When Cells Go Rogue and Become Breast Cancer

April 21, 2023

Let's have a conversation about our bodies and learn about the why's and how healthy cells mutate into cancer. Diva Whalen, Ph.D., Assistant Professor & Pre Health Advisor in Biology at Tougaloo College, discusses how our genetics, where we live, and stress can be major factors in how breast cancer forms, what happens once diagnosed, and recurrence risks, especially in communities of color. Understand the importance of knowing what is "normal" for your body before, during, and after treatment.

Key Takeaways from Webinar Viewers:

• Breast cancers impacts the breast tissue and potentially other regional areas. 
• Metastatic breast cancer most often occurs in the bone, brain and lymph nodes which are the closest to the breast tissue. 
• Doctors asks about other types of female related cancers of the family because hormones can drive breast and ovarian cancers. 
• Doctors identify markers of cells to prescribe treatment options. 
• Metastatic cancer cells invade previous treatments because cells learn. 
• Current therapies are vast and can be explored to help address a specific grade, type, and location of the cells.  
• “Reminder of the importance to drink enough water. Everyone knows it, but it's easy to forget. Visualizing it flushing free radicals out of my body is great motivation.” – Anonymous Breast Cancer attendee
• “The importance of having your bra fitted – whether with or without underwire.” – Anonymous Breast Cancer attendee 
• “Breast cancer can metastasize to the bone and brain.”  – Anonymous Breast Cancer attendee