Breast cancer's race for the cure

October 14, 2:31 PMBaltimore Senior Issues ExaminerSharon Moore Stenhouse

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Gabrielle Union, ambassador for
Susan G. Komen for the Cure & Circle of Promise
(Photo: Business Wire)

"This year in Maryland, about 3,560 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer;" according to the Susan G. Komen Maryland Race for the Cure website.

On Sunday, October 18, 2009 thousands will converge in Hunt Valley, Maryland to participate in the annual Race for the Cure. Often when we think about breast cancer we think in terms of young adults, women in their childbearing years, and daughters who have a family history. We don't always think of the older population when it comes to a first time diagnosis of this disease.

Though all women are at risk for breast cancer, the two most important factors are being female and getting older. Simply put, the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer increases with age, and most breast cancer deaths occur in women aged 50 and older. Early detection and effective treatment is the best defense in the race for finding the cure.

In recent years, there have more and more incidents of breast cancer diagnosed in men. Though it is rare an estimated 1.9 thousand men will be diagnosed in 2009, and 23% of them will likely die. This startling statistic illustrates an even greater need to support funding for ongoing research in finding the root causes, as well as clinical treatment and the cure.

Additionally, there is an increased focus on any connection the environment may have on the instances breast cancer in the United States. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) established the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Centers (BCERC) Network in 2003. It was created to study the impact of environmental exposures and the affect in predisposing a woman to breast cancer.

The Komen Maryland Race for the Cure and the fundraising efforts of participants is crucial not only to finding a cure, but giving voice to survivors. The majority of the profit, 75% of net proceeds, stays in Maryland to fund grants that provide transportation to appointments, financial support, appropriate diagnostic testing, and a comprehensive range of follow-up services. Because early detection is the best protection for breast cancer, Komen Maryland sponsors grants that increase the number of women who have annual mammograms and clinical breast exam screenings. Komen grants continue to focus on recruiting patients for clinical trials.

There are a number of ways to support this cause on Sunday and anytime thereafter. Most participants have already pre-registered with a team for the timed 5K run. However, walk-up registration is available, as well as the “Sleep in for the Cure” concept where registrants sign-up to join a team and participate without ever getting out of bed. For others whose Sundays are spent in worship, there is the “Power of Ten” where participants can ask ten fellow worshippers to donate $10 dollars resulting in a total of $100 for the participant.

Walk-up Registration:
Time: 6am

Hunt Valley Towne Centre
118 Shawan Road
Hunt Valley, MD 21030
The old Filene's Basement behind DSW Shoes and next to Burlington Coat Factory

Sharon Moore Stenhouse, Baltimore Senior Issues Examiner, is a seven year breast cancer survivor.

Additional Information:

Male Breast Cancer
Komen Maryland Report of the State 2009
St. Mary’s Hospital Receives $10,000 Grant for Breast Exams