A LABAMA L EDGER SPECIAL SECTION IN HONOR OF BREAST CANCER MONTH October 2023 Page 1B
By Brandon K. Pierce Alabama Ledger Ribbons of Many Colors According to the American Cancer Society's website, "a little over 1.9 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the US in 2023." Of this number, "approximately 609,820 deaths from cancer are expected in the US in 2023, which is about 1,670 deaths per day." In Alabama, the number of cancer cases for 2023 has been estimated at 30,730.
One of the most recognizable colors during the month of October is Pink. It's everywhere, from business offices to athletic uniforms. The reason so many people wear pink in October is because the color shows support and love for others dealing with cancer. More specifically, breast cancer. Cancer is a disease that is not just limited to breast cancer. They are numerous types of cancer and it affects men, women, and even children. What you may not know is that each type of cancer has its own color ribbon and each are recognized at various months throughout the year, not just in October. For example the blue ribbon to the left represents colon cancer and March is designated as Colon Cancer Awareness Month. The Medical News Today website reports that "there are around 43 cancer ribbon colors and 27 cancer awareness months. People choose to wear ribbons to raise awareness of particular cancers and show support to people affected by cancer."
This estimate breaks down to some of the following types of cancer: Female breast (4,500), Colon & rectum (2,570), Leukemia (780), Lung & bronchus (4,280), Melanoma of the skin (1,510), NonHodgkin lymphoma (1,030), Prostate (5,320), Urinary bladder (1,180), Uterine cervix (240), and Uterine corpus (830). Around this article are a few of the colors and ribbons that represent some of the various forms of cancer. The very last yellow ribbon represents childhood cancer. Common adult cancers (lung, breast, colon, and others) rarely occur in children and Childhood cancers tend to be more aggressive.
Helping Others As you browse through this special section of the Alabama Ledger, we sincerely hope that you will remember all those struggling with some type of cancer or other illness. This may be a family member, a co-worker, or a friend. Just about everyone has been affected in some way by this terrible illness. In addition to raising cancer awareness through the following articles and photos, a portion of the cost for all advertisements in this section will be donated to the American Cancer Society. By Brandon K. Pierce Alabama Ledger We ask that you please support all advertisers inside this section. Each business or person listed below has helped raise $400 for this year's donation to the American Cancer Society. Peoples Independent Bank, Diane Pledger with Farmer's Insurance, Tracy Honea at Remax in Albertville, Chris Kuykendall with State Farm Insurance in Fort Payne, Professional Maintenance Service Truck Wash in Albertville, Liberty Bank in Crossville, Albertville Pharmacy, Crossville Drugs, Geraldine Foodvalu, Pierce Photography, DeKalb Forest Products, Collinsville Drugs, Kilpatrick Pharmacy, Hobbies & Collectibles in Gadsden, Dusty Things in Gadsden, Robert Cobb Motors, Mike's Tire, Petals Flower Shop in Fyffe, Sew Irresistible in Albertville, Steve Howard at Remax in Albertville and Brent Rhodes, who is a candidate for the DeKalb County Commissioner District 2. We hope to make this section an annual fund raising opportunity. If you would like for your business to be involved, contact us at 256-506-7368 or email Alabamaledger@gmail.com.
Photo By Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger
Gadsden Regional Medical Center
Early Detection Saves Lives The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends women who are at average risk for breast cancer get screening mammograms every two years starting at age 40. Fortunately, a screening mammogram can help detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages.
Gadsden Regional Medical Center, along with many other medical centers, want to encourage women to schedule their screening now, because when breast cancer is detected early, life-saving treatment can begin right away. Nearly all breast cancers can be treated successfully if found early, and the most effective way to detect breast cancer at an early, treatable stage is to have regular mammograms. Since mammography became widely used in the 1980s, the U.S. breast cancer death rate in women has dropped 43 percent through 2020. Overall the mortality from breast cancer has declined in recent years. However, it remains the second most common cancer causing death in women. Lung cancer is the most common. Gadsden Regional Medical Center is a 346 bed hospital with almost 2,000 healthcare professionals who work to help make the facility a place of healing, caring and connection for patients and families in Etowah County and the surrounding area.
The recommendation is in response to the increase in breast cancer diagnoses in younger women and high mortality rates in Black women. Women with strong family histories of breast cancer, African Americans and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent should have a risk assessment at age 30 to see if a screening mammogram is needed before they are 40. Women who were previously diagnosed with breast cancer are recommended to be screened with magnetic resonance imaging, an MRI. “The best chance for survival of any cancer is early diagnosis and treatment,” said Kevin Lee, MD, Radiation Oncologist at Gadsden Regional Medical Center. “Mammograms can detect cancer before any symptoms, such as a lump, or spreading of the disease occurs, which can increase the likelihood of recovery.” In Alabama, 3,959 new female breast cancer cases were reported in 2020.
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