6 A SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2016
❚ SIUSLAW NEWS
American Breast
Cancer Foundation
M
any organizations are involved in fighting
breast cancer. Each has its own unique goal, but
overall, the focus is ultimately on ending the
deadly disease.
Breast cancer can strike
anyone. Having to deal with
a fi nancial burden on top of
the disease can cause stress
that may affect your chanc-
es of recovery. Fortunately,
advocates across the coun-
try have built prestigious
organizations dedicated to
lessening the emotional and
fi nancial blow of breast can-
cer.
The American Breast
Cancer Foundation cen-
ters its attention on provid-
ing fi nancial assistance for
screenings and testing for
uninsured individuals. The
ABCF offers several pro-
grams that benefi t the fi ght
against breast cancer. From
fi nancial assistance to emo-
tional support and cancer
education, it’s easy to see
why the ABCF is such an
infl uential force in the fi ght
against breast cancer.
History of ABCF
Formed in 1997, the
ABCF uses more than 65
percent of its donations to
assist with medical fees and
fund fundraisers. In 2014,
the ABCF was awarded a
Gold Level Rating by the
GuideStar Exchange for its
strides to implement a best
practice model.
When deciding on which
organization deserves your
support — and money — it’s
important to look for these
types of credentials. Most
breast cancer awareness
organizations are legitimate-
ly committed to the cause,
but unfortunately there are
dishonest groups out there,
too. Do your homework and
choose an organization with
the history, testimonials and
track record to make sure
you’re putting your efforts
and dollars in good hands.
ABCF Programs
Through its Breast
Cancer Assistance Program,
ABCF provides cancer
screenings for individuals
who would otherwise not be
able to afford them. By pro-
viding 45,700 screenings,
1,300 recipients have been
diagnosed with breast can-
cer.
The group’s Community
Partnership Program works
with medical clinics to pro-
vide discounted breast can-
cer services, such as mam-
mograms and ultrasounds.
Like most charities,
ABCF is donation driv-
en. Through its website or
24/7 hotline, you can even
donate your vehicle. They
also accept cash donations,
allowing you to make your
donation in memory of those
who lost their battle with
breast cancer.
RISK-REDUCTION
SURGERIES
A
long family history of cancer may put you at a
greater risk of contracting the disease. Usually,
when cancer is hereditary, a family passes
down mutated genes. These genes can become out
of control and are likely to cause cancer.
If you do have a long-running history
of cancer in your family, you should have
regular check-ups with your doctor. Susan
G. Komen reports that patients who discover
their cancer during Stage I have a 90 percent
survival rate. This statistic underscores the
importance of staying on top of your health
as you age.
One of the keys to beating breast cancer
is catching it before it is able to spread to
your lymph nodes.
If you are at high risk, there are many
options to consider to remain cancer free.
Risk-reduction surgeries are becoming a
common option for those who are at the high-
est risk level for breast cancer.
Effectiveness of Risk-Reduction Surgery
Bilateral prophylactic mastectomy — the
surgery to remove both breasts in order to
reduce the risk of breast cancer — has been
shown to drop the risk of cancer by 95 per-
cent, according to Cancer.gov.
This surgery is usually meant for women
with family histories showing the BRCA1
or BRCA2 gene. According to the National
Cancer Institute, these two genes account
for 20 to 25 percent of hereditary breast
cancers.
Your doctor will be able to determine if
you have these gene mutations with a simple
blood test, and can then walk you through
your options.
Risk Involved
As with all major surgeries, the removal
of both breasts is one with many factors to
consider. Potential harms that may arise are
similar to any major surgery, including major
bleeding or infection.
Experts also note that receiving this
surgery may cause anxiety concerning body
image. Speak with your physician about
the psychological side effects while you are
deciding to commit to this surgery.
Other Options
If you decide that preventative major sur-
gery is not the path you want to travel, there
are still ways to keep your risk down.
Frequent check-ups will let you and your
health professional know exactly where you
stand. Talk with your physician or oncologist
about how frequently they recommend you
be tested.
Chemoprevention is the use of drugs
to delay cancer’s development in high-risk
patients. The Food and Drug Administration
has approved several of these drugs and
shows that they will reduce the risk of breast
cancer in patients at higher risk.
Again, always consult with your physi-
cian to discuss the specifi cs of your health in
relation to starting new drugs or treatments.
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