Less Talk, More Action to End Breast Cancer Forever

Ed. Note: Champions of Change is a weekly initiative to highlight Americans who are making an impact in their communities and helping our country rise to meet the many challenges of the 21st century.

I had the honor this week of being one of five nationwide representatives from Susan G. Komen to be recognized as a Champion of Change at the White House and to participate in the round table discussion with other breast cancer activists and advocates about ending breast cancer forever.

I was deeply impressed with the tremendous capacity of intellectual talent and passion devoted to this cause that was exhibited at the White House event. It was also a good reminder of the goals and objectives of the many different breast cancer organizations and institutions. What we are striving for occasionally gets misplaced in the frantic pace of the world, in efforts to differentiate ourselves from one another and in debates including those around the “pinking of the cause”, confusing screening guidelines and the, as yet, unsuccessful achievement of providing access for everyone, everywhere to gold standards of care. It was a reminder to stay focused.

By participating in the White House Champions for Change event, I was reinvigorated to stay true to our mission, Our Promise, at Susan G. Komen that reflects a pointed and appropriate pathway to finding the cures for this dreadful disease. For the Maryland Affiliate, this means continuing to raise money through two Race for the Cures, one in Hunt Valley in Baltimore County on Sunday, October 23^rd, 2011 and one in Ocean City on the Eastern Shore of Maryland on Sunday, April 22^nd, 2012.  In addition to our two races, there are a multitude of other fundraising opportunities in these and other communities that offer a way to support the cause, network and hopefully, have fun!

Giving Latinas a Chance Against Breast Cancer

Ed. Note: Champions of Change is a weekly initiative to highlight Americans who are making an impact in their communities and helping our country rise to meet the many challenges of the 21st century.

“I don’t have to worry about breast cancer.”

I hear that a lot from Latina women, unfortunately. They see statistics on how Latinas don’t get breast cancer nearly as often as black or white women.

They need to know: Breast cancer is the No. 1 Latina cancer killer.

Latinas are 20% more likely to die of breast cancer than white women diagnosed at similar ages and stages. Critical cultural beliefs continue to interfere with Latinas’ approach to cancer screening and early detection. Latinas still greatly fear breast cancer and don’t think there’s anything they can do to prevent it, so they put off screening. Latina moms take care of others first. Few Latinas recognize breast cancer often progresses slowly enough to be detected and treated. And even if Latinas are screened, they are more likely to delay/miss follow-up appointments and start treatment later once cancer is confirmed—leading to worse cancer outcomes.

But Latinas also need to know: Breast cancer doesn’t have to kill.

Prevention is the key, and timely screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care are critical if Latinas are to survive cancer and sustain a good quality of life.

My Personal Truth

Ed. Note: Champions of Change is a weekly initiative to highlight Americans who are making an impact in their communities and helping our country rise to meet the many challenges of the 21st century.

I am angry. Anger is a strong word and an emotion which is often difficult to admit.  But, I will admit that I am angry that some women are not living to become mothers, grandmothers or enjoy friendships that last over 50 years.  Sadly, I am not alone as young girls are angry that they are growing up without their mothers. Anger. The strength of the word can cause one to take action. It made me step forward and say “What can I do”? How angry do we have to become before we stop women from dying of breast cancer?

I am becoming impatient. With all of the knowledge and so called breakthroughs in science, I wonder why we have not been able to stop breast cancer from developing. And if developed, why can’t we stop it from spreading throughout a women’s body (metastasis)? How can we force the envelope for change?  We don’t have time to waste. We need to change the way we have been approaching this for the past 30 years. We need to communicate, collaborate so that we can celebrate.

I am also frustrated because there is so much misinformation being communicated to the public. I urge you to become familiar with the facts because misinformation is hurting women almost as much as breast cancer. Get the Truth. Know the Truth. The National Breast Cancer Coalition can deliver daily information to your inbox every day during the month of October.

I have worked with women who have received a recent diagnosis of breast cancer through the Sisters Informing Sisters program. It is difficult to tell them to remain hopeful and fight when they have personally witnessed someone dying from breast cancer, despite going through treatment. We need to end this disease.

My personal truth. I fully support Breast Cancer Deadline 2020. Are you with me?

Wanda Lucas is a 5 year breast cancer survivor who, through her work at Georgetown University, serves as Lead Survivor Coach on breast cancer research projects.