Breast Cancer: Stuff They Never Tell You

Survivors are part of a sisterhood, whether they choose to be or not. And sharing stories – funny, sad, ironic – is what sisters do best.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. Hearing the words, "I'm sorry, but it's cancer," comes as a shock to anyone, and I never thought I would hear them that day. I was in my mid-40s, a marathon runner, healthy eater, non-smoker, no family history. The only real risk factor I had was giving birth to my first child after age 30. I cried (hysterically), I went for a long run the next morning, I got a second opinion, I told only a handful of people and I went about my busy life trying not to think about it. I made a list of other women I knew who had fought – or were fighting – this awful disease. In a few moments, I came up with more than 15 names of women in my community, most of whom were right around my age. Clearly, I was not alone…

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Wilmington Wildcats

Despite Loss, Monday Match a Success for Wildcats

Wilmington's girls volleyball team hosted a Dig Pink event for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Though visiting Tewksbury came out on top of Wilmington, 3-1, on Monday night, the Wildcats also came out victorious as they raised $750 for breast cancer research. During the team's Dig Pink event, players and fans wore pink and there were baked goods available for purchase, raising money as a part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

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Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week in Massachusetts

Gov. Deval Patrick signed a bill proclaiming the third week in October as Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week.

Breast cancer: Guys get it too. That's the message of The Blue Wave, a group created to spread awareness about breast cancer in men, and the message that will be sent the week of Oct. 21-27 in Massachusetts after Gov. Deval Patrick signed a bill proclaiming the third week in October as Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week. Last month, Patrick signed the bill that says the week aims "to raise awareness of the occurrence of breast cancer in men and to encourage regular testing for breast cancer amongst all citizens of the Commonwealth." According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure, one of the most well-known breast cancer awareness groups, breast cancer in men is rare but still happens: The overall ratio of female to male breast …

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Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Comes to Boston this Weekend

Organizers expect the 5K walk will draw more than 7,000 people into the city and raise more than $1 million for breast cancer research.

In Massachusetts, 133 women out of every 100,000 will be diagnosed with breast cancer.   This means that during your lifetime, there's a chance that you, a family member or friend could be among those diagnosed. Luckily, thanks to awareness, research and investment into the prevention of breast cancer by organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure, mortality rates are dropping, and more and more people are coming together to support those fighting against breast cancer. More than 7,000 breast cancer survivors and supporters will take to the streets of Boston this weekend for the 2012 Komen Massachusetts Race for the Cure. The 5k timed race and untimed walk will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 10 a.m. in Joe Moakley Park, South …

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Wilmington Gym Ready to Zumba for a Breast Cancer Cure

Zumba for a Cure on Friday night will give residents the chance to raise money for the Avon Breast Cancer Walk.

Jennifer Stacey enjoys when her customers at Live Life Fitness leave for the day with a sense of accomplishment. On Friday, she’ll have the chance to see plenty of residents heading out the door having accomplished something for themselves, but this time there will be a benefit for others as well. Live Life Fitness is hosting “Zumba for a Cure,” a fundraising effort that will assist a local woman currently fighting breast cancer who hopes to raise enough money to participate in an upcoming Avon Walk for Breast Cancer event. “The cause motivates me to do more,” Jennifer said. “It’s a fun night, it’s for a good cause and it’s a chance to get people together to raise money and maybe become a little more aware that cancer is everywhere and we …

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Where to Get a Breast Examination Near Wilmington

Massachusetts has some of the highest rates of breast cancer in the country, and, fortunately, some of the lowest breast cancer death rates. Early detection of breast cancer through routine exams saves thousands of lives every year.

Studies have shown that early detection of breast cancer improves the chances of a cure. That in itself is the most important reason to make an appointment today for a breast exam or mammogram. You don't have to travel far from Wilmington for an exam. There's Winchester Hospital Breast Care Center in Woburn and Hallmark Health's Comprehensive Breast Center in Stoneham. Boston also has a number of top-rate women's health facilities for such exams. Among them are Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center's Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Evaluation Center, the Boston Breast Diagnostic Center, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Breast Cancer Treatment Center, the BreastCare Center at Beth Israel Deaconness Center, Boston Medical …

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Selectmen Show Ties to Fighting Breast Cancer

During Tuesday's Board of Selectmen meeting, members sported pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

It was a small gesture, but a meaningful one for Wilmington selectmen. During Tuesday night’s meeting all board members and Town Manager Jeff Hull sported pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “I lost a mother at a young age to breast cancer,” said board member Michael McCoy. “It’s something that has touched everyone in this room in one way or another.” It isn’t the only time board members have coordinated outfits for a cause. Earlier this year selectmen wore blue for autism awareness. Judy O’Connell echoed McCoy’s sentiments and said she was glad the board could play a small part in breast cancer awareness. “I know all of us have been impacted by this insidious disease,” said O’Connell. “I’ve personally lost people from the …

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Local Fitness Center Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness

Body Infusion by HER will donate non-member fees to breast cancer research.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and one local fitness studio is stepping up to help the cause. Body Infusion by HER announced recently that it will donate all non-member walk-in fee for a variety of classes to breast cancer research during the entire month of October. The classes during which fees will be donated are spin class with Alicia Mondays at 6:35 p.m., yoga with Pennie Tuesday's at 7 p.m., body infusion with Heather Wednesdays at 9 a.m., boxing with Emily Wednesdays at 5 p.m., spin class Thursdays with Ani at 5:30 p.m. and boxing with Rose on Fridays at 9 a.m. Opened earlier this year, Body Infusion by HER has quickly become a local favorite of Wilmington residents and other fitness fans in the area. The studio was …

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Life in the Mom Lane

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Serves As Reminder for Moms

While moms always make sure their children take care of themselves, they don't always remember to think of their own health as well.

It’s hard to get through the month of October without realizing that it is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It seems that for 31 days everyone wants to wear pink in support of breast cancer education, research and awareness.  Originally founded over 25 years ago, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is, as their website explains, “a collaboration of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to services.” With a number of collaborating organizations including The American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, …

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Think Pink: Breast Cancer Events in Wilmington

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and whether you love to shop, attend events, walk or run, there are tons of different ways to support the cause. Check out the list below of opportunities to go pink in Wilmington and beyond: There are even more ways to spread breast cancer awareness this month by supporting national organizations that are fighting for a cure. One recent example was the girls soccer team, which in September played a home game in pink jerseys and held raffles to raise money to fight against breast cancer. The boys hockey team participated in a similar event this winter. Research centers like Susan G. Komen for the Cure are selling pink ribbon merchandise and it’s a twofer — retail therapy and donating to a …

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