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Treatment Breast cancer is generally treated with many different options but most treatment plans include more than one type of treatment. Choosing the right treatment for you may be difficult. Your doctor will explain the risks and benefits of each treatment and their side effects. Treatment Options Surgery : An operation where doctors cut out the cancer and is the most common treatment. Surgical options include a lumpectomy, partial mastectomy, radical mastectomy, and reconstruction. ​ Chemotherapy : Uses a combination of medicine that shrinks or kills the cancer cells. These medicines can be given orally by pills or through the veins to travel in the bloodstream. ​ Radiation Therapy : An operation that uses high energy rays to kill the cancer cells. It only affects the part of the body that is being treated and can also be used to destroy other cells that remained after surgery. ​ Hormonal Therapy : Blocks the cancer cells from getting the estrogen and progesterone it needs to grow. ​ Biological Therapy : Works with your body’s immune system to help fight cancer cells or to control the side effects from other cancer treatments. ​ Targeted Therapy : This treatment attacks specific cancer cells without harming the normal cells. This method is commonly used in combination with chemotherapy. Targeted drugs tend to have less severe side effects than standard chemotherapy drugs. Follow-Up Care Checkups help ensure that any changes in your health are noted and treated so you’ll need regular checkups after breast cancer treatment. If you had surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, your care team will want to see you every few months and then as time goes on, your appointments will be more spaced out. ​ Checkups also help detect health problems that may result from treatment such as lingering side effects or if you’re experiencing any new side effects. Checkups include an examination of the neck, armpit, and chest area. You should also continue to have regular mammograms , since it’s possible for a new breast cancer to develop. ​ During your follow-up appointments, it’s best to ask your doctor about the probability of developing a recurrence within the breast tissue or a distant recurrence in another organ based on the treatments you had.

About Breast Cancer Educating women and men on what they can do to be proactive with their breast health is one of our top priorities because the knowledge saves lives What is Breast Cancer? Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow. There are different kinds of breast cancer and therefore depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer. Most cancer begins in the ducts or lobules, and can spread outside of the breast through blood vessels and lymph vessels. Breast cancer becomes metastasized once it spreads to other parts of the body. ​ The two most common types of breast cancer are invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma . The invasive cancer cells in both types can spread to other parts of the body. Invasive ductal carcinoma is cancer cells that begin in the ducts and then grow outside of the ducts into other parts of the breast tissue. Invasive lobular carcinoma is cancer cells that begin in the lobules and then spread from the lobules to breast tissues that are close by. Stages of Breast Cancer Stage 0 : A non-invasive breast cancer, meaning it hasn’t spread outside of its original location on the breast tissue. It’s highly treatable when it’s detected early. It can spread into surrounding breast tissue if untreated. Stage 1 : Stage 1: The earliest stage of breast cancer that is invasive. The cancer is no longer contained in its original location but is generally small and found in the early stages when it can be most effectively treated. This stage is divided into two categories: Stage 1A and Stage 1B , which is based on the size of the tumor and whether it is only in the breast tissue or has spread to the lymph nodes. Stage 2 : The breast cancer is growing, but it is still contained in the breast or growth has only extended to the nearby lymph nodes. The stage is also divided into two categories: Stage 2A and Stage 2B . Chemotherapy is done first. Surgery and radiation therapy follows after. Stage 3 : The breast cancer has extended beyond the immediate region of the tumor and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes and muscles but hasn’t spread to nearby organs. This stage is divided into three categories: Stage 3A, Stage 3B, and Stage 3C . Treatment options may consist of a combination of two more treatments which is mastectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy. Stage 4 : The breast cancer has spread to other areas of the body, such as the brain, bones, lung and liver, and known as metastatic breast cancer. It’s not curable but is usually treatable. This stage may respond to a number of treatments and can extend your life for several years. Want to learn more about the stages of cancer, visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org for more information. Risk Factors Studies have shown that your risk for breast cancer is due to many factors. Simply being a woman and getting older are the main factors that influence your risk. Breast cancer found in women and men are 50 years old or older but some women will get breast cancer without any risk factors that they know of. ​ Having risk factors doesn’t mean that you will get breast cancer and not all risk factors have the same effect. Most men and women can have the risk factors but not get breast cancer. Talk with your doctor about ways to lower your risk and screenings for breast cancer. ​ You can lower your risk of breast cancer by taking care of your health by keeping a healthy weight, being physically active, choosing not to drink alcohol or drinking it in moderation, and if you are taking oral contraceptives, ask your doctor about the risks . Staying healthy will lower the risk of developing cancer and improve your chances of surviving cancer if it ever occurs. ​ If you have a family history of breast cancer or genetic changes in your BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, talk to your doctor about ways you can lower your risk. Breast Cancer and Pregnancy Even though it's rare, it's possible to be diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy, but breast cancer is not caused by the pregnancy. There is still hope for both mother and child because of the many treatment options available . If you have been diagnosed while being pregnant, be sure to communicate carefully with your obstetric care team. They will take extra care in designing the treatment plan that best controls the breast cancer while protecting your unborn child. ​ Even though breast cancer is more common in older women, if you’ve been diagnosed at a younger age, you may wonder if breast cancer will affect your ability to have children and if there will be any risks if you become pregnant. Women are able to become pregnant after being treated for cancer but some treatments can make it harder to get pregnant . Talk to your doctor before you begin treatment if you want to have children or want to keep that option open. ​ Studies have not shown that pregnancy increases the risk of the cancer coming back after successful treatment . However, some women may not be able to breastfeed after breast cancer treatment, depending on what type of treatment they have received. For those who are able to breastfeed after treatment, it’s not thought to increase the risk of breast cancer coming back because there is less information on if it can lower the risk of it coming back after treatment.

Early Detection Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. Learn more about different ways to increase chances for early detection. Signs and Symptoms Many people have different symptoms and some may not experience any symptoms at all. Most people who have symptoms will initially notice only one or two, and the presence of these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean that you have breast cancer. Some symptoms to look out for are : A new lump in the breast or armpit Thickening or swelling in area of the breast Irritation of breast skin Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast Pain in the nipple area Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood Any change in the size or the shape of the breast Pain in any area of the breast You will be able to easily identify any changes in your breasts by doing monthly self-exams. If you notice any unusual changes, be sure to contact your doctor right away . Breast Exams Breast exams are performed by checking the breasts for signs and symptoms of the disease. A breast self-exam is an early detection tool with the use of physical and visual examinations of the breast and gets you familiarized with the way your breasts normally look and feel. Self-exams at least once a month will help you identify any changes such as a new lump or skin changes. This exam can be performed while standing in a mirror or lying down and using three fingers to press firmly on the breast and armpit area. Any changes that are discovered should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible. A clinical breast exam is performed by a healthcare professional that is trained to recognize different types of abnormalities and warning signs. This is another important early detection tool because a professional may notice a spot on the breast that fails to register as a warning in the patient. Mammograms A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that allows a specialist to examine breast tissue. The breast is exposed to a small dose of ionizing radiation that produces an image of the breast tissue. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early so it’ll be easier to treat before it gets big enough to feel symptoms. Regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. Mammograms are done by standing in front of a machine. The specialist will place your breast on a plastic plate and another plate will firmly press down on your breast from above. The plates will flatten the breast to hold it still while the x-ray is being taken. These steps are repeated to make a side view and the other breast will be done the same way. Having a mammogram may be uncomfortable and some find it painful, but it only takes a few moments and the discomfort is over. ​ It’s best not to get a mammogram before or during your period because your breasts may be tender or swollen. It’s also best not to wear any deodorant, perfumes, or powders because these products can show up as white spots on the x-rays. You will need to undress from the waist up when getting a mammogram, so wear a top and bottom is advised than wearing a dress.

Pink Divas & Gents Welcomes You A Supportive Community Our Mission & Vision We envision a world where women and men in under-served communities that are affected directly and indirectly by breast cancer are supported and informed through programs designed to positively educate and increase awareness. Therefore, our mission is to join communities and provide necessary information along with trusted support, inspiring hope, and achieve equity for all. ABOUT PD&G The PD&G Newsstand Scholarship Program Learn more about PDAG scholarship program More Info Goodera Hope Kits A special message for Goodera volunteers More Info Understanding Breast Cancer Looking for answers? Look no further. Not knowing can be quite terrifying, so start your research here by knowing what breast cancer is, early detection, risk factors, and get the help you need along the way. About Breast Cancer Early Detection Treatment Did You Know? Although it’s rare, men can also get breast cancer . 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man. The most common types are invasive ductal carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which is the presence of abnormal cells inside the lining of the ducts in the breast and doesn’t spread to other tissues in the breast. DCIS is considered the earliest form of breast cancer. The most common symptoms of breast cancer in men are: A lump or swelling in the breast. Redness or flaky skin in the breast. Irritation or dimpling of breast skin. Nipple discharge. Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area. Survivors' Corner A place where we honor a special survivor for putting up a fight against breast cancer with a result ending in victory My name is Tennille Smith, I am 47yrs old. My journey began in April of 2021. Right before my 45th birthday. I was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive carcinoma breast cancer. It's a very aggressive cancer. I finished my last chemo session October 27, 2021. ​ November 9th , 2021 I was rushed to the hospital, because the tumor in my breast had spread to my brain. After undergoing brain surgery, two months later I had a Double Mastectomy. ​ Along with many other surgeries. I am a Christian woman, and not only am I an advocate for Christ, I am an advocate for cancer survivors all over the world. I have inspired, encouraged, and uplifted many women and men through my journey! I am still in the Fight! Thriving and surviving ! I pack a mighty punch! My faith is strong & cancer picked the WRONG GIRL!! Tennille Smith Breast Cancer Survivor

About Pink Divas & Gents Pink Divas & Gents was founded in 2018 to make a difference in under-served communities who have no knowledge about breast cancer. We are more than willing to provide communities with information and create a safe space to help those who are experiencing breast cancer, so they can better navigate through their journey with love, care, and support from others. Even if you aren’t experiencing breast cancer, it’s better to have this knowledge to pass it down to others. Always remember that you are never alone. Together we are stronger. We’re here to help you win this battle Our Team Meet the people who have come together to make this organization a success Janel Moreland Founder Jennifer Modiest Treasurer Michele McCrary Secretary Arnetta Watkins Member Darryl Pruitt Member Lena Moreland Member Nova Mines Member Carmia Stanovich Member Lisset Lacayo Member Annette Barker Member

Messages of HOPE Stories of survivors and encouraging words from supporters. Together we are stronger. SEND A MESSAGE KENITA BELL-PERRY I have been so apprehensive about positing but I know that I need to...2022 was a year I never thought I would have heard the words that forever changed my life, "You are diagnosed with Breast Cancer."...... Read More LINDA SPIVEY I was diagnosed August 2006 lump in breast. I wasn't alarmed because I thought it was just another cyst, so I was planning to have my regular cyst aspiration done until I saw a dimple... Read More RENEE CABRERA When I went to my routine mammogram appointment, a spot on the x-ray was discovered. I was asked to get a biopsy done... Read More LATONYA TEPLAN I discovered a lump in my right breast at Kohls with Nova Mines, Catrice, Andrea and Elena. I asked them to feel what I felt and they encouraged me to contact my doctor... Read More

Gallery 2018 Breast Cancer Walk 2019 Breast Cancer Walk 2020 Breast Cancer Walk 2021 Breast Cancer Walk 2022 Breast Cancer Walk 2022 Bras for a Cause 2023 Breast Cancer Walk Adam Caar Adam Caar Adam Caar Adam Caar Adam Caar Adam Caar

CONTACT US Pink Divas & Gents NFP Organization P.O Box 7193, Westchester, IL 60154 We're here to help. Please fill out the form on the right and our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible. In Regards To: Select One Submit Thanks for submitting!

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