As autumn unfolds and the scenery transforms with vibrant hues, October emerges with its signature shade of pink, honoring National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Established in 1985, this annual health initiative aims to enhance awareness of breast cancer and to generate funding for research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately, a cure.
This month serves as a poignant reminder to celebrate survivors, honor those we’ve lost, and extend our support to those currently battling this disease. As we observe October, it’s crucial to reflect on the troubling statistics surrounding breast cancer, which affects both men and women across the country. The American Cancer Society forecasts nearly 247,000 new breast cancer cases among women in 2016 alone, with approximately 40,000 fatalities. Furthermore, breast cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, trailing only heart disease by a slim margin, according to the CDC.
While these statistics are alarming, I carry a message of hope. The American Cancer Society also notes that about 2.8 million breast cancer survivors currently reside in the United States. I am proud to be part of this statistic as a 31-year-old breast cancer survivor, and I wish to share a glimpse of my journey.
Every October, I am reminded of my family’s long struggle with this affliction. It hasn’t just affected one or two women; it’s a legacy that spans from my great aunt and grandmother to my mother and, in 2015, to myself. Aware of my family’s history, I began screening for breast cancer at age 25. In 2014, I learned that I carried the BRCA1 genetic mutation. Then came June 2015, when a routine mammogram led to a conversation with a radiologist who expressed concern about what she found. In an instant, my world shifted. I had two young children and a husband, and so many dreams ahead of me. Though she didn’t need to say it, I knew I had breast cancer.
For me, October signifies more than just the arrival of fall or Breast Cancer Awareness Month; it marks 17 years since my mother succumbed to breast and ovarian cancer. Just like my battle, hers was not a choice but one she fought with remarkable strength and dignity. Recently, I discovered a small box filled with cherished mementos from my mother. Among these were letters my grandmother had penned during her own cancer battle in the 1960s.
These letters, written during her treatments in Ann Arbor, Michigan, symbolize the hopes of a mother yearning for more time with her children. She was one of the early participants in chemotherapy trials, unknowingly contributing to advancements that would benefit both her daughter and granddaughter. Within one letter, she expressed a heartfelt wish: “All I want to do is lead a normal life. I precisely hope that none of your children will ever have what I have. I have been fighting. I do believe that this chemotherapy is a breakthrough.”
Reading this letter repeatedly has been profoundly moving. For my grandmother, a 3% cure rate represented a significant breakthrough, giving her and the doctors hope. Fast forward nearly 50 years, and we’ve made tremendous strides, yet challenges remain. I often look at my children and my nieces and nephews, gripped by fear that they too might face a cancer diagnosis. But in those moments of anxiety, I recall my grandmother’s words, my mother’s courageous fight, and the progress made over the years, which brings me solace and strengthens my resolve.
I urge you to take a moment today for self-examination. It takes just a minute but could potentially save your life. If you have a family history of cancer, consider genetic testing. Discuss mammograms and preventative measures with your doctor. Advocate for your health, as no one knows your body better than you do. Encourage those around you to do the same; your actions might save their lives too.
My journey doesn’t end here. Thanks to the resilient survivors who came before me, it’s just the beginning. I am determined to ensure that my children, nieces, and nephews never witness a day when cancer affects their lives. Breast cancer shouldn’t be confined to the month of October; it should be defined by the individuals who bravely fight every day and those who pave the way for a brighter future.
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In summary, October serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against breast cancer, the importance of awareness, and the unyielding hope for future generations. Through education, advocacy, and support, we can create a world where breast cancer is no longer a fear but a conquerable challenge.