On The Point, we talk about breast cancer, its prevalence on the Cape, risk factors, and prevention. According to the National Cancer Institute, after skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. Approximately 1 in 8 American women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.
A National Institutes of Health report notes that only 10 to 16 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a first-degree relative with a history of the disease, leaving environmental factors and lifestyle choices as other potential causes of the disease.
Later in the hour we discuss a new exhibit by photographer Julia Cumes titled Rise Above featuring women who have faced breast cancer.
Guests on the program are Dr. Kathryn Dalton, Medical Director of the High Risk Breast Program and Women’s Health at Cape Cod Hospital, and Dr. Richard Clapp, epidemiologist and Founding Director of the Massachusetts Cancer Registry, professor emeritus at Boston University’s school of Public Health and adjunct professor at University of Mass.- Lowell. He has advised researchers examining causes of breast cancer on Cape Cod.
The exhibit Rise Above opens on Tuesday August 7th at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod, and features a variety of speakers and music. The exhibit will remain on display from August 8-26. Here's a link for more information on how to get tickets for the event.
