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Vision and Mission
Bling With Passion envisions a world where women are not only equipped to conquer breast cancer but are also inspired to share their stories and empower others.
Our mission is to empower women with the knowledge and resources to prevent, manage, and overcome breast cancer while supporting others on their journey.
MY JOURNEY
My name is ERMA THURMAN
My Journey from Diagnosis to Healing
I am grateful to share my journey from being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 to being cancer-free for a decade—glory to God!
Diagnosis and Faith
After a routine mammogram, I received a call confirming my worst fear: cancer. My initial reaction was fear, but I quickly turned to my faith, knowing I needed to trust God more than ever.
Treatment and Recovery
My days were filled with appointments and surgeries, but the nights were hardest. I struggled with fear, but I leaned on scripture, particularly John 11:4: “This sickness is not unto death but for the Glory of God.” Slowly, I found peace and determination.In December of 2014 I was declared cancer free!
A New Purpose
Following surgery and chemotherapy, I felt called to share my testimony. In October 2015, I launched an annual Cancer Awareness program at my church. This eventually inspired me to create Bling with Passion, a nonprofit supporting those on similar journeys.
Causes
The exact causes of breast cancer are not fully understood, but several factors can increase the risk. Here are some of the leading factors:
1. **Genetics**: Inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can significantly increase the risk of breast cancer.
2. **Family History**: Having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with breast cancer increases your risk, especially if the relative was diagnosed at a young age.
3. **Gender and Age**: Being female and increasing age are primary risk factors. Most breast cancers occur in women over 50, but they can occur at any age.
4. **Personal History**: Previous breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases can increase the risk of developing cancer in the future.
5. **Hormonal Factors**: Prolonged exposure to estrogen, whether from early menstruation, late menopause, or hormone replacement therapy, can increase the risk.
6. **Reproductive Factors**: Having your first child after age 30, never giving birth, or not breastfeeding may increase the risk.
7. **Lifestyle Factors**: Being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking can all contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer.
8. **Radiation Exposure**: Previous radiation therapy to the chest area, especially during adolescence, increases the risk.
9. **Dense Breast Tissue**: Women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk of breast cancer.
10. **Environmental Factors**: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as those found in some plastics and pesticides, may increase the risk, but the evidence is still inconclusive.
It's important to note that having one or more risk factors doesn't guarantee that you'll develop breast cancer, and many people with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factors. Regular screening and early detection remain crucial for managing the disease effectively.
Breast Cancer and Black Women
Breast cancer affects all women, but there are disparities in incidence, mortality, and survival rates among different racial and ethnic groups. Here are some statistics specifically for Black women:
1. Incidence: Black women have a slightly lower incidence of breast cancer compared to White women. However, they tend to be diagnosed at a younger age and with more aggressive subtypes of breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer.
2. Mortality: Black women have a higher mortality rate from breast cancer compared to White women. Despite having a lower incidence, Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer due to factors such as late-stage diagnosis, disparities in access to healthcare, and differences in treatment outcomes.
3. Survival rates: Black women have lower survival rates from breast cancer compared to White women. Factors contributing to this disparity include socioeconomic factors, limited access to healthcare, lower rates of screening and early detection, and biological differences in tumor biology.
4. Awareness and advocacy: There is a growing awareness of the disparities in breast cancer outcomes among Black women, leading to increased advocacy efforts to address these disparities. Initiatives focusing on improving access to healthcare, promoting early detection, increasing participation in clinical trials, and addressing systemic barriers are crucial in reducing breast cancer disparities among Black women.
Guidelines
Here are some general guidelines for breast cancer prevention and early detection:
1. Regular breast self-exams: Familiarize yourself with the normal look and feel of your breasts to notice any changes.
2. Clinical breast exams: Schedule regular clinical breast exams with your healthcare provider, especially if you're over 40.
3. Mammograms: Starting at age 40, women should have annual mammograms, although some guidelines suggest starting at age 50 depending on risk factors and personal health history.
4. Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, limit alcohol intake, and avoid smoking to reduce your risk of breast cancer.
5. Know your family history: Understand your family's history of breast cancer and discuss it with your doctor to determine appropriate screening and preventive measures.
6. Hormone therapy: Use hormone therapy with caution, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer, as it may increase the risk.
7. Breastfeeding: If possible, breastfeed your baby as it may reduce your risk of breast cancer.
Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations based on your individual risk factors and health history.
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