Cyprus Finest (issue 2, Spring 2018) #8 Cyprus Finest (issue 2, Spring 2018) | Page 32

Behind skin cancer , breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women . Though it can attack both sexes , it is much more common in women , and while it is calculated that 1 in every 1000 men may have breast cancer , 1 out of every 8 women is projected to develop one form of invasive breast cancer in her lifetime .
A STORY OF COURAGE , STRENGTH , AND FAITH FOR WOMEN

FIGHTING BREAST CANCER

Behind skin cancer , breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women . Though it can attack both sexes , it is much more common in women , and while it is calculated that 1 in every 1000 men may have breast cancer , 1 out of every 8 women is projected to develop one form of invasive breast cancer in her lifetime .

While this paints a horror picture for women , recent years have seen an increase in the survival rates of breast cancer patients . A widespread and substantial support , awareness and research have seen the death rate of breast cancer decrease at a steady pace while new forms of treatment and more personalised forms of treatment are making it easier to handle the disease . Early detection also plays a huge role and goes a long way in making treatment more effective and successful .

Without wishing the fear and worry that breast cancer ushers into people ’ s lives , the statistics of 1 out of every 8 women developing the ail , and that 85 % of women with breast cancer have no prior family history of the disease , makes it necessary to address healthy women , and more than anything , create an awareness and an assurance that breast cancer , while it may be a very real danger , is no longer the great unknown and life ending disease it was a couple of years ago .
THE STORIES
It should come as no surprise that as the death rate of breast cancer decreases , so too have the survivor stories increased . These inspirational stories by courageous , strong and beautiful women , show how much control we , you , can wield over the situations of life .
All the stories share similar final messages , and one , in particular , stands out ; The fight and victory over breast cancerstart with you .
Beth Carlock , now 36 , remembers the dreaded day of December 15 , 2015 , when her identical twin Sarah was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma , breast cancer that affects the milk ducts . Recounting the whole process from discovery , to fight , and victory , Beth recalls the strength of her sister , during radiation , chemotherapy , losing her job , then a double mastectomy , and finally reconstruction surgeries on her breasts . Being twins , and sharing identical DNA meant that Beth was also in very great risk , and feeding off her sister ’ s strength and courage , she decided to undergo a hysterectomy , to reduce her hormone production , and the risk of breast cancer . Sarah is now cancer-free and moving on with life .
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