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Our Surgeons Show Support for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 3, 2017 by

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. And it’s important that we take the time to remember those who have lost their lives to breast cancer, support those who are battling it, and celebrate those who have won their cancer battle.

One of the ways The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction likes to celebrate is to get involved in community events that are focused on breast cancer awareness.

This year we’ve been invited to participate in a series of Breast Cancer symposiums. We are thrilled that two of our surgeons, Dr. Craigie and Dr. Kline, will be included in the panel for these discussions.

All of the Charleston, SC, community is invited to attend these talks, and we encourage you to attend if you are able!

Check out the details below…

East Cooper Breast Cancer Symposium – October 4

The first Breast Cancer educational symposium will be held at the East Cooper Medical Center. The event will take place in the classrooms at the hospital, limiting registration to about 40 people.

During this event, a panel of medical experts will be talking about a variety of breast cancer topics, from treatment and prevention to reconstructive surgeries and life after breast cancer.

The facility will be serving boxed dinners for participants to enjoy during the panel talk, which will take place from 6:00 p.m. to around 8:00 p.m.

Space is limited, so if you’re interested in attending please call the East Cooper Medical Center at (888) 417-1377 to find out how to register for the event.

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day Talks – October 17, 18, and 19

To celebrate Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day (BRA day), three talks on breast reconstruction will be held over the course of three days—October 17, 18, and 19.

All three events will feature medical professionals and surgeons who are active members of Roper’s breast cancer team. The topics of discussion will focus on reconstructive breast surgery.

A few featured topics include…

  • A presentation on fat grafting.
  • A discussion on Micro Autologous.
  • A talk on lymph node transfer.

The first talk will be held on Tuesday, October 17, at 6:30 p.m. at Roper Mount Pleasant in Classrooms 1, 2, and 3. For more information, click here.

The second talk will be held on Wednesday, October 18, at 6:30 p.m. at Roper Bon Secours St. Francis, Mall Classrooms 1, 2, and 3. For more information, click here.

The third talk will be held on Thursday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m. at Roper Hospital, Irene Dixon Auditorium. For more information, click here.

Please note that the same talks will be given each night, so it’s only necessary to attend one event if you have an interest in going.

On behalf of our entire staff, we wish you a happy National Breast Cancer Awareness month. And to those of you who are currently battling breast cancer, our thoughts are with you.

Do you have any National Breast Cancer Awareness month activities on your schedule that you’re excited about?

Share them with us in the comments below!

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10 Important Breast Cancer Facts

October 20, 2015 by

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Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to highlight the significance of this serious illness. Below you’ll find a list of 10 facts about breast cancer.

This post pairs well with our 10 Breast Cancer Fundraising Ideas post. If you want to raise money for awareness, the ideas we shared in that post will help get you started.

Now let’s go over these very important facts:

1. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point. The bright side of this is women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. How? With a mammogram — the best screening test to detect signs of breast cancer.

2. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

3. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women. It is estimated that over 40,000 women will die from breast cancer every year.

4. Men get breast cancer, too. Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year.

5. Breast cancer rates vary by ethnicity. Rates are highest in non-Hispanic white women, followed by African American women. They’re lowest among Asian/Pacific Islander women.

6. Genetics have a role in breast cancer. Breast cancer risk is approximately doubled among women who have one first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with the disease. On the other hand,more than 85 percent of women with breast cancer have no family history.

7. Breast cancer risk increases as you get older. Even though breast cancer can develop at any age, you’re at greater risk the older you get. For women 20 years of age, the rate is 1 in 1,760. At 30, it significantly jumps to 1 in 229. At 50, it’s 1 in 29.

8. It’s the most feared disease by women. Yet, breast cancer is not as harmful as heart disease, which kills 4 to 6 times the amount of woman than breast cancer.

9. The majority of breast lumps women discover are not cancer. But you should still visit your doctor anyway, even though 80% are benign.

10. There is so much HOPE! There are currently more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone — and this number continues to climb each year.

It’s important to understand the facts about breast cancer, and learn how you can support loved ones and friends who are suffering from this illness, or have been affected by it. To learn more about breast cancer, you can download a PDF about the last 2013-2014 breast cancer facts from cancer.org.

To learn more about our mission, our practice, and our team, start here and meet our doctors.

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month Events

September 29, 2015 by

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October is a big month for the Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction team and our wonderful patients—and we’re making it a celebration!

In case you didn’t get the hint from the pink ribbons taking over Charleston, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Supporting this cause is so dear to our hearts, and we want to let our readers know about some fantastic events happening in our area this month.

We can’t wait to see what great things October brings!

October 2—Susan G. Komen Lowcountry’s Swing for the Cure

This year we are a proud sponsor of the October 2 Susan G. Komen Lowcountry’s Swing for the Cure event—a tennis and golf fundraiser that supports the fight against breast cancer.

The weekend festivities will be kicked off with an Oyster Roast and Barbecue at The Lettered Olive Restaurant in Wild Dunes.

Click here for more information.

October 5, 12—Dr. Kline Talking Natural Breast Reconstruction

On October 5 and 12, you may see our very own Dr. Kline on Channel 4 talking all things Breast Reconstruction!

Click here for a sneak peek.

October 17—KOMEN LOWCOUNTRY RACE FOR THE CURE®

This event is always a BLAST. 100% of the net proceeds are allocated to supporting the local breast cancer community.

There are a variety of walks and runs for every skill level—even one for kids!

The race takes place at the Family Circle Stadium, and the gates open at 7 a.m.

Click here for more information.

October 23—Pink Day with Panera Bread

Be sure to head to one of the 3 Panera Bread locations participating in Pink Day. The Tanger Mall, Citadel Mall, and Main Street locations will be decked out in pink and providing pink ribbon bagels available for purchase. Delicious food and supporting a good cause are two of our favorite things!

Click here for more information.

For more on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, visit our Facebook page.

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Upcoming Breast Cancer Events in Charleston

April 7, 2015 by

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The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction is so proud to be a part of the Charleston, SC, community, which continues to support local women and breast cancer awareness with amazing events and fundraisers.

We encourage you to show your support at these upcoming events in our area for a cause that is dear to our hearts.

April 8—Pink Out Night for The Cure!

Show your support and pink out the stadium at the Family Circle Cup. This fun event raises funds for the Susan G. Komen Lowcountry organization. Wear your best pink attire, and $1 will be donated to help find a cure. Any survivor sporting their 2014 Race for the Cure t-shirt will receive a free general admission!

The gates open at 5 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit the website.

April 11-12—Women living with metastatic breast cancer

Living Beyond Cancer is hosting their annual conference for women living with metastatic breast cancer. This 2-day event provides support, resources, and information to help those with stage IV breast cancer.

The doctors, researchers, nurses, and mental health providers all provide the most cutting-edge information. This is a great opportunity to meet others and be in the company of those who truly understand the struggles of living with metastatic breast cancer.

For more information, visit the website.

May 23—Rock Pink 5k 

This evening race is TONS of fun! From the pink glow necklaces, to the 80s rock band and outfits, to the body paint—this is the place to be! This 5k run/walk embodies the spirit of the cause.  All proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen Lowcountry organization.

For registration information, visit the website. 

Please share this information with your friends on social media!

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The Importance of “Thinking Pink” 365 Days a Year

November 11, 2014 by

pink ribbon for breast cancer

With Breast Cancer Awareness Month behind us and November starting, it’s important we not just “think pink” in October, but every month of the year by spreading the word and becoming an advocate

Traditionally, October is a time of great momentum for Breast Cancer Awareness, but the excitement of all the October events doesn’t have to end! You can support these efforts, to increase breast cancer awareness right in your own backyard—and beyond—365 days a year.

Here are some creative, original ways to “think pink” all year long:

  • Host an event. It doesn’t have to be October for you to fundraise for the cause. You can “think pink” throughout the year as a fundraising vehicle to spread the word on how to increase breast cancer awareness. Or, show your support of a friend, colleague, or family member who has breast cancer, and fundraise just for them! (Seriously, who doesn’t love a good party for a good cause)!
  • Start a blog. With the Internet being the prime place people turn to for information on breast cancer awareness, you can create digital content that inspires people to “think pink”, and spread the word on breast cancer awareness every month to a global audience. It’s a fact that many women eligible for breast reconstruction following cancer surgery are not being properly informed of their options. Blogs and social media are a great platform to educate women on breast reconstruction awareness and to share your own story.

Speaking of which, if you aren’t fans on Facebook or following us on Twitter, we welcome you to join the conversation!

  • Join or host a support group to nurture breast cancer awareness. “Thinking pink” also means connecting with other women with breast cancer, breast cancer survivors, and with those who are also passionate about increasing breast cancer awareness. By plugging into a support group every month, you stay on the front lines of the fight long after Breast Cancer Awareness month is over.

Let’s keep the conversation going. Let us know if you have any questions, or if you’d like to join us to promote your next Charleston area event in our newsletter!

 

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Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure was a SUCCESS!

November 4, 2014 by

The 21st Annual Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure at the Family Circle Cup Stadium on Daniel Island was a resounding success!  We were excited to be in attendance and to be the a Survivor Sponsor and also host the Survivor Café before the race.

Thousands of our popular string backpacks were distributed and we were tickled to see them dotting the race course! Big THANK YOU’s go out to the ZTA’s who stuffed them with information and made sure all of the ladies who visited the Survivor’s Café received one instead of standing in the long lines in front of our exhibit tent!

It’s amazing every year to see the HUGE difference people make when a community comes together to support a cause. And we got to meet lots of new people and see many of our past patients on a beautiful Saturday morning!  

We had so much fun, we thought we’d share a few photos from the event…

Race for the Cure

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction team showing off our PINK boas!!!

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We were thrilled and honored to be a Survivor Sponsor for the Race for the Cure!

Race for The Cure event pics

The start of the race. A BIG thank you to all of the participants!

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Ladies sporting The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction logo! Ready, set, run!

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It was honor to host the Survivor Café before the race!

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“She’s not only my mom, but my HERO!” Sweet boy honoring his mom.

We hope everyone had a blast –  and we hope to see you next year!

If you haven’t yet, make sure you follow us on Facebook!

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How to Organize, Prepare, and Host a Breast Cancer Fundraising Event

October 21, 2014 by

October is all about pink
Breast cancer fundraising events are a fantastic way to show support for someone you know who has breast cancer, or support awareness breast cancer awareness and research. Like most events, fundraising for breast cancer requires these important event planning steps:

  1. Organizing
  2. Preparing
  3. Hosting

However, unlike most events, breast cancer fundraising requires a few key, specific steps for raising money and registering your event with the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

(By the way, if you’re looking for breast cancer fundraising ideas, we recently wrote 10 things you can do to fundraise for breast cancer.)

In this post, we’ll cover the event planning steps you need to follow for success, as well as what you must do to properly host a fun breast cancer fundraising event for your friends, family, colleagues, or community!

Organizing

Before you host your event, you should determine the details and tasks required, so you can assign responsibilities accordingly. Some of the questions to answer include:

  • Where will the event take place?
  • When will the event happen
  • Who will you invite?
  • What’s your budget?
  • How much do you plan to raise? (setting a goal provides a target number to work toward)
  • How many people can you accommodate at your event?

After you’ve outlined the specifics of your event, register your breast cancer fundraiser with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). Registering your event as soon as possible allows the Community Fundraising Team have plenty of time to help you. This team is a free resource from the NBCF, so it would be smart to take advantage of it!

Before moving onto the next step, preparing for your event, make a checklist of all the things that need to be done. This way, you can mark off tasks as you complete them.

Preparing

Once you have all roles assigned, a clear vision of your event, and a list of tasks required, it’s time to prepare for your breast cancer fundraising event. During preparation, your role is to keep everything running smoothly. Make sure the people you choose to help you don’t have any problems with completing their duties.

Another major thing to considering during preparation of a breast cancer event is promotion. Tap into friends and family networks to get the word out. Call local media outlets and local businesses for free promotion. Many local businesses will support your event and give you free promotion in their newsletters or regularly scheduled announcements.

Lastly, you can make it easy for people to make a donation by setting up an online donation page. The National Breast Cancer Foundation provides instructions on how to set up a webpage for donations do so here.

Hosting

As the host of the event, people will look to you for information. This is why it’s important to educate yourself on breast cancer prior to your gathering. The NBCF site has everything you should know about breast cancer, including the latest research, statistics, and news.

Be sure to thank everyone who shows up in person. They’ve taken the time out of their day or evening to come to your event — let them know how much that means to you!

To collect donations, you may want to put a note near the donation area (or include something in the announcements) that says any donation over $2 is tax-deductible, and you will provide them a receipt upon request.

If you follow these guidelines, your event will be a success!

Let us know if you have any questions, or if you’d like us to promote your next Charleston area event in our newsletter!

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October 15: BRA Day USA

October 15, 2014 by
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BRA DAY USA
Closing the Loop on Breast Cancer

It’s a fact: many women eligible for breast reconstruction following cancer surgery are not being properly informed of their options.

The Breast Reconstruction Awareness Campaign–a collaborative effort between the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Plastic Surgery Foundation, plastic surgeons specializing in breast reconstruction, nurse navigators, corporate partners, and breast cancer support groups–hopes to change this.

Statistics show:

  • Eighty-nine percent of women want to see successful breast reconstruction surgery results before undergoing cancer treatment.
  • Less than a quarter (23 percent) of women know the wide range of breast reconstruction options available.
  • Only 22 percent of women are familiar with the quality of outcomes that can be expected.
  • Only 19 percent of women understand that the timing of their treatment for breast cancer and the timing of their decision to undergo reconstruction greatly impacts their options and results.

 

Breast cancer does not discriminate, and while every journey is unique, all breast cancer patients have the right to know their reconstruction options. Click here to meet our team and learn more about our practice, success stories, and natural reconstruction surgery.

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How to Positively Support Someone Who Has Breast Cancer

October 14, 2014 by

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Hamed Saber

On average, 1 out of 8 women will get diagnosed with breast cancer. This statistic puts the harsh reality of this disease into perspective. Because you might not know how to react to a friend who says she has breast cancer, we put together some suggestions for you should this unfortunate situation happen.

Support her decisions

Having breast cancer means making a lot of decisions, and a lot of stress. For example, she may have to decide if she will get a lumpectomy, radiation treatment, or mastectomy. All of these things require research and an investment of time and energy.

In this scenario, you have to remind yourself that unless you’re a qualified medical expert, you are not in the best position to determine someone else’s life.

Instead, you can be of greater help by simply listening. Listen to her without judgement and let her share her ideas with you. Whatever she says, let her know you’re behind her all the way.

If you notice any strong emotional undertones to her words, support those too.

Go to appointments with her

One of the worst feelings to have when going through something difficult is feeling like you’re alone. Don’t let your friend go to appointments or meetings by herself. Simply being with her means a lot. If she says she wants to go alone, you could offer to drive her to and from the location. That’s a start, and it will help.

Be specific

Questions like “how are you?” and “let me know if you need help” are not as helpful as you think for a few reasons. First, she’s getting asked those questions by mostly everyone she knows.

Secondly, she might not know the right way to answer.

For example, if you ask her “How are you?” she might say, “I’m fine, thanks.” But the reality is she doesn’t want to talk about how she’s really feeling: sad, sick, and low on energy.

Instead, ask specific questions and make specific inquiries, like:

  • Let’s grab a coffee and chat this Tuesday, okay?
  • Can I come by and make you dinner tomorrow?
  • Let’s go see a movie this weekend!

Be a positive action-taker who goes beyond asking general questions. It will mean more to her than you know.

If you follow these 3 general rules, you will be a better supporter.

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Events to Raise Awareness

October 8, 2014 by

Whew!  Breast Cancer Awareness month is off to a running start here in Charleston!  Just a few events we’re going to mention where we’ve lent our support – there are so many that I hope you can find your way to one of them to show your support of our sisters (and brothers) who have been affected by breast cancer.

 

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Tonight! October 8, 2014 – 2nd Annual Warriors Wear Pink Event at ALOFT Charleston Hotel & Convention Center from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.   Click the event flyer thumbnail for more details.

 

October 15, 2014 – BRA Day USA!!  Learn more……

October 18, 2014 – Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure –  Family Circle Cup Stadium – Daniel Island, S.C.

Shana Brown Event Flyer

October 19, 2014 – A Tickled Pink Reception:  T-shirts & Stillettos –  Presented by the Folly Road Church of Christ.  3:30 p.m.  Experience a fun filled afternoon celebrating breast cancer survivors.  Click the event flyer for more details.

 

 

 

Columbia Friends – SC FORCE Support Group Gathering – October 26, 2014, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Richland country Main Library – Irwin Kahn Conference Room – 1431 Assembly Street – Columbia, S.C. 29201.   Do you have a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer?  Have you tested positive for a BRCA mutation or are you considering genetic testing?  You are not alone and we invite you to join us to find out more.  http://www.facingourrisk.org/get-support/local-groups/south-carolina.php

Worship in Pink – Worship in Pink is a breast health education initiative for the Affiliate’s faith-based communities in an effort to reduce disparities seen in African-American, Hispanic and rural communities.  The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction is thrilled to be the Promise Partner for the Komen Lowcountry initiative again this year.   Find out more….

What events do you plan to attend?  We’d love to feature them on our next “Upcoming Events” or “All Things Charleston”  post.

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