AUSTIN (KXAN) -- This weekend, a runway show described as "a fusion of opulence and artistry" will spotlight more than just fashion.
Art Bra Austin aims to pay tribute to breast cancer survivors while raising funds for the Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC), a Central Texas nonprofit that provides free, personalized services to individuals and families affected by breast cancer.
Every model who will take the stage at Art Bra on Saturday has faced or is facing breast cancer. They'll be outfitted in custom-designed pieces of wearable art created by Austin-based artists and designers.
Napolean Griffin is one of two male breast cancer survivors modeling at Art Bra this year, marking the first time in the event's history that a male survivor has participated. He's a competitive rower at Texas Rowing Center and has beaten breast cancer twice.
Griffin joined KXAN Friday morning to talk about the event and his story, along with Elaine Gonzales, the community education manager for BCRC. They talked about the importance of the event and raising awareness, because the disease does not discriminate.
"It can affect men, and it definitely affected me," Griffin said.
He said he discovered his breast cancer by accident. Griffin said he felt a lump, but didn't get it checked for about a year.
"I ignored it, I didn't think anything about it, because you don't think 'breast cancer for a man,'" he said. But, he happened to mention it to a physician when he had an unrelated accident and hurt his foot in 2008, and he was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Griffin has been cancer-free since 2011.
Gonzales said Art Bra is BCRC's biggest fundraiser.
"It's such an empowering event for these women," she said. "They get glammed from head to toe, they get to share their story, and then they give back."
Art Bra 2024 (Photo courtesy: Breast Cancer Resource Center) June 8, 2024 Austin, TexasArt Bra 2024 (Photo courtesy: Breast Cancer Resource Center) June 8, 2024 Austin, TexasArt Bra 2024 (Photo courtesy: Breast Cancer Resource Center) June 8, 2024 Austin, TexasArt Bra 2024 (Photo courtesy: Breast Cancer Resource Center) June 8, 2024 Austin, TexasArt Bra 2024 (Photo courtesy: Breast Cancer Resource Center) June 8, 2024 Austin, TexasArt Bra 2024 (Photo courtesy: Breast Cancer Resource Center) June 8, 2024 Austin, Texas"Art Bra allows us to continue our work," she said. "This is our biggest fundraiser, our own signature fundraiser."
Facts and statistics about breast cancer
According to BCRC, approximately 1 in 8 women and 1 in 726 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.
The nonprofit shared more statistics (detailed below) about breast cancer in a press release to explain the meaning behind its slogan: "Advocacy. Education. Support. For life."
Why Advocacy?
Racial Disparities: African American women have a 40% higher breast cancer mortality rate than white women, despite lower incidence rates, due to systemic barriers such as lack of access to quality care and timely treatment (CDC, 2021) Geographic Barriers: Patients in rural areas are 20% more likely to die from breast cancer compared to those in urban areas due to lack of access to specialists, diagnostic tools, and treatment facilities (American Cancer Society, 2020). Navigators Reduce Barriers: Patient navigation programs that address systemic barriers to care, such as transportation and insurance issues, have been shown to improve treatment compliance by up to 90% (Cancer, 2019).Why Education?
Quality of Life Improvements: Breast cancer patients involved in educational programs report a 20-30% improvement in overall well-being, including emotional, mental, and physical health, due to a better understanding of their condition and the ability to manage side effects (Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 2017). Emotional & Psychological Support: Access to education about the psychological effects of breast cancer helps reduce anxiety and depression by 40%, contributing to better mental health and increased resilience (Psycho-Oncology, 2019). Improved Clinical Outcomes: Studies show that educating healthcare teams about personalized treatment plans and patient-centered care results in a 25% increase in adherence to evidence-based clinical guidelines, improving patient outcomes (Journal of Oncology Practice, 2018).Why Support?
Psychosocial Support: Patients who receive psychosocial support services are 2.5 times more likely to complete their prescribed treatment plan, which is crucial for improving long-term survival rates (Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2018). Navigating Systemic Barriers: Support services that help patients navigate systemic barriers—like insurance, transportation, and language—improve access to care for marginalized groups by 40%, promoting more equitable health outcomes (Journal of Cancer Policy, 2020). Reduced Absenteeism: Support programs addressing emotional and financial challenges lead to a 25% reduction in absenteeism for employed cancer patients, which benefits both the patients and their workplaces (Cancer Management and Research, 2020).Why For Life?
Breast cancer survivors are often struck by survivors’ guilt or guilt over not feeling “normal”. Survivors often experience anxiety about going back to work, tiredness and fatigue from treatment, or depression, along with cognitive problems after chemotherapy. Treatment can cause drastic changes to the body, resulting in issues with body image. Hair loss and regrowth can have a big impact on survivors' outlook and ability to feel like themselves again. It's very common to overanalyze every symptom or worry that they are not getting adequate screening for cancer recurrence. (Melissa Duffy, PA-C, Breast Cancer Survivorship Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University)BCRC is marking its 30th year of service this year. Since it was founded in 1995, the nonprofit estimates that it has served closed to 30,000 people affected by breast cancer.
According to the nonprofit, more than one-third of BCRC clients live below 300% of the federal poverty level. Art Bra is one way the organization sustains its mission of helping people affected by breast cancer, free of charge, regardless of their income, ethnicity, education, sexual orientation or social support.
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