Arab American Family Services hosted an excellent event on Saturday, December 13, giving a presentation on breast cancer and colon cancer awareness. The three hour presentation for the women in our community, was given by AAFS co-founder Nareman Taha. She presented facts and answered questions about the effects of these terrible diseases.
Often times, there is a stigma that lies in the community that prevents women from seeking help or getting screened for cancer. There is no reason to hide, or be afraid. Early detection is the first step in getting cured.
Over 40 women were present at the Palos Country Club, many of which were shocked to hear statistics about breast and colon cancer that they never knew existed.
Many women are unaware that about 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases are thought to be hereditary. Your risk of developing breast cancer increases as you get older. About 1 out of 8 invasive breast cancers are found in women younger than 45, while about 2 of 3 invasive breast cancers are found in women age 55 or older, according to the American Cancer Society.
Colon cancer is another major disease effecting the community. According to ACS, family history is a very important factor in the risk for developing colon cancer. People who have a single family member who’s diagnosed with colon cancer particularly at a young age, anywhere under the age of 50. Those people have as many as four times the risk of developing colorectal cancer as someone who has no family history or other known risk factors.
We at AAFS hope that with education and presentations, we can raise awareness and prevention against cancer. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call at (708) 599-2237.
(708) 599-2237
