By: Kenya Payne Rivers
Fighting the Good Fight Some of the bravest people I know are Breast Cancer Survivors. This deadly disease has killed millions. What is Breast Cancer? Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer; the only way to find out is by seeing what cells in the breast form cancer. Most women get breast cancer in the ducts or lobules. The lobules are the glands that produce milk. Breast cancer can spread outside the breast through blood vessels and lymph vessels. Breast cancer spreads to other body parts; it’s said to have metastasized. The two most common are Invasive ductal carcinoma: The cancer cells begin in the ducts next to the outside into other parts of the breast tissue. Invasive lobular carcinoma: Cancer cells start in the lobules and then spread to the near breast tissues (U.S. Department of Human Health Services). It is not discussed very often that males can also have breast cancer. 1 out of 100 is diagnosed with breast cancer. Yes, breast cancer is often sound in women, but men should look for the signs and symptoms. Men’s most common breast cancers are Invasive ductal carcinoma, Invasive lobular carcinoma, and Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is cancer cells only in the lining of the ducts and have not spread to other tissues in the breast. I had the opportunity to interview an incredible woman named Casandra Batdorf. She is a breast cancer survivor that lived to tell her story to others. Casandra explained that she always kept her yearly checks for breast exams. In 2016 the doctor spotted something. The doctors assisted Casandra should come in for a biopsy and sonogram. The doctors found two tumors that followed a genetic test to see if this was inherited. After the test, the doctors discover malignant breast cancer stage one. Angelina Joel Lee had to do the same genetic test called BRCA. This gene test is
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for breast and ovarian cancer risk. DNA analysis detects harmful changes based on personal and family breast and ovarian cancer history. A positive result means you carry the risk of cancer. A negative impact means you might have a mutation the doctor hasn’t discovered yet. In Casandra’s case, her doctors told her that her family history of eating habits could cause breast cancer. The treatment she had to administer was radiation for twelve weeks every day. Casandra was blessed that she had no side effects from the radiation. Beating cancer was a respectful victory. Casandra’s mother is also a breast cancer survivor. Casandra took her mother to her doctor’s appointment with her. I asked Casandra what she would tell others to help them if they got a call as she did. She said to bring someone with you to ensure someone else can help you retain the information. Casandra stated that individuals must watch their diets and not consume a lot of liquor. In conclusion, Amps Magazine Phoenix would like to give a big shout to all the individuals that beat breast cancer. We want to provide humble condolence to the family and friends who endure the pain of losing a loved one.
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