According to the American Cancer Society, by the end of 2022, an estimated 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women. Although breast cancer is predominantly seen in women, approximately 2,710 new cases will also occur among men this year. 

In recognition of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, PHL Well hosted its third annual virtual “Fight Like a Girl” discussion for staff. The event covered topics like early detection, treatment, diagnosis, myths and various risk factors of breast cancer and featured special guest speakers including Taylor Kazaoka of the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Dr. Sramila Aithal from the Medical Oncologist of Alliance Cancer Specialists. Women who are currently fighting or have survived breast cancer also participated. The group also talked about preventative methods, such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendation of engaging in physical activity- which has been found to prevent one in eight breast cancer diagnoses- maintaining a healthy weight, breast feeding children and being aware of one's family history. 

Through its work, the Susan G. Komen Foundation had achieved many accomplishments, including:    

• Helping to reduce the breast cancer mortality rate in the U.S. by 42 percent since 1989 through early detection and effective treatment efforts.  
• Investing nearly $1.1 billion in research that has lead to new ways to prevent, diagnose and better treat breast cancer through higher-quality care.  
• Investing more than $7.7 million in community health programs in the last year to ensure people get the help they need to understand the disease, access screening and diagnostic exams, remove barriers to care and receive support every stop of the way.   

“As an organization, the Division of Aviation realizes that awareness surrounding breast cancer is critical as early detection, often through screening, can catch the disease when it is most treatable,” said Training Coordinator Ashlee Franklin. “According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, when breast cancer is detected early and hasn't spread anywhere else in the body, the five-year relative survival rate is 99 percent. Therefore, we will continue to show our commitment to increasing the wellness of our team members by hosting these themed annual events that educate and bring awareness. We want to support and celebrate our airport family members who are currently in this fight or have won their personal battle with this disease.”  

Administrative Services Supervisor Rita Weddington Sharp said, “I’m a breast cancer survivor, and I don’t want my family to worry about me. As long as I have my God, I’m good. I’m going to be alright.”