31 for 21 Blog Challenge: DAY ONE: DS and Breast Cancer

October 1st marks the beginning of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.  It is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month (worldwide).  Therefore, I thought it fitting that I mention a link between the two that I only just learned about this morning.

A study was conducted in Norway and it's results published in 2009.  Here is a synopsis.

Researchers looked into the possibility that hCG (a prevalent pregnancy hormone) provided protection against breast cancer for the child-bearing mother.  Compared to 'normal' pregnancies, 'Down Syndrome pregnancies' yield higher-than-normal hCG levels from late 1st trimester to the middle of the 2nd trimester.  The study hypothesized that women who gave birth to children with Down Syndrome (DS) might have a lower risk of breast cancer than women who gave birth to children without DS.

The study examined all mothers of live-born children in Norway and Sweden from 1967-1973 through 2004.  The study period yielded the following results:

54,063 women developed breast cancer.
5,330 children were born with DS.
139 breast cancer cases were diagnosed in the mothers of DS children.

Adjustments were made for relative risks, risk factors, etc.

In the final analysis, results indicated that mothers of children with DS were at a 23% increased risk of developing breast cancer.  The increased risk was limited, however, to women who had a child with DS after age 30.  It also seemed to be confined to women whose cancer was diagnosed before the age of 50.

The original hypothesis that exposure to elevated levels of hCG may provide maternal protection against breast cancer was NOT supported.

An interesting addition....

In women with Down Syndrome (not the mothers), reported studies suggest that breast cancer is nearly 10x LESS frequent than in the general population.

“The more I read, the more I acquire, the more certain I am that I know nothing.”

- Voltaire

Our First Buddy Walk and the 31 for 21 Blog Challenge

Today was our first Buddy Walk.  It was a beautiful location, in a small park, overlooking the Atlantic ocean.  Unfortunately, it was in the 50's and rainy.  The weather could definitely have been nicer.  However, the spirit of the walk's purpose was undeniable. Tents were set up to keep tables (and people) protected from the rain.  Posters of individuals (Josiah included) were carefully displayed around the park.  People were energetic, happy, and enjoying themselves despite Mother Nature.  Even Elmo and a fire truck showed up to keep the young ones entertained.  The rain stopped no-one from walking. 

Eventually, the rain gave way to sun.  The children played.  The adults socialized.  The rain returned.  We decided to call it a day.  We had stayed for 3 hours.  We were wet, tired, and getting cold.  The kids felt the same way we did.  We packed up and headed home.  We are grateful for the Buddy Walk, it's hosts, it's participants, and to all whom it's meant to benefit.  Now, we will look forward to next year and hope that the weather cooperates with us.

Tomorrow is Monday.  The big boys return to school; one has a field trip.  EI appointments resume.  All in all, it is shaping up to be a relatively mellow week.  We have no 'extra' stuff going on.  Perhaps, I'll be able to catch up on some much needed chores and cleaning.

Of greater importance, tomorrow is October 1st.  It is the first day of October.  October is DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH.  So, I am joining the 31 for 21 blog challenge.  That means every day, during the month of October, I shall make an entry in this blog.  I will do my best to keep them interesting and informative.

Until tomorrow my friends :)