By Yonni Wattenmaker
Spring has finally arrived! April’s sudden hailstorms are behind us and flowers are in full bloom. The sunshine and warmer weather make such an impact on how we feel, helping us to better enjoy the longer days ahead. I love the chance to be outdoors. It is one thing to feel the coziness of winter, but another to be able to walk or run, golf or play tennis, out in the fresh air.
Did you know that, according to the American Cancer Society Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention, getting more physical activity is associated with a lower risk for several types of cancer, including breast, prostate, colon, endometrium, and possibly pancreatic cancer?
On Sunday, May 7th, I hope you will join me to run or walk in Breast Cancer Alliance’s 5K for Hope. The fun music, the face painting, and the delicious breakfast, compliments of Z Hospitality Group, are just a backdrop to the impact of the day: critical money raised for underserved patients throughout Connecticut and Westchester who rely on us to show up and raise funds to cover essential breast health care needs they would otherwise not be able to afford.
Did you know that approximately 10% of Connecticut residents live below the poverty line? And 5% of residents right here in Greenwich? It has always been part of the mission of Breast Cancer Alliance to provide grants which improve access to quality breast health care for underserved patients regardless of race, gender, age or religion. Did you know that Black women have a 31% breast cancer mortality rate? It is the highest of any U.S. racial or ethnic group. Among women younger than 45, breast cancer incidence is higher among Black women than white women. Among Hispanic women, the incidence is lower than both the Caucasian and Black communities, but their mortality rate is very high due to lesser access to family history, medical education, or care.
How is Breast Cancer Alliance making a positive impact on those statistics with your support? A patient came to Hospital of Central Connecticut’s Plainville office for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound to evaluate an enlarging breast lump. This 55-year-old woman had never had a mammogram. Her imaging was highly suggestive of malignancy, and she was referred to the Women’s Health Coordinator to assist with next steps. This patient had immediate concerns regarding the cost of the biopsy and her high insurance deductible. Thanks to the BCA grant, HOCC was able to reassure this patient that she would not incur an out-of-pocket expense she would otherwise not be able to pay. This patient was diagnosed with breast cancer from this biopsy and without the assistance of the BCA grant, this patient may have refused biopsy, leading to a delay in both diagnosis and care.
Even though there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, there are steps women can take to lower the risk.
1. Adopt a healthy diet: fruits, vegetables, grains
2. Consume little to no alcohol
3. Do not smoke
4. Schedule regular check-ups: women over 30 are recommended to regularly examine their breasts at home, and women over the age of 40 should go for a mammogram screening.
5. Make sure to exercise regularly: aerobic activity such as walking or biking, working out with weights, etc.
By participating in BCA’s 5K, you will do something good for yourself while benefitting the health of others. Thanks to generous sponsors, 100% of all entry fees and donations will go directly to support our grants that help those disadvantaged patients get the care they need. In addition, this year we will be joined by Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo to help us honor longstanding BCA supporter, and a pillar of the Greenwich community, Ramze Zakka, owner of Eastend, Mediterraneo and Terra among many others, in addition to being a longtime member of BCA’s Advisory Council, for his decades of support for this cause. You can register to walk, run or make a donation in Ramze’s honor at breastcanceralliance.org/events.
I hope to see you!
Yonni Wattenmaker has served as Executive Director Breast Cancer Alliance since June 2011, one of the highest-rated and most prominent national breast cancer charities. In 2019 she was honored to be named one of “40 Fascinating Women” by WAG Magazine and a “Woman Who Inspires” by the YWCA in 2021. Yonni is also a certified health coach and founder of yonappetit.com
