NSSC promotes breast cancer awareness

By Kent D. Brickman/Army Community Service DirectorOctober 4, 2011

Cancer is a terrible disease that affects hundreds of thousands of families each year. It's especially important to keep this in mind during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

According to the American Cancer Society, "Cancer touches more than just the people diagnosed. It has an impact on everyone around them."

The National Institutes of Health added that "Breast cancer affects one in eight women during their lives." And another sobering thought is that "Breast cancer kills more women in the United States than any cancer except lung cancer."

No one is immune. Many men might feel that this disease can't affect their personal health, but that would be a misperception. Men can get breast cancer, though it is a much rarer occurrence for them. Men affected most commonly are between the ages of 60 and 70 years old, but even young men can be stricken with breast cancer.

Some of the symptoms to be aware of -- for both men and women -- include lumps, a change in skin appearance in the affected area, or even a discharge.

As serious as this disease is and with as many families who will be affected by breast cancer at some time during their lives, it is important to support those who must deal with these effects on a daily basis.

If you would like to show or provide support in hopes of one day eliminating breast cancer, we at Natick Soldier Systems Center's Army Community Service would like you to know that there will be several events throughout Massachusetts during October. Visit your town hall to explore events in your local area.

If you would like more details or would like to speak to an ACS staff member, please call us at (508) 233-5377.