Educational Initiatives: Social Media Presentations

A diagnosis of cancer is upsetting. And whether you or a family member or friend is diagnosed with breast cancer, are currently going through breast cancer treatment, or are trying to stay well after treatment, there is much to learn. The unfortunate fact is that breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer among American women. Statistically, one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer during her lifetime. However, over the last decades, advances in breast cancer treatment mean many women diagnosed with breast cancer can now expect to beat the disease and live a relatively health and fulfilling life.

A diagnosis of cancer is upsetting. This is especially so when the patient is a (young) child. It’s not uncommon for parents, grandparents and family and friends to have many questions about the diagnosis and the treatment options. Questions such as:

• Who should treat my child?
• What kind of treatment options are there available for my child?
• Will my child be cured?
• What does the cancer and treatment mean for my child and our family?

While these questions may not all have clear answers, many childhood cancers can be treated. However, ongoing medical research is required to find effective treatments for all childhood cancers.

Health disparities in cancer care represent a major public health problem in our country. Although there has been substantial progress in cancer treatment, screening, diagnosis, and prevention over the past several decades, addressing cancer health disparities?such as higher than average cancer death rates, less frequent use of validated screening tests, and higher rates of advanced cancer diagnoses?specifically low-socioeconomic groups, ethnic and racial populations, and those who live in geographically isolated areas – is an area in which progress has not kept pace.