Breast cancer survivors recognized

By Courtney Warren

The Knights of Pillar Nurses Association recently recognized and celebrated local breast cancer survivors to promise breast cancer awareness. Those included were Joyce Cheeks, Shirley Cross, Betty Daughtrey, Orzzie Daughtrey, Luretha Dawson, Dorothy Grant, Beverly Harris, Katie Jackson, Vanessa Johnson, Annie Jones, Margaret Jones, Mary Luckett, Renee Middleton, Laverne Watts, Ruth Simpson, and LaShandreia Whitehead. 

The Knights of Pillar Nurses Association honored these ladies during the month of October at Holy Child Jesus Church. 

Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness month many educated the community on breast cancer. Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, in 2021, an estimated 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 49,290 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99 percent. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.

For more information about breast cancer and early detection, visit your family doctor or Nationalbreastcancer.org.