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Breast cancer survival depends on early detection
by Brenda Bullara
"It's scary, but it can be overcome."
Darlene Biggers, UH-Clear Lake associate vice president of student services and dean of students,
is facing the battle with breast cancer this year.
Biggers' involvement in campus events helps keep her mind off the effects of chemotherapy
treatments.
She will deliver the keynote address for The Vigil of Hope Brown Bag Luncheon Oct. 24, from 11:30
a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Bayou Building, Room 332.
The vigil will honor UH-Clear Lake community cancer survivors and victims.
"The goal of my message will be to inspire courage and hope in other women who would face cancer
either themselves or through a loved one," Biggers said. "It's scary, but it can be overcome."
Early detection is paramount to successful treatment. The American Cancer Society recommends all
women 40 or older have a mammogram and clinical breast exam annually.
Women age 20 to 39 should have a clinical breast exam by a health care professional every three
years, and women 20 or older should conduct self-exams monthly.
"Conducting breast examinations is the most effective detection," said breast cancer survivor
Gretchen Mieszkowski, UH-Clear Lake director of humanities and professor of literature.
"Performing breast exams is something we can actually do," Mieszkowski said.
Vicki Bailey, UH-Clear Lake community relations coordinator and breast cancer survivor, had to
learn how to do a self-exam.
"By becoming familiar with myself slightly, I was able to detect a difference," Bailey said.
"Since I did it occasionally, I knew something was not right."
Bailey believes breast cancer survivors have a responsibility to share their stories with others
who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
"Coping with breast cancer is very hard, but if I can help one person, I feel like I have defeated
cancer," Bailey said.
Breast cancer is not gender specific. According to the American Cancer Society, 3 percent of men
develop breast cancer annually.
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courtesy photo