As we step into October, the world around us transforms with vibrant autumn colors and the excitement of fall activities. It’s that time of year again—National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Established in 1985, this annual campaign serves to heighten awareness about breast cancer while generating funds to support research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure.
October is also a month of reflection. We honor the courageous individuals who have battled this disease, remember those we have lost, and stand beside those currently fighting. However, it’s also a time to face the stark realities of breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2016 alone, around 247,000 new cases of breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in women, with nearly 40,000 fatalities. Breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, trailing closely behind heart disease, as reported by the CDC.
While these statistics may seem daunting, I carry a personal story of resilience. The flip side of these figures reveals that in 2016, approximately 2.8 million breast cancer survivors are living in the United States. I am proud to be one of them. I’m a 31-year-old survivor, and I’d like to share a glimpse of my journey.
Each October reminds me of my family’s history with this illness. It’s not just a few cases; the struggle spans generations—from my grandmother and great aunt to my mother and, in 2015, myself. Knowing our family’s background, I began screening for breast cancer at 25. In 2014, I learned that I carried the BRCA1 genetic mutation. Then in June 2015, during a routine mammogram, the radiologist expressed concerns. In that moment, it felt as if my world paused. I had two young children and a husband who relied on me, and I was suddenly faced with the grim reality—I had breast cancer.
For me, October holds a deeper meaning. It marks 17 years since my mother bravely faced breast and ovarian cancer. Her battle, like mine, was not one she chose, yet she fought valiantly. Recently, I stumbled upon a small box containing some of her cherished belongings—not jewelry or valuable items, but heartfelt letters my grandmother wrote to her while she was undergoing treatment in the 1960s. These letters, filled with love and hope, reveal my grandmother’s unwavering spirit. She was receiving early chemotherapy treatments in Ann Arbor, Michigan, hoping to extend her time with her children. Little did she know, her fight would contribute to advances in treatment that would benefit generations to come.
One poignant line from one of her letters reads, “All I want to do is lead a normal life. I hope none of your children will ever have what I have.” To my grandmother, a 3% cure rate felt like a breakthrough, and that hope resonates with me today. Now, nearly five decades later, we have made remarkable strides, yet there is still much work to be done. As I look at my children and nieces and nephews, there’s a fear that one day they might face this disease, but I remind myself of my family’s legacy and the advancements we’ve made, which brings me comfort and hope.
I urge you to take a moment for self-examination. It only takes a minute, but it could save your life. If cancer runs in your family, consider genetic testing. Consult your doctor about mammograms and preventive measures. Be your own advocate—no one knows your body better than you do. Encourage your loved ones to take similar steps because awareness can truly save lives.
My journey is just beginning, fueled by the strength of those who fought before me. I am committed to ensuring that my children, nieces, and nephews never have to face a day with cancer looming over them. Breast cancer awareness shouldn’t be confined to October; it should be a continuous fight, driven by those who strive for a brighter future.
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In summary, October is not just a month for awareness; it’s a time to celebrate survival, honor those we’ve lost, and continue the fight against breast cancer for future generations.