October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Each of us probably knows someone who has had a personal encounter with breast cancer. My first was with my elder cousin, who bravely persevered after a double mastectomy several decades ago.

By God's grace, we now have an increasing number of testimonies from living witnesses to His healing. Tireless efforts by medical researchers and clinicians have led to discoveries that have dramatically increased the recovery rate for our family members, neighbors and associates.

Still, much work remains to be done. As we await further medical miracles, we all have a role to play in increasing awareness of breast cancer's risk factors. In these times, we need to be mindful of our environment, our lifestyle, and our food-and-water supply. Wellness management is not merely a luxury for certain elites; it is a necessity for us all.

Breast cancer does not discriminate on the basis of gender, presumably because both men and women retain breast tissue through adulthood. More women than men have historically been diagnosed with this condition. But American Cancer Society estimates for new breast cancer diagnoses in US males extend into the multiple thousands for calendar year 2007.

Any man who notices a chest-area lump, nipple-area fluid discharge, or nearby skin change should immediately contact a health-care provider for further investigation or treatment.