Breast Cancer Awareness Month hits Tampa Bay
Tampa FLA- October was breast cancer awareness month and many places around the Tampa Bay Area pay homage to the women who fight to survive, and for the people who have lost their lives. Women all over the country fight for the current treatments needed to survive this dreadful disease.
Breast Cancer is the most common and fatal cancer amongst women in the United States. The cells in the breast mutate and grow out of control affecting the body by making the immune system attack its cells.
Women typically find lumps on the breast and groin but it doesn’t go away. Not every lump on the breast is Breast Cancer but if it feels different and changes in size and shape for long periods it is better to go to the doctor. Nipples can turn purple and skin can scale back and curve in and start leaking discharge.
Tampa Resident Jessica Morall gives her story on how she watched her mother fight cancer and the toll it gave to her family.
“So my mom had a lump in her left breast she found out that she had stage 2 breast cancer my first reaction was I was I was devastated you never think it will happen to your family my second reaction I was angry why my family why my mom I was bitter that my family was having to go through this all while trying to stay positive for my mom she had a lumpectomy to remove the tumor followed my chemo and radiation after was all said and done my mom is now 2 years cancer free!” says Morall.
Many events in the area were hosted by a variety of non-profit organizations. Survivors and residents alike come together as a community to show support for the breast cancer Moffitt research.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosted the 9th Annual Treasure Chests 5K and Fun Run Sunday, October 24, 2021, to raise awareness for breast cancer and raise funds for research.
Thousands of people came to race or walk, most of them were survivors of breast cancer or running in honor of someone close to them. The race started at the Advent Health Training Center and ran through the parking lots surrounding the Raymond James Stadium. The event continued to benefit local organizations in Tampa Bay that specialize in breast cancer research and patient services. People had options to participate at Advent Health Training Center, at home on their treadmill, in the park at the break of dawn, or a stroll around their neighborhood, the 2021 Treasure Chests 5K + Fun Run occurred on their terms.
Jeanne Kennedy LeGall, 64, Breast Cancer Survivor, talks about her story and tours the country speaking with TED Talk. The Plant City resident gave details on how an ordinary doctor visit saved her life.
“ I was more diligent in doing self-check breast exams monthly and yearly exams with a doctor. I went to a regular yearly doctor exam May 8, 2009. As I waited for my appointment for my next year’s regular exam the doctor entered the room. “There is some cancer”. May 21, 2009 I had major surgery. The cancer was removed successfully and I am now 12 years cancer free. Because of that regular checkup the cancer was detected early enough to save my life. Had I waited longer the cancer would have burst out of the cells and entered my blood. That would have changed the entire narrative of my survival. “ Says Legall.
The women of pink, green and pearls put their running skills to the test for Miles for the Moffitt race. The race was Established in 1908 at Howard University as the first sorority for Black women, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. started when other sororities excluded them because of race.
Elaine Bryant, president of the Gamma Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Tampa got involved because she was looking to find ways to help black women survive a terminal illness.
“One of the main reasons why we are involved is because…the rate of survival with Black women is very low…” Bryant said.
According to Susan G. Komen Foundation, more black people die from Breast Cancer than any other group.
We have raised almost $4,000 and we’re proud of that,” Bryant said. Although it was their first time participating in the race, the Gamma Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. has one of the largest groups this year. The sorority received a special award from Moffitt Cancer Center to recognize their efforts.
Land O Lakes Resident Kali Smith participated in the race. She lost her grandmother and currently supporting her best friend who’s fighting breast cancer.
“Grandma, I’m not sure…I was younger and she lived between Florida and Indiana. She had a double mastectomy and her lymph nodes removed because she had 2 nieces that had lumpectomies and later died.” Says Smith.
“My best friend told me over the phone. She had been struggling with addiction so I was terrified for her to fall back into it. Which after her mastectomy(double) and her treatments, when she was cancer free, Now it’s back and in her bones. Eventually it will kill her but for a few years, up to 10, they can keep it from spreading the use chemo drug to keep it from spreading …eventually they stop working” says Smith.
St Pete Resident J.S Cooper lost her mom to breast cancer almost a decade ago. She discloses her point of view on the disease.
“I wasn’t living/speaking with her when she got diagnosed. I kind of found out after the fact (like 3 months before she died) because I grew up with my dad. “says. Cooper.
Cooper is from Jamaica and integrated to the United States around the time her mother was sick. The current status of the immigration progress did not allow her to visit her mother.
“I was in America, going through the immigration process making me unable to visit (she was still in Jamaica) Lost and confused, also worried for myself because the disease can be hereditary,” says Cooper.
Scientists are studying possible vaccines according to MSNBC. the rarest breast cancers are triple negatives and even though scientists have been searching for vaccines for years. nobody made a breakthrough yet.
The lactate protein for the breast called alpha-lactalbumin helps create the milk for women but when breastfeeding stops it will silence the protein needed for the vaccine. The vaccine will take 18 women who are treated regularly and 18 who will try the protein vaccine and take the shots 2 weeks apart and the goal of the vaccine is to take the cells that are healthy and separate them from cancer so the body does not fight its cells.
Smith when asked about the breakthroughs and her opinion of the vaccine gave her ideology of what it could mean for the future of breast cancer patients.
“I don’t think it would help her but undoubtedly could save future lives. I would take the vaccine. I’ve seen too many people beat breast cancer and then relapse. Fighting it is terribly debilitating. I think any reduction of that would be worth any risk of a vaccine, Idk, but the number of people I know that have had terminal relapse is scary. I think Moffett offers the best therapies available “says Smith.
The Tampa skyline is lit up in pink, teal, and green tonight for Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. The City of Tampa illuminated City Hall, Curtis Hixon Park, and the downtown bridges in pink, teal, and green to show support for Metastatic Breast Cancer. October 13 is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day.
This event marks the first time in Tampa’s History that Tampa’s landmarks are illuminated in these colors, and it started because of a mother’s love for her daughter. “This month, we are celebrating the inspiring breast cancer survivors and the fierce fighters who continue to battle this terrible disease,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. “By lighting up pink, we are sending a message of hope and solidarity to all those who have been impacted by breast cancer — including my own mother, who demonstrated tremendous strength and courage in her fight.” The city continued spreading awareness about breast cancer and showing support to those fighting and those who have survived in the community. Every year, the city of Tampa takes part in the nationwide effort to support research and encourage everyone to take action to cure breast cancer.
The city pushed the importance for women to get a check-up once a year. 5–7% of women with breast cancer are under 40 but 30–40% of cases occur past the age of 40 and doctors recommend staying on top of the charts. Breast Cancer can occur at any age.
“No one in my family had ever had breast cancer. I share my story and I share breast cancer information with my family and with the public in hopes of doing what my in-law did for me; encouraging regular mammogram to early detect breast cancer giving a 95% chance to keep living.” Says Legall.
Breast Cancer foundations such as Moffit have become one of the largest treatment centers in the country. It is the first freestanding cancer treatment and research center created by a state legislature and the only cancer-fighting institution in the nation partly financed by the sales tax on tobacco.
“I’m not too familiar with what Moffit has to offer my mom went to Florida cancer what I will say is the progress that has been made in the success rate in breast cancer is amazing I think in the last ten years we have really been able to research breast cancer and find better solutions for success rates,” Says Morall.
While some women may feel like the fundraisers and organizations are a working success some women may feel differently.
“I think equal measures of treatments and prevention research. And I don’t know much about fundraising but I see set judges everywhere. Not breast cancer as much. But again, no idea how much actually goes to St Jude either that could be a racket too. Some charities have management that take big salaries and only a small portion of donations go to the actual cause” says Smith.
Breast cancer affects one in eight women. This year alone, over 281,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with new cases of invasive breast cancer. Breast Cancer affects 1 in 833 men. About 2,650 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed, about 530 men will die from breast cancer
“During my recovery years; it took at least 5 years to fully physically recover, during those years I joined breast cancer support groups. I attended yearly breast cancer walks and survivor dinners Honoring the survivors and Remembering those who lost their battle with breast cancer. During one of those dinners is when I watched a man and his wife stand at the mic describing how the husband survived breast cancer Until that day I had never heard of male breast cancer. “ Says Legall.
Breast Cancer in men is rarer but it does happen and is usually caused by radiation or Klinefelter’s syndrome.
Breast Cancer survivors share their stories so the world can know who they are and make more efforts to have funds and awareness pour into treatments for Breast Cancer.
The more women and men fight for the same cause and make it important to go to doctors, update technology and medicine, the more we can treat it and detect it earlier than before to reduce the mortality rate.
“Sharing of information about breast cancer is vital in that it can lead to early detection and that can lead to the saving of lives. I was 52 years old when I was diagnosed with non-situ stage 1 breast cancer. Non-situ means that the cancer has not yet burst out of the cells. I survived. Early detection gave me more birthday” says Legall.
Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancers are the two biggest killers for women and as the years go by Breast Cancer research has improved tremendously. Many people march, donate, find new medicines and cures. More women have survived this disease than in previous years before.
Doctor Visits, listening to the community, and keeping updated on your health is the most important thing someone can do for their body and just a simple mammogram will change someone’s life.
