Alexis Anderson
Staff Writer
The prevention, detection, and treatment of the second most deadly form of cancer known to women was the goal of the Jackson State University College of Education and Human Development Seventh Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Conference held on Oct. 8-9, 2013 at the Mississippi e-center Convention Hall.
Daniel Watkins, Dean of JSU’s College of Education and Human Development, thinks the conference was needed to ensure that people are getting the information they need to stay informed and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
“We educate the minds on how to convey information to make the lives of others better. Besides lung cancer, breast cancer is the leading cause of death among African-American women. This affects family, which is the basic unit of the household. This is critical in that almost 70% of these households are led by women,” said Watkins.
He added: “I believe people can be much more aware, we should do everything in our power to educate others, especially young people. The community like the College of Education must break with tradition. Churches, schools, and businesses must take part in this education. This must be monthly and not just in October. ”
The guest speakers were Mississippi State Representative Tom Miles, House District 75 in Rankin and Scott County and Renee Richard, a Radiology Technician at Baptist hospital. They discussed several topics concerning breast cancer: such as the services that the Affordable Care Act provides, what the law prohibits when it comes to Medicare and Medicaid, how procedures are performed during radiology, mammograms, and self-breast exams.
Miles talked about how preventive services will be implemented under the Affordable Care Act, the requirements needed to receive insurance, as well as the myths about the program. He also explained how the program will require insurance companies to provide affordable services, such as monthly screenings and x-rays, Medicare benefits for senior citizens and children.
“Mississippi’s goal is to not only help with developing the logistics of the Healthcare Act, making sure they are protected by their insurance, but that they are knowledgeable of what is true or false,” said Rep. Miles. “We want our residents to understand the interpretation of what the Act has to offer and to feel comfortable that they are taken of.”
The speakers also discussed effective incentives to stay healthy during breast cancer awareness month.
Richard said that women should take precautions to prevent any detections of breast cancer.
“At Baptist, we give patients a daily mammogram sheet to assess the level of concern depending on the breast imaging support and database system. We tell our patients the risk-reducing strategies including prophylactic mastectomy. Women who have a family history of cancer or who already had breast cancer, who received positive results from gene testing radiation therapy, dense breasts, may consider having a prophylactic mastectomy,” said Richard.
According to www.webmd.com, a prophylactic mastectomy may reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 100% if there is a strong family history of breast cancer or a genetic mutation. The surgery aims to remove all breast tissue that potentially could develop breast cancer.
Richard explained the importance of self breast exams and being familiar with the way your breast normally look and feel. She recommends having a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 20 and every year starting at age 40. She also talked about the length of the procedures and women who have breast implants have to do to make sure they aren’t at risk.
Maxine Simpson, a three-time breast cancer survivor who spoke at the conference, said she needed a lot of support and strength to heal.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996. I didn’t tell any of my relatives until a few weeks after the fact. My friends and family were so important during that time in my life. Breast cancer can be extremely stressful for you and your loved ones.”
She added: “Early detection is so vital, that it can be a deal breaker between life and death. It’s important to promote this disease to the community, we shouldn’t be afraid to talk the cancer; your activism can make a difference in a person’s life,.
She added, “I had that type of involvement in my life. I’ve been cancer free for three years now, and I’m spreading the word to others in need.”
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