7 Things You Didn't Know About Breast Cancer

{Consideration provided by Knott’s Berry Farm}

Even as a young girl, I knew what the word cancer meant. And as I got older, I found that this elusive disease was more than just subject matter to master in nursing school. During my graduate study at UCLA, a young woman stood up to share her story of being diagnosed with breast cancer, and how even her own physicians were confounded by the way it presented itself.

How Breast Cancer Affects Women in the US

Today, one in eight women in the US will be diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and the second leading case of cancer death among women. And while much has been done to reduce morbidity and mortality as well as increase awareness and access to prevention and treatment services, there is work still to be done.

The Importance of Early Detection

Last week, Susan G. Komen Orange County set up their mobile mammography clinic at Knott’s Berry Farm to provide the community with free breast cancer screening tests. Eligible women over the age of 40 received life-saving breast exams and mammograms along with important information about breast cancer.

Research shows that finding breast cancer early, when it is easiest to treat, can save lives. Regular screenings using mammography have resulted in 30 percent fewer deaths from breast cancer according to Susan G. Komen.

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Breast Cancer

Men can get breast cancer: It does not distinguish between men and women. It is important for men to be educated about the disease, their risk factors and how to perform a self-exam.
Women under 40 can get breast cancer: In fact, women at any age can get breast cancer.
The exact cause of breast cancer is still unknown and there is currently no cure.
Exercise can lower your risk for the disease while alcohol increases your risk (National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society)
Only 5-10 percent of women with breast cancer can attribute the disease to genetics (American Cancer Society)
Most breast lumps are benign but it is important to have every single one evaluated (National Cancer Society)
A majority of those diagnosed with breast cancer will survive (National Cancer Institute)

Free Breast Cancer Screening and Treatment

Through Every Woman Counts, underserved women can receive free clinical breast exams and mammograms in California. If an exam or screening test is positive, a woman can receive further diagnostic testing and treatment free of charge through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program. This is an invaluable service for women who do not have access to medical care due to low income and/or lack of health insurance.

Do you know a woman who may qualify for a free mammogram? Be sure to look over the following criteria and then call 800.511.2300 for mobile mammography locations including dates and times.

are 40 years old or older
have low income (EWC Income Criteria)
have no or limited insurance
are not getting these services through Medi-Cal or another government-sponsored program
live in California

Knott’s For the Cure

In partnership with Susan G. Komen Orange County, Knott’s Berry Farm will donate a portion of ticket sales towards life-saving breast cancer screening and detection services including free mammograms and clinical breast exams, education, and research. Through March 5th, families can support Knott’s For the Cure by purchasing a 2017 Season Pass or a “Pink Ticket” online at Knotts.com. “Pink” t-shirts are also available at Knott’s Berry Farm and online and a portion of proceeds from sales will also be donated to Susan G. Komen Orange County.

During your visit to Knott’s Berry Farm, you’ll notice that Supreme Scream will light up pink and glow at night in honor of Knott’s for the Cure.

Similarly, the Calico Mine Ride will also glow pink to support the partnership, reminding guests about the importance of breast cancer awareness, education, and early detection.

To join the conversation online, visit Knotts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram using the hashtags #ScreamAgainstBreastCancer and #KnottsPink.

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Caryn Bailey

Caryn is a NICU nurse by day, blogger by night and mom 24/7. She savors the warm Southern California sun and loves to travel, shopping, baking, reading and frequenting her local tea room. Caryn created the column Lavishly Green for Peekaboo Picks Magazine to share her best tips for going green in style, she is the Former editor for Family Review Network, former OC Family Magazine online contributor, former Orange County Moms Blog contributor, former Evenflo Savvy Parent contributor, former member of the Totsy Advisory Board and former freelance writer for CBS Los Angeles.