Jackie Stephen started a charity after surviving breast cancer
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Jackie Stephen refused to let breast cancer control her life, and after successfully beating the disease she began to plan how to help other women who are going through treatment, Winnipeg Free Press reports.
Stephen founded Keeping Abreast, an organization that works with surgeons in Winnipeg to provide women who have mastectomies with immediate breast reconstruction, a procedure that is not often available to women as a unified surgery.
"It allowed me to feel whole again and certainly made a difference for me getting past the horror of having cancer," she told the news provider.
The combined mastectomy and reconstruction is a rare practice. It is not often performed back to back, with most surgeons electing to perform the mastectomy first, and then waiting for the patient to heal before doing the reconstruction.
Stephens organization provides cutting-edge equipment, education, and resources for the Canadian surgeons who perform the procedures.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that there are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States today.
The organization recommends that women in their 20s and 30s have a clinical breast examination conducted as a part of their regular exam at least once every three years. Women in their 40s are encouraged to have a yearly mammogram conducted. Breast self-exams are highly recommended for women in their 20s.
The ACS is an excellent source for women battling breast cancer as well as survivors of the disease and their families. They offer tips on prevention and early detection, and also include information about proper treatment and seeking local support.
Stephen founded Keeping Abreast, an organization that works with surgeons in Winnipeg to provide women who have mastectomies with immediate breast reconstruction, a procedure that is not often available to women as a unified surgery.
"It allowed me to feel whole again and certainly made a difference for me getting past the horror of having cancer," she told the news provider.
The combined mastectomy and reconstruction is a rare practice. It is not often performed back to back, with most surgeons electing to perform the mastectomy first, and then waiting for the patient to heal before doing the reconstruction.
Stephens organization provides cutting-edge equipment, education, and resources for the Canadian surgeons who perform the procedures.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that there are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States today.
The organization recommends that women in their 20s and 30s have a clinical breast examination conducted as a part of their regular exam at least once every three years. Women in their 40s are encouraged to have a yearly mammogram conducted. Breast self-exams are highly recommended for women in their 20s.
The ACS is an excellent source for women battling breast cancer as well as survivors of the disease and their families. They offer tips on prevention and early detection, and also include information about proper treatment and seeking local support.
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