Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. In 2019, an estimated 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 62,930 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. (National Breast Cancer Facts)
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every week this month, we will feature someone who has conquered cancer.
This week’s Breast Cancer Warrior is my cousin Shirley Gilbert Payne. She was diagnosed with cancer on her birthday. Although the diagnosis was life-changing, she didn’t give up. I watched her fight this awful disease and the sickness that comes with it. From losing her hair to being sick, she made a commitment that she would fight no matter what.
Shirley is determined to beat this disease. She is a Warrior because she didn’t allow cancer to get the best of her. She’s beating the hell out of it. I love her for the fight she has and how she won’t give up. This month I salute you Shirley for your bravery and commitment to eradicate this awful disease.
