Byrd Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation

Gastric Cancer Awareness Month

Gastric cancer, or stomach cancer, develops in the lining of the stomach. It often progresses silently, with symptoms like bloating, heartburn, and nausea being attributed to common gastrointestinal issues. As the disease advances, patients may experience more concerning symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, persistent abdominal pain, and unintended weight loss. By the time symptoms become […]

Carcinoid Cancer Awareness Month

Carcinoid cancer, a subset of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), originates in hormone-producing cells of the body. These tumors commonly form in the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, intestines, and appendix) or the lungs, though they can occur in other areas such as the pancreas or ovaries. Despite its rarity, this cancer poses significant challenges because of its slow-growing […]

Understanding Lung Cancer: Causes, Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer worldwide. It starts in the lungs and can spread to other areas of the body if not treated early. With advances in diagnosis and treatment, there is a greater chance of managing lung cancer and improving outcomes. Let’s dive into the causes, […]

Breast Cancer Awareness 2024, Byrd Cancer Foundation, NOWINCLUDED CategoriesCancer Cancer Awareness Months

In Loving Memory of Those Who Shine Forever

https://youtu.be/DecxrnIOhIE For the remarkable souls who shone with their light,Who walked among us, fierce and bright,Each heart a beacon, each voice a song,Their spirit a place where we all belong. They graced us with courage, steadfast and true,Through days that were heavy, skies dimmed to blue.With hands reaching out and hearts open wide,They taught us […]

Janique Rivera-McGriff’s Journey: Advocating for Yourself Through a Triple Negative Breast Cancer Diagnosis CategoriesCancer Cancer Awareness Months

Janique Rivera-McGriff’s Journey: Advocating for Yourself Through a Triple Negative Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Janique Rivera-McGriff’s story is both powerful and inspiring. Diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) at just 29 years old, she has faced and conquered cancer three times. Now at 36, Janique continues to share her message of self-advocacy, reminding others that they are not just statistics but individuals with the power to take charge […]

Agnieszka Pomarańska’s Journey: Finding Joy and Resilience Through a Breast Cancer Diagnosis CategoriesCancer Cancer Awareness Months

Agnieszka Pomarańska’s Journey: Finding Joy and Strength Through a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Agnieszka PomaraÅ„ska’s story is one of resilience and self-advocacy. Originally from Pasłęk, Poland, Agnieszka was 40 years old when she received a diagnosis of Stage II breast cancer, specifically ER+ PR+ HER2+—a subtype driven by hormone receptors and the HER2 protein. Now 43, Agnieszka speaks openly about her journey and shares her proactive approach, emphasizing […]

Liver Cancer CategoriesCancer Understanding Cancer

Understanding Liver Cancer: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Liver cancer, though less common than other cancers, is a significant health concern worldwide, especially in regions with high rates of viral hepatitis. Liver cancer starts in the liver, a vital organ that processes nutrients and filters toxins from the body. Understanding the causes, types, symptoms, and treatments of liver cancer can aid in awareness, […]

Beyond the Diagnosis: Tanesha Patterson’s Breast Cancer Journey with DCIS CategoriesCancer Cancer Awareness Months

Beyond the Diagnosis: Tanesha Patterson’s Breast Cancer Journey with DCIS

At 42 years old, Tanesha Patterson was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS), a non-invasive form of breast cancer often categorized as Stage 0 and marked by the presence of cancerous cells within the milk ducts that haven’t spread to other tissues. Her DCIS was estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and progesterone receptor-positive (PR+), meaning her […]

Abigail DeGuzman-Miller: Trusting Your Instincts in the Fight Against Breast Cancer CategoriesCancer Cancer Awareness Months

Abigail DeGuzman-Miller: Trusting Your Instincts in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Abigail DeGuzman-Miller, now 50, is a dedicated mother of four and a breast cancer survivor whose journey highlights the significance of self-advocacy and vigilance in healthcare. Diagnosed with Stage IIIa Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) in 2018, Abigail’s story began with a routine mammogram that uncovered an area of concern in her right breast. Her experience […]

Melissa Rider's Journey: Advocating for Genetic Testing and Early Cancer Detection CategoriesCancer Cancer Awareness Months

Melissa Rider’s Journey: Advocating for Genetic Testing and Early Cancer Detection

Melissa’s cancer journey is a powerful testament to resilience, family history, and the critical role that genetic testing plays in early detection and self-advocacy. Diagnosed at the age of 39 with Stage 1 breast cancer, only five months after a Stage 2A sigmoid colon cancer diagnosis, Melissa’s story highlights the complexities of navigating multiple cancer […]