MOUNT VERNON — For Women Only, an educational series, held its third program, “In the Pink,” Tuesday evening at Knox Community Hospital.
The program included an open house with representatives from Mad Hatters, bra fitting specialist from JCPenney, Breast Cancer Support Group, KCH Nutrition Department, Knox County Health Department, and many other organizations. Speakers Becky Dangelo, MSN, breast health navigator, and Amy Murnen, local family physician and cancer survivor presented during the event on breast cancer awareness and survivorship.
“How many women here tonight are breast cancer survivors,” asked Dangelo. Many women from the crowd raised there hands as they sat surrounded by family and friends. “I’m so happy to see such a large group here.”
“Nanna says know your ABC’s” was the topic of Dangelo’s presentation. She explained each letter: “A” indicated having annual mammograms for women 40 years and older, and recommended at the age of 35 for women with a strong family history of breast cancer or women with close relatives that have or had ovarian cancer; “B” denoting breast self-awareness exams that should be regularly done beginning at age 20; and “C” having clinical breast exams annually for women after age 40 and for women in their 20s and 30s with their regular health checkup.
“The American Cancer Society said ‘the best protection is early detection,’” said Dangelo, stressing the need for awareness and education for all women as well as men. “Men should do breast self-awareness exams as well for they can get breast cancer too.”
When Murnen was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago she was in shock. After doing a breast self-examination she found a cyst, that over time, didn’t go away, and with further examination, through a biopsy, she learned that it was cancer.
“Everything happened so quickly,” she said during her presentation. Following her diagnosis, Murnen consulted her doctors going through all options available to her. She also had other testing done prior to having surgery to remove the cancer.
With support from her family, Murnen was on her way to recovery after her treatment. “I started to feel better,” she said. Four weeks later she was stronger and ready to return to work.
Murnen said her experience was liberating, and retrospectively she realized, “I had to take care of myself.”
But her journey was not over. Months later she participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Although Murnen had walked before, this time she was not just a supporter but a survivor.
“It was a very emotional experience,” said Murnen, who walked during the 3-day, 60-mile race. “Many people came out to greet us and thank us for walking for them, though I was also walking for myself.”
“A survivor begins the moment a person is diagnosed, not at the moment of treatment or after,” said Dangelo. “To all breast cancer survivors, tell your story and educate others. It’s the best thing you can do to help.”
