The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that this year, the United States will see 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 51,400 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). “Well, I’m one of 51,000 DCIS patients and I’m lucky,” Martina Navratilova said. The tennis icon is aware of his savvy fortune, knowing that more than 43,000 women are expected to die from the moment cancer is not unusual in women (skin cancer is the first). In October popularity as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the nine-time Wimbledon champion sat down with me to share her adventure with this life-threatening disease, from the early stages of diagnosis and treatment, to what drives her to speak publicly (see the full interview here and below).
“It was 4 years between mammograms,” recalls Navratilova, who diagnosed in January 2010 at the age of 53. He said cancerous adjustments probably began at the end of age 4. “But if it had happened before, who knows where. “Would the cancer be gone? So, I felt compelled to speak up and teach women because I didn’t know anything about it. After the initial diagnosis, Navratilova underwent a lumpectomy followed by 30 days of radiation therapy.
The tennis legend partners with Hologic, a cutting-edge medical generation company and pioneer of three-dimensional mammography (or virtual breast tomosynthesis). Hologic formed an alliance with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) in March 2022.
Early testing is key. But women still don’t prioritize their own health, according to Navratilova.
“Women take care of everyone, but we don’t take care of ourselves,” said the staunch defender of women’s physical condition. “But if your dog wants to be vaccinated against rabies, take him away tomorrow, right?”
Navratilova also mentioned disparities in care. While the incidence of breast cancer among black and white women is close, the ACS reports that black women have a 40% higher breast cancer death rate. Unfortunately, for young black women, the disparity is worse: The death rate among black women under 50 is twice that of young white women. And it’s not genetic or biological; it is structural, social and economic. According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, black women are more likely to have heart disease, diabetes and obesity, which increases the risk of developing breast cancer.
Black women are also less likely to have smart enough health insurance than white women. The lack of universal physical care in the world’s richest country still surprises the Czechoslovakian-born tennis star. “People still equate physical care for everyone with socialism,” Navratilova remarked. She made it clear: “No, there is nothing socialist about that. It’s about the fitness of the country, which means better outcomes for everyone, whether it’s economically, emotionally, mentally, physically. It’s still nothing smart when everyone has that access.
Black women face higher breast cancer mortality than white women. Disparities in the care package. . . [ ] should be addressed in all sectors.
According to the National Cancer Institute, the biggest threat is complex age: the average age of diagnosis is 63 for white women and 60 for black women. Dense breasts, a history of radiation therapy, obesity and lack of physical activity can also develop increase the threat of breast cancer. In addition, early menstruation, late menopause, nulliparity, alcohol consumption, and a family history of invasive breast cancer or DCIS are also threatening factors. Research also suggests that smoking, exposure to cancer-causing chemicals, and hormonal changes caused by night pains are important for the buildup of breast cancer.
You may not be able to replace your circle of family history or race, but according to the CDC, you have the strength to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, eating alcohol in moderation. (or not all), breastfeed (if possible), and have genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 if you have a family history. Also talk to your doctor about the threats and benefits of oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy.
Professional tennis player Madison Keys (L) poses with tennis icon Martina Navratilova at a women’s fitness roundtable on the WTA “Her Health Advantage” occasion presented through Hologic in New York City.
The sincere athlete did not hesitate to share his point of view on the role of elected officials. an effect on people. ” This was a not-so-subtle reference to legislation restricting access to abortion proposed through many state and local officials. “We have politicians who set regulations and laws for women when they don’t know anything about women’s health. They don’t know what an ectopic pregnancy is,” referring to the remedy for this life-threatening disease that requires ending an unviable pregnancy using medication (if possible) or an induced abortion.
The former world No. 1 tennis player also had a message for medical professionals like me: “They want to be more at the forefront with that kind of thing. They were too quiet. Doctors are now waiting for the lawyer to tell them if it is appropriate to perform an abortion because if not, the woman will die,” said the 18-time Gland Slam champion. “I mean, it’s crazy for politicians to make decisions about fitness. “Navratilova’s comments resonated with me because express fitness messages are important.
A 2021 Ipsos ballot ranked physicians as the ultimate acceptance as true career, and we want to leverage that acceptance as true with the status of our patients and the public, correcting misinformation and the status of corrupt and misogynistic policy-making elected officials. to advance their own political agenda. Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Americans had a higher point of acceptance as true with doctors at a time when medical professionals were more sought after than ever. I was late in the defense space, making excuses like “I don’t have time,” “I don’t know how,” and “I’m just one person. “petition, post on their social media pages, attend an event, donate money or give your time.
So whether you’re a seamstress in South Sudan or an elite athlete in the International Tennis Hall of Fame, your life has VALUE. Preventive fitness measures, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, can save lives. This October, think about what topics for you and your loved ones, and put your fitness FIRST!
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