As part of National Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, Stage and Studio presents a half-hour adaptation of The Breast Cancer Monologues. Originally produced in 2003 as a one-hour documentary collage with and about Breast Cancer Survivors produced by Dmae Roberts & MediaRites, the show features producers Kate Welch, Miae Kim and Anca Micheti and actors Olga Sanchez, Caren Graham and Elaine Low. The Breast Cancer Monologues was produced originally in 2003 as part of a year of arts outreach workshops with breast cancer survivors and intricately weaves interviews and readings about how breast cancer has affected the lives of women in America. Unfortunately the statistics regarding this disease haven't changed that much since this documentary was first broadcast.
According to Breastcancer.org, about 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Only 5-10 percent of breast cancers are linked to genetic history, yet there is little research as to the cause and the treatment can be as deadly as the disease. Breast cancer is still misunderstood and often a taboo subject.
While businesses are touting the Think Pink or Pink Warrior labels, many of their products may be contributing to breast cancer particularly cosmetics and food production. For more info about this visit Think Before You Pink at BC Action. http://thinkbeforeyoupink.org/
Here are some updated statistics according to BreastCancer.org:
In 2016, an estimated 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 61,000 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. About 2,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men in 2016. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000.
In 2019, an estimated 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 62,930 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. About 2,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men in 2019. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 883.
From these statistics, it would seem breast cancer cases contine to rise. Read more stats at https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics
The Breast Cancer Monologues address the myths and misunderstandings while giving voice to the women who know first-hand the effects of breast cancer.
Original Music was composed and performed by Maria de los Angeles Esteves
Master Engineer was Clark Salisbury. Graphic by Ping Khaw.
Interviews and writings by Jan Baross, Rita McDonagh, Hilda Bengston, Dawn Cottrell, Majorie Holland, Barbara Strasburger, Leslie Lischka, Teena Rodriguez, Tai Brown, Clara Welsch, Maria Pascu, Caroline Acuna-Guilartes, Monica Benson-Barros, Suzanne, Elizabeth, Joy, Michelle, Caroline, Monica, Jeannette, Nancy and Mira.
To order a download of the entire program, visit MediaRites.org.
Arts outreach workshops were made possible with funding by the Regional Arts and Culture Council and the Oregon Arts Commission.
For more info about breast cancer, visit breastcancer.org and Breast Cancer Action.
And don't forget to visit the official Stage & Studio website.
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