October Events
Run for the Hills 5K, 10K and Fall Festival
Here for the Girls and Beyond Boobs host a one-mile fun run, 5K and 10K 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 14 as a fundraiser for Beyond Boobs, which works to improve the lives of young women affected by breast cancer. The event starts at 4615 Opportunity Way in Williamsburg. The Run for the Hills Fall Festival will feature food, face painting, a pumpkin patch, corn hole and other activities. Volunteers are needed.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk raises money for the American Cancer Society's efforts to save lives from breast cancer. The walk starts at 2 p.m. Oct. 15 and check-in opens at 12:30 p.m. at Christopher Newport University. The opening ceremony starts at 1:15 p.m. where survivors, caregivers and supporters come together. For more information, email Emily Bacalis at NewportNewsVAStrides@cancer.org or call 757-493-7948.
2017 Susan G. Komen Tidewater Race for the Cure
Race for the Cure with the Tidewater chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation on Oct. 14 at Neptune Park (31st Street and Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach). Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. and three events will follow including a timed 5K on the boardwalk at 7:30 a.m., survivor parade at 7:50 a.m. and another 5K on Atlantic Avenue at 8:30 a.m. Adult registration is $35 for the 5K run/walk and $15 for youth 3-12 (with an additional $5 for chip timing). More info: komentidewater.org or 757-490-7794.
Breast Cancer Awareness Spirit of Norfolk cruise
Paint Me Perfectly Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation will honor 25 breast cancer survivors and families who lost someone to breast cancer 7-10 p.m. Oct. 21 aboard the Spirit of Norfolk. The organization aims to bring awareness to breast cancer survivors by offering support. Tickets start at $52. For more information visit, eventbrite.com and find the Paint Me Perfectly Pink event. Event departs from 333 Waterside Drive in Norfolk.
Virtual 5K and 10K Breast Cancer Awareness race
Moon Joggers present its third annual virtual Breast Cancer Awareness Support Our Girls: Knock Out Breast Cancer 5K and 10K. Runners can sign up online and complete their race anytime in October. Registration is $17 and includes a medal, bib and shipping. Medals will be mailed to each person. Part of the proceeds go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
What is breast cancer?
The cancer typically affects women over the age of 50, but it is possible for younger women to find cancerous tumours too. Men can also get breast cancer but it is much more rare. If symptoms are caught early, there is a good chance of recovery with treatments currently available. That’s what Breast Cancer Awareness Month is all about – ensuring women know how to check for lumps and encouraging them to get suspicious bumps checked out. Causes of breast cancer are said to include your age, family history of breast cancer, a previous diagnosis, being tall, overweight or obese and excessive use of alcohol. There are two main types of breast cancer – non-invasive (called carcinoma in situ) which is found in the ducts of the breast and invasive breast cancer which is the most common type and develops in the cels that line the breast ducts. The former doesn’t usually spread outside the breast while the latter can. Rarer types of breast cancer include invasive, lobular breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer and Paget’s disease of the breast. When breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, this is known as metastatic or secondary breast cancer.
What are the main symptoms of breast cancer?
Approximately 90% of breast lumps are non-cancerous – despite that any new lumps should be checked by a doctor. Other symptoms include: 1) Nipple discharge 2) Change in size or shape of breast 3) lump or swelling in the armpit 4) Dimples appearing on the skin of your breast 5) Nipple rash 6) Nipple becoming sunken into breast
How is breast cancer diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosing breast cancer usually involves a initial appointment with a GP, which will include an examination, and a referral for a mammogram or ultra sound at a hospital. If necessary, a biopsy may be taken. A mammogram is usually on older patients, where breast tissue is less dense, and includes an X-Ray of the breast. Women over the age of 50 are often invited for a breast cancer screening every three years as the risk of breast cancer increases with age. Treatments for breast cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Sometimes, hormone or biological treatments are also used. Secondary breast cancer isn’t usually curable so often treatments are simply to achieve remission – which is symptom relief.
Can breast cancer be prevented?
It still isn’t clear what causes breast cancer so it is difficult to know whether there is anything that can be done to prevent getting it. However, doctors do recommend maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and ensuring you do not drink too much or take too much saturated fat. The reason doctors believe being overweight is a risk factor is because the body will produce more oestrogen.
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