Latinas defy odds: Young women battle breast cancer – Shiv Telegram Media
2 min read
Title: Breast Cancer Awareness: Empowering Latinx Women to Fight and Survive
Colombian American journalist Laura Hernández, at the age of 39, first discovered a small lump under her left armpit, which turned out to be breast cancer. Though her cancer went into remission after a lumpectomy, breast cancer remains a leading cause of death among Black and Latina women in the United States.
There are still prevalent misconceptions about breast cancer, including the belief that it only affects women. Shockingly, around 500 men lose their lives to this disease every year. While the median age for women to be diagnosed with breast cancer is 62, or 57 for Latinas, a small percentage of cases are detected in women under the age of 40.
The American Cancer Society suggests that women should consider getting mammograms starting at the age of 40. However, women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer should begin screening earlier. Regular breast self-examinations and immediate consultation with a doctor upon noticing any changes are also strongly encouraged.
Mexican American Julieta Cruz, aged 33, was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer after initially being dismissed by her doctor. Cruz decided to undergo a double mastectomy and is currently in remission. Throughout her journey, she faced various challenges such as losing her hair and struggling with a profound sense of identity loss.
Treatment options for breast cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal treatments. Cruz, while embracing her own self-love and strength, encourages women fighting this battle to see themselves as warriors. She emphasizes that their worth is not solely defined by physical appearance.
Awareness about breast cancer and its early detection plays a paramount role in saving lives and improving outcomes for patients. By raising awareness of the disease and educating women about the importance of early detection, we can empower Latinx women to fight against breast cancer and emerge victorious.
Breast cancer knows no boundaries, affecting women of all backgrounds. By shedding light on the experiences of Latinx women like Laura Hernández and Julieta Cruz, we hope to inspire others to actively participate in spreading awareness and encouraging early detection. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those fighting against breast cancer.
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