31 Days of Action 

Looking for a way to be involved and help support Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Greater Kansas City  during Breast Cancer Awareness Month? You’re in luck! We have something happening every day in October. Take a look at how you can participate with Less Talk. More Action. this week.

October 3: Breast Health Myths & Realities-“I don’t have a lump so I must not have breast cancer.” Breast Cancer survivors do not always find a lump. Read about a survivor who had a rare form of breast cancer. Learn more» 

October 4:  Quality breast health care is not an option-it’s your right! Become a Komen Advocacy Insider to stay “in the know”. Learn more» 

October 5: Feeling hungry? Learn more about “Mike’s Way to a Cure Day” at Jersey Mike’s. Learn more»

October 6:  Get Fit for the Cure! For every woman fitted, Wacoal will donate to Komen KC. Find the location and date nearest to you. Learn more»

October 7: The greatest risks for breast cancer are being female and getting older. Send yourself a reminder to get your annual mammogram. Learn more»

October 8: Do you know a student who has been diagnosed under age 25 or lost a parent due to breast cancer? Scholarships are available to help these students! Learn more»

October 9: Want to host a fundraiser to impact breast health? Learn more about Rally for the Cure.

Breast Health Myths & Realities
  "I don't have a breast lump, so I must not have cancer!" 

Although breast cancer is thought of as one disease, there are many different types of breast cancer, each with its own characteristics. A lump, hard knot, or thickening inside the breast or underarm area may be one symptom of breast cancer. However, with breast cancer there are other visual changes of the breast that you should be aware of.

While on vacation, Jeanne Calkins of Kansas City, MO, noticed thick ribbed lines under her right breast. She made an appointment to see her doctor. Although Jeanne’s doctor couldn’t feel any lumps, she ordered a mammogram which found nothing. Over the course of 18 months, Jeanne’s breast began to feel and look different. Her breast was sometime hot, the nipple inverted, and her breast looked pitted like an orange peel. An oncologist made an Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC), Stage IIIC diagnosis after a physical exam, ultrasound, and two skin punch biopsies.

IBC is an unusual and aggressive type of invasive breast cancer. Unlike other forms of breast cancer, IBC often lacks a distinct lump or tumor. Instead, cell can grow in sheets that spread through the breast. Unless there is a defined lump, IBC may not be found by a mammogram or ultrasound. Because IBC cell spread easily to other parts of the body, it requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Jeanne's cancer was also found in the lymph nodes of her armpit. Just five days before her 50th birthday, doctors notified Jeanne the cancer was aggressive and they wanted to start treatment immediately. Her prognosis was 18 months. Jeanne’s treatment plan included eight treatments of chemotherapy, a mastectomy, removal of all lymph nodes, an additional eight treatments of chemotherapy, and 34 radiation treatments. Friends and family were a big support for Jeanne throughout her treatment and healing process. Today, she celebrates nearly six years of survivorship.

Learn more about IBC

Susan G. Komen for the Cure wants you to know what is normal for you and to be an advocate for your health. If you notice any of the following changes in your breasts, please contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible:

o Lump, hard knot, or thickening inside the breast or  underarm area.
o Swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening of the breast.
o Change in the size or shape of the breast
o Dimpling or puckering of the skin
o Itchy, scaly, sore or rash on the nipple
o Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast
o Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
o New pain in one spot that does not go away.

Remember, know what’s normal for you!  To find a change in your breast you have to know what is normal for you – so this month, get to know your breasts!

Visit here for our breast self awareness recommendations.

Like Ford Warriors in Pink 

Help raise $5,000 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure Affiliates located in the midwest. It’s simple – just visit Midwest Ford Dealers Facebook page and "Like" Warriors in Pink tab. Midwest Ford Dealers are donating $1 for every "Like" so please post it on your Facebook to engage your friends. The fundraising promotion ends October 31st so don't delay! Learn more »

Shop for a Cause 

Mike's Way to a Cure
Through the month of October, Jersey Mike's will be offering FREE subs with a minimum donation of $1 to the Greater Kansas City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. 

Download Your Free Sub Coupon

Plus, Jersey Mike's will donate 50% of all sales from both Olathe locations (15018 S Black Bob and 14967 W. 119th) to Komen Kansas City on October 5th.

Amy's Blend
From October 1 through November 9, Caribou Coffee (8722 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Mission, KS) will donate 10% of all sales from Amy's Blend to Komen Kansas City.
 

Fit for the Cure
During October, Wacoal will host Fit for the Cure ® events to help women find their perfect fit. For every fitting $2 will be donated to Komen for the Cure. No purchase is necessary. Wacoal will also donate $2 for every Wacoal bra or shapewear item or b.tempt’d bra purchased at these events. Check out these upcoming chances to get fit fom 10AM-5PM: