In the community affected by breast cancer, a previvor is a person who tested positive for the BRCA genetic mutation showing there is an increased risk of being diagnosed with the disease, and takes aggressive action to prevent it. A survivor is someone who was diagnosed with the disease and is still alive.

The American Cancer Society and over 15,000 participants continued to make strides against breast cancer at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise Saturday morning.

The fight against breast cancer in Miami-Dade County kicked off Saturday morning as more than 2,500 runners participated in the third annual Miami International Airport Runway 5K Series.

Thousands were in attendance for a Breast Cancer Awareness walk in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday morning celebrating breast cancer survivors and those who are currently fighting.

From my very own breast surgeon to authors, non-profit heads, advocates, and artists, there are so many here in South Florida who are helping save lives year-round.

Miami City Hall is using Romero Britto’s Pop art to remind women to get their annual mammograms.

A touching surprise took place Wednesday on “The View” for a South Florida mother-daughter duo battling breast cancer at the same time.

This mother of two really puts the “active” in “active-duty."

A handful of Miami-area residents started cycling during the pandemic to get healthy. But as the group grew, members started envisioning a mission.

Breast cancer survivor and local bartender Sonja Sax, along with a coworker, is donating all of her tips Thursday at Zucharello’s Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale to the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

For decades, a diagnosis of cancer has meant treatment with chemotherapy, which can bring with it a host of challenging side effects. But in recent years, more patients are being spared chemo in favor of less toxic options.

The specifics of each stage of breast cancer.

An advancement in technology is leading to better surgical outcomes for breast cancer patients as well as less discomfort on the day of surgery.

Gov. Ron DeSantis praised his wife, First Lady Casey DeSantis, during an appearance in St. Pete Beach Tuesday, calling her a “very, very strong woman” as she battles breast cancer.

Breast cancer awareness is abundant, as it well should be, but what we don't talk about often enough is breast cancer in men.

In the ever-expanding world of genetic testing, health experts are finding an abnormal gene mutation that increases the risk of breast, and other cancers, more than previously thought.

Many of us are aware that genetics can play a big role in the risk of getting breast cancer, but age is also a factor.

By now, it's safe to assume most people know: You see a pink ribbon and you immediately think of breast cancer awareness.

As Breast Cancer Awareness month begins, experts are urging women not to let those important annual screenings lapse over fear of COVID.

Nancy Brinker is on a mission again.

When it comes to matters of health, it's easy to get misinformation. Breast cancer has a ton of awareness, but yet, there are still things about it that people get wrong.

A group of breast cancer awareness advocates have recast a nursery rhyme to serve as a reminder that women should take charge of their health.

A group of breast cancer awareness advocates have recast a nursery rhyme to serve as a reminder that women should take charge of their health.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed or perhaps it was a friend or relative -- even if you’re just curious, we’ll help answer some of your questions.

October is designated Breast Cancer Awareness Month to increase education about screening, risk factors, new treatments, and the need for innovative research. Already, events are coming up in South Florida.

Research found that older women with dense breasts have a higher risk of cancer and may want to take a more personalized approach to breast cancer screening.

Last year, it was just a dream -- serving as a safe haven of comfort and peace, for women recovering from major breast cancer surgery. Now, it’s become a reality for Pat and Phil Gonzales.

The Women’s Breast & Heart Initiative is kicking off National Pink Day on June 23 with one important message: Early detection saves lives.

Thanks to a grant from the City of Coconut Creek, Tracy Posner, founder of BRCA Strong, will be able to provide no-fee mammograms to qualifying women.

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – There’s encouraging news in the effort to fight chemotherapy resistance in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. Dr. Aurelio Castrellon, an oncologist with Memorial Healthcare, said a lab-based study found pathways to block an enzyme involved in this particular form of breast cancer. The findings are important because 70% of women with triple-negative breast cancer develop resistance to treatment. In this latest study, researchers identified specific markers of inflammation that cause injury to the skin, the blood, and the kidneys following UV exposure in mice. Researchers underscored that normal, healthy mice exposed to UV light did not get the type of kidney disease seen in lupus patients.

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – I will admit, when my dad was diagnosed with a rare type of leukemia years ago, I resented Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But weren’t we aware enough about breast cancer? But then, the disease struck again: My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. It didn’t take long for my eyes to open to the different types of struggles people with breast cancer face. So as this October comes to a close, my first as a breast cancer survivor, I’m working to understand the ways people chose to recognize this month.

Surviving breast cancer means that you have to learn to live with the fear that cancer could return and wreck it all again. Talking about breast cancer isn’t easy for Fernandez-Rundle either. “This and every breast cancer awareness month, I think about my dear mother and sister who died of this horrible disease,” Fernandez-Rundle said. The days when breast cancer was not discussed at the SAO because the majority of prosecutors were men — are no longer. The power of October’s awareness month is evident in the improvements in survival rates and a deeper understanding of the disease.

For someone who has never had to experience or endure breast cancer, it might be understandable that there are questions involved. Does a diagnosis typically come as a surprise, or do people often suspect that something feels not quite right?

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. – It’s estimated that over 150,000 women in the United States have metastatic breast cancer, meaning the disease has spread outside the localized area of the breast. Fortunately, advances in treatment are helping these women live longer, fuller lives — people like Amelia Pullium, who was hit with a double-whammy diagnosis in 2019: she had breast cancer and it had spread. Dr. Zeina Nahleh with the Cleveland Clinic Weston said survival rates for patients with metastatic disease are improving. In fact, it is a chronic disease where patients can live with breast cancer many years and receive treatment in collaboration with their oncology team,” Nahleh said. It’s estimated that 6-10% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have late-stage disease which has spread to other organs, typically the bone, lung, brain and liver.

MIAMI – In the battle against breast cancer, researchers and patients are teaming up to uncover new treatment options. When Debora Pedrini was diagnosed with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer in 2019 she didn’t expect to become part of a clinical trial. “When the clinical trial was offered to me, to be honest with you, it was a hurricane of feelings. She enrolled in one of more than 25 clinical trials currently on-going at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. For more details on clinical trials CLICK HERE.

WESTON, Fla. – Women who exercise regularly can lower their risk of breast cancer by 10 to 20 percent, but many wonder whether it’s safe to exercise during and after breast cancer treatment. Just before a national event in September 2019, she found herself facing a different challenge; breast cancer. For women with breast cancer, studies have shown that exercise may actually improve survival. My coaches said ‘listen, it’s breast cancer, it’s like prep. Regardless of someone’s personal fitness levels, breast cancer specialists said patients do need to consult with their treatment team to make sure the activity doesn’t compromise their recovery.

For someone who has never had to experience or endure breast cancer, it might be understandable that there are questions involved.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Inflammatory breast cancer is a very aggressive form of the disease that can develop suddenly which makes it important to know the symptoms of this rare type of breast cancer which can strike anyone at any age. “I still to this day go, ‘I can’t believe I have breast cancer,’” she said. Although her mammogram showed no evidence of disease, experts said that’s not unusual with inflammatory breast cancer, which can appear suddenly. “Inflammatory breast cancer is different because it’s not the traditional presentation where you have a mass, you feel a lump in your breast, you don’t have that, you have a breast that looks inflamed, is red and angry,” said Dr. Alejandra Perez with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Patients can be cured of inflammatory breast cancer but it’s very important that they come to us right away,” she said.

For someone who has never had to experience or endure breast cancer, it might be understandable that there are questions involved. Does a diagnosis typically come as a surprise, or do people often suspect that something feels not quite right?

COOPER CITY, Fla. – While pregnancy and breastfeeding may be protective against some forms of breast cancer, women who are older than 30 when they first give birth have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer compared to women who’ve never given birth. “I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer,” she said. Dr. Carmen Calfa with the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center said there’s a lot to learn from Hecht’s story because while pregnancy-related breast cancer is rare, it’s not unheard of. “By definition, the pregnancy-associated breast cancer includes the cancer that is diagnosed during the pregnancy and in the time that the patient is a year or two post-delivery which includes the lactation period,” Calfa said. Calfa said it’s important for women to realize that they can safely continue breast cancer screening during pregnancy.

As important as mammograms are in detecting breast cancer, self-exams are just as vital for early detection.

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – When it comes to battling breast cancer, a multitude of studies have shown that routine screening saves lives, which is why Broward Health Coral Springs is offering free mammograms to women facing financial constraints with access to healthcare. “Women who are underserved, underinsured or have no insurance are at greater risk of not getting the early detection so it’s really key, especially during this pandemic, that they continue to reach out and get their mammograms and their screenings,” said Melissa Leamon, Chief of Nursing for Broward Health Coral Springs. To be eligible for a free mammogram, women must be Broward County residents and meet the criteria for financial need. Also in current heath news, excess alcohol consumption, a disturbing trend throughout this pandemic, appears to be affecting women more than men. Researchers say the findings indicate the number of heavy drinking days for women increased over 40%, leading to alcohol-related problems in nearly one out of 10 women.

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – As part of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Local 10 continues a weekly series of segments looking at everything from risk factors to the latest treatment approaches. In today’s “Mammogram Monday,” a look at a very common factor that can affect screening and diagnosis: Dense breasts. A family history of breast cancer led her to start screening in her mid 30s, earlier than women of average risk. “My mom several years ago was diagnosed with breast cancer, as was my father’s sister,” she said. “If a patient has a strong family history of breast cancer then they would typically recommend other studies,” Kesmodel said.

We realize the questions above are quite personal. But we’ll ask, for anyone who might be open to sharing: How did you learn of your breast cancer?

MIAMI, Fla. – Every year in the U.S. more than 100,000 women undergo some form of mastectomy to either treat breast cancer and/or reduce the risk of the disease. For Jessica De Paz, who underwent a double mastectomy in 2019, the loss of feeling was a devastating side effect of the disease. "You don’t feel you don’t have any sensation, and that is a game changer because it’s very depressing," she said. “You can connect nerves and have pain, have neuromas, cause the nerves not to join and that’s the worst thing. The resensation procedure works best when done at the time of reconstruction and patients typically regain feeling in about six months, sometimes as soon at 3 months.

In January 2019, Karen Madaras and her business partner took a leap of faith -- or a powerful, ninja-warrior-style athletic jump, to be more accurate: They opened a themed gym in the Memorial area of Houston.

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Did you know one in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime? Local 10 has long taken a proactive approach when it comes to breast cancer health. In 2015, we introduced Mammogram Monday, a weekly news feature that profiles stories on breast cancer awareness and treatments every Monday in October. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Local 10 reporter Janine Stanwood begins the series following up on her own breast cancer survival story.

These days, it’s pretty rare not to know someone who has struggled with cancer, especially breast cancer.

In its fifth year, Real Men Wear Pink of Broward is a partnership through the American Cancer Society as part of breast cancer awareness month in October. “In addition to wearing pink and raising awareness about breast cancer, these men will be raising funds to help the American Cancer Society attack cancer from every angle and save more lives from breast cancer,” Peter Rose, the American Cancer Society’s community development manager, said in a statement. “Funds raised help us save lives from breast cancer through early detection and prevention, innovative breast cancer research, and patient support. Cancer hasn’t stopped, and thanks to the Real Men Wear Pink Ambassadors of Broward and our supporters, neither will we.”Visit RealMenWearPinkACS.org/BrowardFL for information. On Oct. 10, Real Men Wear Pink Day will be celebrated virtually at Facebook.com/RealMenWearPinkBroward.

Have you ever asked yourself, “Should I have had my first mammogram already?”Or perhaps: “The guideline has changed, hasn’t it? But this website stressed that it’s a woman’s personal decision when she wants to begin mammogram screening and how often to repeat it. Consider that the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force mammogram guidelines recommend women begin screening at age 50. “Findings from randomized trials of women in their 40s and 50s have demonstrated that screening mammograms decrease breast cancer deaths by 15 to 29 percent.”Just keep in mind, mammogram screening isn’t perfect. Your medical history and your individual breast cancer risk will come into play.

Years of data clearly show that screening mammography is the key to early detection and saving lives. Current guidelines recommend screening mammography begin at age 40 and continue every year thereafter. So if the first-degree relative was diagnosed at age 40, you would begin screening at age 30," Ivanova said. "However, screening mammography and a regular checkup with your physician are what really make the difference." The VA Services Program provides coordinated care between female veterans, their doctors at the VA and outside resources.

By now, it's safe to assume most people know: You see a pink ribbon and you immediately think of breast cancer awareness. With that, the stage was set for the breast cancer awareness ribbon, the website said. [READ NEXT: Breast cancer affects men, too, and with higher mortality rates | Young girls around world suffering from breast ironing abuse | What is metastatic breast cancer? ] "In 1991, pink ribbons were distributed to all breast cancer survivors and participants of the Komen New York City Race for the Cure. And thus, the birth of the pink ribbon."

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer, and a leading cause of death among women? Studies have suggested that breastfeeding reduces breast cancer risk. “I had brought my hand pump and I just decided to go for it. “It takes a little bit of work with the hand pump, and my legs were very tired.

MIAMI – During an interview with Today, Christina Applegate said she had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed about two weeks ago. The breast cancer survivor tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation, which increased her risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Nine years ago, her cousin died of ovarian cancer. Although she was diagnosed with an early stage breast cancer in 2008, Applegate chose a bilateral mastectomy, surgery to remove both breast. "That's how I've taken control of everything," Applegate, 45, said during the Today interview.

MIAMI – Every woman has a risk of developing breast cancer. The most common cause of hereditary breast cancer is an inherited mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Other gene mutations that also have an inherited risk include mutations of the ATM gene, TP53 gene, CHEK2 gene, PTEN gene, CDH1 gene, STK11 gene and the PALB2 gene. This is a reminder that although it is rare to be diagnosed with breast cancer in your early 20s and 30s, it is not impossible. Here is a complete explanation from the National Cancer Institute.

Although finding out that you have breast cancer can be devastating, there are several treatments that have been developed to not only treat breast cancer, but also to prevent it from returning. These efforts have resulted in the development of several drugs that effectively treat breast cancer in various stages and in conjunction with radiation therapies and surgeries. The most popular breast cancer treatment drugs today are Femara, Tamoxifen, Abraxane, Zometa and Herceptin. When used in conjunction with or after surgery, it can reduce the recurrence of breast cancer. When there are high levels of HER2 gene in breast cancer cells, these genes will signal the cancer cells to grow and divide rapidly, causing the cancer to spread fast.

Content provided by Cancer Therapy & Research CenterAccurate assessment of the extent of disease, or Stage, at the time of diagnosis, is one determinant of prognosis or risk of future recurrence of the cancer, and also determines ideal initial treatment. Thus, the Stage of breast cancer only applies to the extent of cancer at first diagnosis and the stage does not change over time. Any recurrence of cancer after initial treatment is simply called recurrence or metastasis. The Stage of breast cancer can be a clinical stage, (the extent of breast cancer as determined purely by examination of the patient at the bedside or with basic mammograms or scans), or pathological stage referring to the establishment of extent of the cancer after surgery as determined by microscopic examination of the tissue removed at surgery. So, T1N0M0 denotes early stage cancer or Stage-I, whereas, a T1N1M1 cancer is a Stage-IV.

The main reason for the difference in survival rates is that breast cancer is not just one disease. Women and men with ER-positive breast cancer tend to have an initial lower risk of the cancer coming back after breast surgery compared with women whose tumors do not have estrogen receptors (known as ER-negative breast cancer). Information regarding a tumor's ER status is one of the most important factors that guide breast cancer treatment decisions. Another very important type of breast cancer is the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, or HER-2 amplified breast cancer subset. It is important for doctors to be able to identify and understand these and other specific subtypes of breast cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 out of every 3,000 pregnant women are diagnosed with breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, there is a link between estrogen levels and the growth of breast cancer cells. According to Kazer, for many women, pregnancy after or during breast cancer can come without huge risks. Kazer said doctors are learning that women who have babies after breast cancer are not more likely to have recurrences, and that women who develop breast cancer during pregnancy do not have a worse prognosis. For these reasons, Courtney thinks breast cancer patients need to be aware that getting pregnant might still be possible.

By Mayo Clinic News NetworkBreast cancer can cause symptoms other than a breast lump. Breast cancer also can cause a skin rash that looks similar to mastitis -- an infection of the breast tissue that most often affects women who are breast-feeding. Nipple changes, such as a nipple turning inward, or inverting, or becoming flatter than usual, may be symptoms of breast cancer. Although all of these breast changes may be symptoms of breast cancer, it is worth noting that they can happen for many other reasons, as well. Remember, too, that in its earliest stages, breast cancer may not cause any symptoms.

Unfortunately, most patients are not receiving adequate information, according to a report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Not according to at least one breast cancer survivor. Another Web site with a lot of information on breast reconstruction WebMD.comReconstruction Vs. AugmentationBreast reconstruction is very different from breast augmentation. While breast augmentation involves the insertion of a silicon sack under an existing breast to enlarge it, breast reconstruction involves replacing skin, breast tissue and the nipple. Regular breast cancer exams and screening should continue since a recurrence can be detected and treated.

Breast cancer rates rise as people -- especially women -- get older. But about 10,000 women under age 40 get diagnosed with breast cancer each year according to YoungSurvival.org. Cathy White found out that she had breast cancer early this year before her 23rd birthday. Still, the doctor she had been seeing told her that women her age could not have breast cancer and sent her home. His advocacy efforts highlight young women, but he hopes to raise broader awareness.

MIAMI – During Breast Cancer Awareness Month businesses looking to benefit from pink ribbon marketing connect with organizations in need of funding. These are some of the events benefiting established organizations in South Florida:FRIENDLY COMPETITIONSWednesday, Oct. 12 | Florida Breast Cancer Foundation benefit: The Whiskey Creek Bender begins at 6 p.m. near the Dania Beach Pier, 100 N. Beach Rd. Saturday, Oct. 22 | Florida Breast Cancer Foundation benefit: The Quantum Ride will be held at National Marine Headquarters, 2800 SW 2nd Ave., in Fort Lauderdale. SHOPPINGFriday, Oct. 14 | Florida Breast Cancer Foundation benefit: La Vie Miami fundraiser is from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., at the Coral Gables Woman's Club, 1009 E. Ponce de Leon Blvd. SPAMonth of October | Florida Breast Cancer Foundation benefit: The Biltmore Spa, 1200 Anastasia Ave., in Coral Gables, included The Inner Peace Massage.