Each October, the nation highlights breast cancer awareness. The goal is to share knowledge about breast cancer, foster early detection, and reinforce the need for research and treatment. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally, and many miss care and treatment due to a delay in finding the lumps.
I personally journeyed through breast cancer as a caregiver. My mother, Shibbolethia B. Lewis(1920–2017) was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 85. Her cancer lay dormant for over 30 years. The diagnosis was initially shocking. The process to find the right treatment plan was challenging and sometimes draining for both my mom and me.
As her caregiver, mammograms were annual. Getting her to stand before the equipment became difficult, so the year my mother decided she would not do another mammogram, we received the news that she had breast cancer. We later uncovered that my mother had a risk factor. The long-time use of estrogen after menopause was the cause. Back in the day, doctors put patients on estrogen therapy for early menopause, which can fuel the growth of cancer cells. My mother’s cancer was estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer and caught in its early stage. A biopsy of the breast tissue diagnosed her type. The treatment for her cancer included surgery and radiation therapy. She became cancer-free at 87. Oh, Happy Day!
Why Am I Sharing This Story?
Our elderly loved ones can be diagnosed with breast cancer; breast cancer has no age limit. As your loved one’s caregiver, every effort must be made to ensure mammograms are done yearly.
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, know that you may not prevent breast cancer. But you can reduce the risk of developing it. Just as important, regular self-exams and mammograms can help detect breast cancer early on, when it’s easier to treat. Be safe! Be well!
Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman is a retired registered nurse and case manager who serves as the CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate. She’s excited to share her latest book, The Essential Caregiver Training Course for Corporations and Community. Her previous works, From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor, and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers, reflect her experiences and insights gained during her heartfelt caregiving journey.