Sources:

“Top Questions about Breast Cancer.” CancerCenter.com, 28

What is most important
for a co-survivor?
Mar. 2017, www.cancercenter.com/breast-cancer/questions/.
“Types of Breast Cancer: Noninvasive & Invasive | CTCA.”
CancerCenter.com, 10 Feb. 2017,
www.cancercenter.com/breast-cancer/types/.
“10 Warning Signs of Breast Cancer.” ActiveBeat,
www.activebeat.com/sexual-health/10-warning-signs-of-breast-
cancer/.
“Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention.” American Cancer Society,
www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention.html.
“Breast Cancer Types: What Your Type Means.” Mayo Clinic,
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2 Mar.
2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/in-

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF
‐ You may be so busy caring for
How to
depth/breast-cancer/art-20045654.
Charles, Katie. “Breast Cancer Is Curable, but Mammograms a
Must.” NY Daily News, 17 May 2011, www.nydailynews.com/life-
style/health/breast-cancer-cases-curable-mammograms-article-

Survive as a
1.449003.
your loved one’s needs that “Co-Survivor.” Susan G. Komen®,
ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/Co-Survivor.html.
you neglect your own.
‐ You can’t help others if you
can’t help yourself

Tips on being a co-

Co-Survivor
survivor By: Anika Palekar
‐ Take care of yourself
‐ Inform yourself
‐ Don’t be afraid to ask
questions
‐ Stay strong
‐ It’s ok to be emotional
‐ Do all you can do, your best is
always enough
‐ Talk through your feelings
‐ If you need help, don’t be
afraid to ask for it!
‐ Share your story!
 Warning Signs
Basics of Co-survivorship
Watch for these if they suddenly start but if it's
Breast Cancer happened to you all your life, or since puberty
it's unlikely it's related to breast cancer: What is a co-survivor?
‐ Lumps found by doctor or self-exam
What is it? ‐ Itchy breasts Co-survivors are people who lend support to
‐ Swollen breasts those diagnosed with breast cancer from
A disease characterized by cells in the breast ‐ Shoulder and neck stiffness diagnosis through treatment and beyond.
tissue that become abnormal and multiply ‐ Breast size change Commonly includes:
uncontrollably, forming a tumor. ‐ Breast tenderness ‐ Family
‐ The 2nd most common cancer in women ‐ Nipple Discharge ‐ Friends
‐ 1 out of ever 8 women develop this ‐ Nipple sensitivity ‐ Spouses/Partners
type of cancer ‐ Change of nipple appearance
‐ Approximately 200,000 American ‐ Dimpled breast tissue Types of Support
women are diagnosed with breast
cancer each year Symptoms There are 3 types of support a co-survivor can
The breast cancer type is dependent on where lend:
it begins, appearance under a microscope and Most typically a small tumor or lump is found in ‐ Informational Support
sensitivity to hormones. the breast tissue ‐ Emotional Support
‐ Practical Support
Risk Factors Catch it Early
Informational Support
‐ Increasing age The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends
‐ Personal history of breast cancer the following early-detection screenings: ‐ Learn common breast cancer terms
‐ Early menstruation ‐ Monthly breast self-exams for women in ‐ Learn about treatment options
‐ Late menopause their 20s ‐ Make a list of questions to ask the
‐ A first pregnancy after age 30 or no prior ‐ Mammograms beginning at age 40 doctor
pregnancies ‐ Annual mammograms for women ages 45 ‐ Gather information for your loved one
‐ Use of oral contraceptives to 54 and share what you’ve learned
‐ Alcohol use
‐ Mammograms every two years for women
‐ Family history of breast cancer
‐ Presence of certain inherited genetic changes 55 and older Emotional Support
‐ History of radiation therapy to the chest ‐ MRIs and mammograms for some women
‐ Long-term use of combined hormone therapy at high risk of breast cancer ‐ Just listen
‐ Obesity after menopause. Self-Exams ‐ Spend time together
‐ Let your loved one express his or her
When is the best time to do a self-breast feelings
exam? ‐ Give a hug
‐ about 3 - 5 days after your period starts ‐ Say “I love you”
‐ If you have gone through menopause, do
your exam on the same day every month. Practical Support

Offer to help around the house by:

‐ Cooking or cleaning
‐ Doing laundry
Providing childcare
‐ Picking up prescriptions
‐ Going food shopping