Oct 5, 2010

Pink for October

October is a Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every year for the past 3 years, I've created a gift for a breast cancer survivor. A couple of months ago, I found out a client I have worked with for years was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is in the early stages of diagnosis and treatment, and very concerned/scared/etc.

When Donna posted about a new chart, "C is for Cure", I decided to stitch it up and make a flatfold for my client.

Design: C is for Cure
Designer: Lizzie Kate
Fabric: 14ct Baby Pink Aida
Fibers: Six Strand Sweets
Time: 4 Hours
Date: 10/5/10


Breast cancer is a serious disease that can affect anyone, man or woman. If you'd like to know more about it, please read the following article and spread the word to others.


BREAST CANCER
Encyclopedia of Medicine by Carol A. Turkington

Definition
Breast cancer is the abnormal growth and uncontrolled division of cells in the breast. Cancer cells can invade and destroy surrounding normal tissue, and can spread throughout the body via blood or lymph fluid (clear fluid bathing body cells) to start a new cancer in another part of the body.

Description
Every woman is at risk for breast cancer. If she lives to be 85, there is a one out of nine chance that she will develop the condition sometime during the rest of her life. As a woman ages, her risk of developing breast cancer rises dramatically regardless of her family history. The breast cancer risk of a 25-year-old woman is only one out of 19,608; by age 45, it is one in 93. In fact, 80% of all breast cancers are found in women over age 50.

Causes & symptoms
There are a number of risk factors for the development of breast cancer, including:

• Family history of breast cancer in mother or sister
• Early onset of menstruation and late menopause
• Reproductive history: women who had no children or have children late in life and women who have never breastfed have increased risk
• History of abnormal breast biopsies.

However, more than 70% of women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors. While a breast cancer gene was discovered in 1994, only about 5% of breast cancers are believed to be related to the gene.

In addition, some studies suggest that high fat diets, bottle feeding instead of breastfeeding, or using alcohol may contribute to the risk profile. Some studies have also found that for certain women, hormone replacement therapy may contribute to the development of breast cancer. However, these findings have been criticized.

It is important to realize that not all lumps detected in the breast are cancerous. Many are benign and require only the removal of the lump. While having several risk factors may boost a woman's chances of having breast cancer, the interplay of factors is complex. The best way to assess breast cancer risk is by doing monthly self examinations to detect any lump at an early stage. The second is to have a regular mammogram, an x ray of the front and side of the breast that will detect cysts or tumors at the earliest possible stage. Seeking risk assessment consultation at one of the many breast cancer centers located throughout the United States is also helpful.

The changes in the breast that may be a sign of breast cancer include:

• Lump or thickening in breast or armpit
• Changes in a nipple (thickening, pulling in, bleeding or discharge)
• Dimpled or reddened skin over the breast
• Change in size or shape
• Abnormality on a mammogram.

Diagnosis
More than 90% of all breast cancers are detected by mammogram (a low-dose x ray of the breast). Mammograms should be done to evaluate a suspicious lump. Screening mammograms should be ordered according to the doctor's guidelines. Despite the controversy about the cost-effectiveness of mammograms for women in their 40s, most doctors agree with the current American Cancer Society guidelines that recommend screening mammograms every year or two for women between 40 and 49, and every year after age 50. Women with a family history of breast cancer may want to have a mammogram every year after age 40.


GIVEAWAYS
Nataly of Nataly's Needle Creations is hosting a really great Think Pink Giveaway in honor of breast cancer awareness month. Jennifer of Feathers in the Nest is also hosting a breast cancer giveaway.

35 comments:

Unknown said...

that is soooooo cute great finish :)

Barb said...

Nice Flatfold. You are so talented. Great job on it. Now you know you enabled me, I can go find that pattern and do it for Love Quilts eventually and it won't be falling off the wagon!

EvalinaMaria said...

Great finish and I can't believe how quickly you did it!!! Congratulations!!!

Mel said...

Such a lovely ornament Meari!

Deborah said...

Beautiful flatfold. I have the design and need to get it stitched.

Karen said...

It's lovely, Meari! It looks like it came out perfectly!

htimcj said...

Great finish!
Heidi-ILCS

Nancy M said...

Nice present! I know my co-worker really loved the cancer ribbon picture I did for her. So simple, but so heart warming.

Kay said...

Very beautiful!

Mary said...

Very pretty. I love the fabric you used too!

Vicky said...

Love the finish :)

Kathy A. said...

Lovely and a very thoughtful gift!

Donna said...

Very pretty and such a thoughtful gift. Also, the education is wonderful. You never know whose life you just touched by that info!

Mylene said...

You finished it beautifully. Great job!

natalysneedle said...

I hold your client in my thoughts and prayers. It is scary for anyone going through it. Your gesture was very thoughtful and I am sure she appreciated it. Thanks for mentioning my giveaway. Breast Cancer Awareness is soooo very important.

Bette said...

Very pretty finish and very thoughtful of you to stitch it for your client/friend

Unknown said...

Your finishing is beautiful on this piece. Thanks for the info about Breast Cancer. Women and men should know this.

Sandy In Montana said...

What a wonderful finish/gift, Meari I'm sure she will love it. Thanks for the need-to-know info it can never be posted enough.

Akila said...

How DO you stitch so fast and so beautifully too!!?? It's so sweet of you to gift someone something so beautiful.
About the floss, OH MY GOD (read it as how Janice says in friends)!!! Amazing!! Love your organization.
The frame has come out really really well. Congrats :)

Unknown said...

Beautiful finish on this piece. And thanks for the information about Breast Cancer. Everyone (men & women) need to know this.

Anonymous said...

That is beautiful!!!! I am sure your friend is going to love it.

Betty in AZ

Anonymous said...

Meari that is so lovely, it will be cherished I am sure

Sarah

Sharon said...

What a sweet, thoughtful stitch! I'm sure this boosted and brightened the recipient more than you'll ever know. I also appreciate the info. that you posted. Sometimes, we get so caught up in life and taking care of others, we forget the basics of caring for ourselves...

Sue said...

Beautifully stitched and finished! A great gift for your friend.

too_busy_to_stitch said...

Very cute. Very poignant for me this week - a very good friend passed away on Monday morning - she has had cancer since pregnant with her son, who is now twelve. She couldn't fight it any longer :( This is the second friend I have seen die of this dreadful cancer since Easter :(

Angie said...

Cute flatfold.

Lyn said...

I love your flatfold, Meari. My sister-in-law battled - and won - breast cancer about seven years ago. I had a scare myself a few years ago, but it was a false alarm, thankfully.

Kristin said...

What a fabulous and thoughtful gift Meari.

Katrien said...

a very toughtful finish.

The Teacup Cottage said...

Tht's beautiful! I pulled out the pattern and "kited" this earlier thsi year to make for my grandmother for Christmas who is a survivor, but they decided shortly after that to draw names for Christmas so I am going to do it for her birthday. I'm really excited to get started now! You did a great job!

Anonymous said...

Your C is For cure piece is beautiful and delicate.

Tina

Anonymous said...

Very pretty, Meari. I'm sure you're client will love it.

Sandy in NM

Anonymous said...

It looks wonderful Meari, I must learn how to do this finish.

Hugs Vicky

Shelley said...

Such a beautiful piece and a great way to brighten someone's life.

Rebecca (Becky J) said...

That is so beautiful. Thank you.