The American Cancer Society reports that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States (other than skin cancer).
They stress that early detection can lead to increased treatment options.
From the American Cancer Society: “The goal of screening exams for breast cancer is to find cancers before they start to cause symptoms (like a lump that can be felt). Screening refers to tests
and exams used to find a disease, such as cancer, in people who do not have any symptoms. Early detection means using an approach that lets breast cancer get diagnosed earlier than otherwise might have occurred.
Breast cancers that are found because they are causing symptoms tend to be larger and are more likely to have already spread beyond the breast. In contrast, breast cancers found during screening exams are more likely to be smaller and still confined to the breast. The size of a breast cancer and how far it has spread are some of the most important factors in predicting the prognosis (outlook) of a woman with this disease.
Most doctors feel that early detection tests for breast cancer save thousands of lives each year, and that many more lives could be saved if even more women and their health care providers took advantage of these tests.”
In the Neighborhood
LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA
“The best thing about the LIVESTRONG program is that you can’t fail. It’s designed for you to succeed, and believe me, after diagnoses, biopsies, surgery, chemo and radiation, you just want to succeed at something.” —Carolyn, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA graduate
As a cancer survivor, you understand the tremendous physical and emotional toll the experience has on your sense of health and well-being. The LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program can help you reclaim your health and continue healing. The program participants receive a FREE three-month citywide YMCA of Central Kentucky family membership to help further their wellness journey.
By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA helps people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body. Participants will be invited to participate in several components of the program, including:
- Group exercise classes
- Individualized training and exercise development sessions
- Social engagement activities, and
- Educational seminars and guest speakers
Participants work with YMCA of Central Kentucky staff trained in supportive cancer care to achieve their goals such as building muscle mass and strength; increasing flexibility and endurance; and improving confidence and self-esteem. They are ready and able to understand your unique physical needs and concerns and help you address them safely. LIVESTRONG coaches are relationship builders – able to connect with and develop relationships with and among cancer survivors and their families. In addition to physical benefits, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA focuses on the emotional well-being of survivors and their families by providing a supportive community where people impacted by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond.
Certified YMCA fitness instructors will deliver the physical activity portions of the program. Instructors are trained in the elements of cancer, post-rehab exercise and supportive cancer care.
For information about registering for the next YMCA LIVESTRONG® series, contact your neighborhood YMCA.
