Words of breast cancer wisdom

I submit this in response to a heartfelt letter written by Ms. Cindy Larez to the Cd’A Press, that was published on Oct. 15. I applaud you Cindy and your ongoing fight to forever rid yourself of the scourge of breast cancer. You are among far too many who have taken up this battle. I have a personal interest as I am a close friend of your parents, who reside here in Coeur d’Alene.

As a physician, I sadly discover too many women who are afflicted with this horrible disorder. The overall and lumped statistics of its appearance should make the population very aware. But if broken down by decades, please realize that one in 42 women in the United States who reach the age of 50 will be stricken. By the age of 60, the numbers reach one in 28. And by age 70, they change to one in 26 females. These figures are frightening.

There is more than one reason for the onset of this life-threatening condition. Many have heard of the increased prevalence if you have the BRACA gene, either BRACA1 or BRACA2. There is also an increased incidence if there is a family history or a past personal history. The overuse of alcoholic beverages increases the incidence, as does the early onset of menses and a later menopause. And more frequent use of hormonal therapy, especially in white women, also increases the incidence.

There is a great push, especially lately, to educate our population about this often catastrophic illness. I urge everyone to listen to the advice of your personal physician, and to be aware that there is great hope, and much that a person can do in the fight against its onslaught.

A scheduled mammogram is often the first awareness that it may be with you. I also urge you to become a legend in your own shower

regarding a monthly self-examination. Take advantage of your annual examination that all should schedule with regularity with your personal physician, and feel free to discuss this openly. This examination is called a Wellness Examination for just this reason. And it is most often provided by your insurance coverage.

Education is indeed the mother of learning. Be aware of certain aspects and patterns of your lifestyle that can make a person more susceptible to this disorder.

To all who care to read this, please realize that there is increasing hope with early discovery and proper treatment. I am so passionate about this crusade, not only for those whom I see with this condition, but also because my own mother was taken from us by its presence quite some time ago.

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I.H. Steiger, M.D., is a Coeur d’Alene resident.