when you think of your mother and cancer, “garden variety” are not the next words you expect to

Pressing Pause: The day I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer

So often, my life has seemed to move in fast forward.  One minute I’m graduating college. The next I’m getting married and buying a house and starting a career. Now I’m quaking as I bring my first baby home from the hospital. Before I know it, I’m putting that same child on the school bus for her first day of school. Bang, zoom, zip.  All I can do is try to grab memories as they fly past, stuff them in my pocket and hope like hell they’ll still be there when things slow down and I have a moment to…

Breast Cancer By The Numbers: Raising Awareness About Risk

In September, Congress declared the last week of the month as National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week. The resolution was sponsored by Representative—and breast cancer survivor—Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D, Fl.) who testified before Congress that “knowledge is power” when it comes to breast and ovarian cancer. “Hopefully, the resolution that we have today will raise awareness so that we can continue to catch more cancer earlier, so that we can have more survivors,” Wasserman Schultz said. Along with increasing the awareness of hereditary cancer, the week also includes National Previvor Day. Previvors are women who understand the risk …

5 Things Every Woman Should Know about Breast Cancer Screening

In the last two decades, breast cancer screening… with mammography exams has reduced the number of deaths from the disease by one-third. Still, there has recently been confusion over when women should begin screening (age 40? 50?), and some women aren’t undergoing routine testing at all. In sorting fact from fiction, here are five things every woman should know about this very important—and life-saving—diagnostic test. 1. Don’t wait According to the American Cancer Society, women should begin annual mammography exams at the age of 40. Yearly testing should continue until the age of 70. 2. Go to a specialist Certain

5 Things Every Woman Should Know about Breast Cancer Screening

In the last two decades, breast cancer screening… with mammography exams has reduced the number of deaths from the disease by one-third. Still, there has recently been confusion over when women should begin screening (age 40? 50?), and some women aren’t undergoing routine testing at all. In sorting fact from fiction, here are five things every woman should know about this very important—and life-saving—diagnostic test. 1. Don’t wait. According to the American Cancer Society, women should begin annual mammography exams at the age of 40. Yearly testing should continue until the age of 70. 2. Go to a specialist. Certain

Juke Kartel’s “Brightest Star” Official Campaign song for Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure

“Brightest Star” is currently this year’s official campaign song for the Susan G. Komen Foundation For the Cure. When you download this song from Itunes, you will be helping fund the cure for breast cancer, as well as provide specific communities of women the resources they need for early detection…. Every download makes a difference! The Story behind "Brightest Star" by Toby Rand (lead singer for Juke Kartel) “This song was created from a vision I had 5 months ago when our drummer Jay turned up to sound check, at the Hotel Cafe in L.A., in tears.

Celebrity Breast Cancer Fighters

Though we are nearing the end of October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there are still many women that will be given the hard news of breast cancer this year. Although breast cancer has many risk factors associated which can increase your chances, it can appear shockingly to many across the spectrum regardless of health, race, or income. Though there are things you can do to lower your chances of breast cancer, getting a regular breast screening… is the best way to catch it at its most treatable stages. Indeed, many women have lived through breast cancer, and use

Breast Cancer Awareness benefits from Social Media

There’s no doubt that social media has been on the upswing these days. Social media enables millions worldwide to connect with each other and share their lives with one another. Following closely along with the trend towards tech-oriented media and networking, are many efforts in the cancer community to raise awareness (and funds) in the quest for a cancer-free world. Breast Cancer organizations such as the Breast Cancer Fund are able to tap into the social media scene to get people directly involved in their efforts, generating funding for mammograms… for women. Many other cancer organizations are using similar methods

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here!

It’s finally October!  Here at Know Cancer, it’s a time of year that gives us great pleasure to be able to help bring awareness to the most common type of cancer in women – breast cancer. Public awareness of this particular cancer is very important, given its prevalence among women, and keeping in mind that the earlier the detection the better chance one has of becoming a survivor.  So…be sure to find a cancer screening service… in your area and get those regular mammograms! There’s a lot going on this month in similar efforts to bring about awareness to

Martinis for Mammograms – August 25th

WHAT: A very pink night to remember featuring; live music from local artists, food, drinks, massages, makeovers, raffles, a silent auction, and tons of giveaways!  Also available will be a wealth of material on breast cancer prevention & survivorship—as well as on-site scheduling for FREE mammograms. Pink attire is encouraged!!…

Incredible Dance Routine on the Impact of Breast Cancer

It can be hard to put into words the impact breast cancer has had on so many.  With that said, Tyce Diorio…, a choreographer from So You Think You Can Dance put together a powerful dance piece displaying the impact it’s had on him.  It’s incredibly touching, and dancers Melissa and Ade performed it beautifully commanding your attention to this very hard-hitting topic. Enjoy! (…and don't forget your tissues)

Phil Mickelson’s Mom Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

The past couple of months have been rough for pro golfer Phil Mickelson and his family. As of earlier this week bad news has struck again, not only has Mickelson’s wife Amy been diagnosed with breast cancer, Mickelson’s mother, Mary, has been diagnosed with breast cancer as well. According to the Examiner…, “Phil's sister Tina reported the news to the San Diego Union-Tribune.  Tina told the paper that she wished for the news of her mother to be made known so that Mary could receive the same prayers and support that Amy did from the players and fans

Golfer Phil Mickelson’s Wife, Amy, is Diagosed with Breast Cancer

Amy Mickelson, the wife of three-time golf champion Phil Mickelson, a supporter and friend to many, and mom of three has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. Sports fans all over the world are saddened by this news and Mickelson puts the rest of his PGA tour on hold.  According to an article on the ESPN… website, Sarah Strange, a breast cancer survivor and wife of former Ryder Cup captain Curtis Strange, said "Amy Mickelson's outgoing personality would play a big part in her recovery. She's such an upbeat person, and I think she'll approach this in the same

Central Florida Chrome Angels ride for Breast Cancer

We recently participated in the 6th Annual Pink Ribbons for Life event in our hometown of Orlando, Florida. It was held by The Chrome Angels of Central Florida…, an independent motorcycle riding association made up of women brought together by their love of riding and their desire to make a positive impact in the community. Their primary goal is to support breast cancer research and to help victims. Sunday, January 18th at 11:30 in the morning, hundreds of bikers on an array of different motorcycles spilled into the parking lot. They came in shifts that began at 4 seperate