Should the CDC change the age limit of women getting mammograms?
TygaB for Breast Cancer Inc. plans Gala on Oct. 4
By Jimmie Davis, Jr.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that women between the ages of 50-74 get a mammogram every two years, but what if complications arise before the prescribed period and a woman suspects her health may be at-risk?
Brittania “Tyga” Bryant discovered a lump in her breast at the age of 24 and went to the doctor who gave her the “run around” telling her to observe the lump and keep coming back over a duration of several months.
Within that time frame malignant cells were spreading throughout her breast and after having a mammogram in September 2011, she was finally diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 25.
“Something needs to be changed about the rules,” said Bryant during an interview. “No family history and my age meant no mammogram. Standard Protocol led my medical professional to tell me to watch it and come back in six months to follow up.”
Bryant says she doesn’t know what the ideal age should be for women to get a mammogram, but she insists that it should be done well before what the CDC recommends.
She’s not alone-many other young women have met this same fate of acquiring breast cancer in their twenties.
According to the latest statistics from the CDC beginning 1999 thru 2009 Black women were more likely to die of breast cancer than any other race.
Furthermore, breast cancer increased significantly by 0.7 percent per year among Black women.
If Bryant’s diagnosis was caught earlier perhaps this would have prevented her from undergoing a bilateral mastectomy?
“This is not a question that anyone can answer with certainty,” she said. “However, my tumor did grow significantly in the time that I was told to just watch it.”
She strongly encourages other women to take proactive measures because early detection is the best possible way to save a life, and that’s exactly what she aims to do by starting TygaB for Breast Cancer, Inc.
Her vision is to assist other young breast cancer patients with medical expenses, food, and gasoline to and from appointments.
Additionally, she intends to spread awareness, educate women and men on healthy life-style changes, and support through the diagnosis and treatment process.
On Oct. 4, 2013 at the Fort Lauderdale Women’s Club she will be hosting The First Annual “October Never Ends” Charity Gala.
This is a fundraiser where a portion of the proceeds goes to a candidate in need who is dealing with breast cancer.
The remaining funds will go towards expanding TygaB for Breast Cancer Inc., to impact more young lives.
The gala starts at 6 p.m. and will be a fun filled way to mingle with influential people and raise money for a great cause, enjoy musical entertainment, obtain health information, and have a great dinner.
“I want my nonprofit to give a young face to breast cancer and make it real,” Bryant said. “I’m excited and nervous being that it’s my first charity event. But the support we have received so far is phenomenal.”
For more information regarding TygaB for Breast Cancer Inc., please call (561) 454-TYGA or email her at tygab05@gmail.com
