The Breast Cancer Resource Center of Santa Barbara kicks off PINK WEEK 2022 to bring awareness to breast cancer

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.- 

Silvana Kelly thought her life was over when she was told she had breast cancer.

“I found a lump. I went to my doctor and we did a needle biopsy. And a couple of days later they called me and said I had to see a breast surgeon,” said Executive Director of Breast Cancer Resource Center Silvana Kelly.

Today Kelly is cancer free and thriving, and she wants everyone to know they are not alone.

“It wasn't until I spoke to other women who had gone through breast cancer and I listened to them and realized I had support and that I could get through it,” said Kelly.

As the Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Breast Cancer Resource Center, Kelly supports other people who are dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis.

"It's important to continue to provide support services to all of these women and also men who do get breast cancer.” said Kelly.

The Resource Center kicked off Pink Week Tuesday with a series of webinars focused on education, awareness, and empowerment.

The organization recommends that women who are 50 to 74 years old and at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years.

“There are women who will have to be screened earlier if they have a family history of breast cancer,” said family physician Dr. Shatha Bakir.

Dr. Shatha Bakir has practiced medicine for more than 3 decades.

She says a breast cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence.

“I have a lot of patients with breast cancer who are survivor for 30 years, 20 years, 40 years,” said Dr. Bakir.

She encourages everyone to get educated by watching the free webinars.

You can find those free webinars at bcrcsb.org.