The Doctors: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, The Doctors TV show invited anyone in their audience who had been touched by breast cancer to stand up. Almost everyone stood up, and Dr. Lisa Masterson shared that she lost her mother to breast cancer.
Thanks to donations from breast cancer walks and other funding, doctors are able to work towards a cure. Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall, Chief Medical Officer at Pfizer, joined Dr. Masterson and Dr. Travis Stork to talk about ways to navigate the disease.
The Doctors: Breast Cancer Early Detection Saves Lives
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, The Doctors invite you to Do It With Attitude and be in control of your treatment and outlook.
According to Dr. Lewis-Hall, there are two and a half million breast cancer survivors in the United States. Early detection is the most important thing, because it leads to better treatment options and survival rates.
Women in their early 20’s should start doing breast self exams, and they should be aware of how their breasts normally look and feel. Any breast changes should be reported to your doctor as soon as they’re found. Women ages 40 and older should be getting mammograms every one to two years.
The Doctors: Do It With Attitude
Dr. Lewis-Hall said that if you’re diagnosed with breast cancer and going through treatment, Do It With Attitude.
- D is for determine your own destination. This is a time when people really feel out of control, but you need to take control of your circumstances and become the leader of your treatment team.
- O is for optimize your information and your network. Find trusted sources of information to help you keep current with information like clinic trials. You also need a solid support network like friends, family and support groups.
- I is for intensity. Dr. Stork said that you have to have a sense of urgency and be disciplined with the steps you’re taking. Stick to your medication schedule and don’t ever postpone appointments.
- T is for tenacity. You need to stick with it and ask questions. If you don’t get an answer, ask it again.
The Doctors: Stay Positive During Cancer
Dr. Masterson said to maintain a positive attitude because your mental state can have a positive affect on your physical state. Stress can put a tremendous strain on your health, and you need to make yourself your main priority.
Visit healthierworld.com for more information if you’re diagnosed with cancer.
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