Breast cancer at the White House The words "breast cancer werent uttered in households around the world

decades ago. Unfortunately, it still happens today and women, millions of them, suffer in silence. In the 1970s, an issue like breast cancer was far from being openly discussed. But the person who stepped in front and spoke about it was, in 1973, the First Lady at that time, Betty Ford. She broke through decades of silence and told the world about her diagnosis and the decision to have a mastectomy. Her act was even more courageous, as society links the issue of feminity to physical appearance and disregard that breast cancer threatens, more then the breast, than life itself. "When other women have this same operation, it doesn't make any headlines maybe if I as First Lady could talk about it candidly and without embarrassment, many other people would be able to as well, told Ford. Her public battle significantly raised the disease's profile and empowered the value of selfexams and mammograms. A result of her action was the large number of breast cancer detection clinics opened and the willingness of women to go for screenings. For the 1970s and 1980s, chemotherapy and mastectomy (the surgery for total remove of the breast) were the most common treatments. These methods implied major (even dangerous) procedures and extensive hospital stays. Her openness in discussing her struggle, with direct benefits on educating many women about early detection, brought her and her husband the Congressional Gold Medal for humanitarian contribution and dedication to public services. In 1987, First Lady Nancy Reagan found out her breast cancer diagnosis during a routine mammogram. Her decision of having a mastectomy attracted criticism. The surgery involved a modified radical mastectomy, meaning the breast was removed along with a portion of one underlying muscle. The other option was a less extensive surgery to remove the lesion and nearby tissue. Once again, the act of having a mammogram inspired many women to receive one, which makes Nancy Reagan a possible life saver for women. In her honor, a care facility based in California was named The Nancy Reagan Breast Center. Over the years, things have changed in the 1990s and into the 21st century. More high-profile figures spoke up about their struggle with breast cancer, involved in fund raising, lobbied and supported groups and organizations of profile. Although away from breast cancer diagnosis, the former First Lady Laura Bush got involved in breast cancer awareness programs around the world. Mrs. Bush toured cancer screening and treatment centers. During her presence at the White House, the settlement was lit up in brilliant pink, a signal for women everywhere to take care of their health and have regular check-ups.