Menu
Lifestyle
Battling Breast Cancer for Future Generations
by Lila Thompson
Oct. 22, 2016
As October arrives, the vibrant hues of autumn foliage emerge, and corn mazes and haunted houses spring to life. You guessed it, it’s that time of year again! Just as the leaves shift their colors, America turns pink in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Established in 1985, this annual health initiative seeks to enhance awareness surrounding breast cancer and generate funds for research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and, ultimately, a cure.
This month serves as a poignant reminder to honor those who have bravely faced this disease, remember those we’ve lost, and support current fighters. Throughout October, we are also confronted with sobering statistics about a disease that impacts individuals of all genders across the nation. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 247,000 new breast cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in women this year, with around 40,000 succumbing to the illness. Additionally, breast cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related fatalities in women, trailing just 1% behind heart disease as the primary cause of death among females, as reported by the CDC.
These statistics can be daunting, but my personal journey offers a glimmer of hope. On the encouraging side, the American Cancer Society states that there are approximately 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States as of 2016. I’m proud to be one of those individuals. At 31 years old, I am a breast cancer survivor, and this is a glimpse into my story.
Every October, I’m reminded of my family’s ongoing battle with this disease. It’s not just a tale of one or two women; it spans generations from my great-aunt and grandmother to my mother and, in 2015, myself. Aware of my family history, I began breast cancer screenings at 25. In 2014, I learned I was a carrier of the BRCA1 genetic mutation. Then, in June 2015, during a routine mammogram, the radiologist expressed concern about her findings. In an instant, my life flashed before me. I had two young children and a husband, with so many dreams still to chase. Though she never had to say the words, I already knew: I had breast cancer.
For me, October is more than a season or Breast Cancer Awareness Month; it marks 17 years since my mother lost her own battle with breast and ovarian cancer. Like me, she faced a fight that was thrust upon her, yet she confronted it with dignity and strength. A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a small box filled with some of my mother’s most cherished belongings. It wasn’t jewelry or anything of monetary value, but rather a treasure trove of letters my grandmother wrote to her in the 1960s while battling cancer.
These letters were penned from Ann Arbor, Michigan, where my grandmother sought treatments in hopes of extending her time with her young children. Her efforts were part of the early chemotherapy trials, paving the way for future patients facing the same battle. Little did she realize, her fight would ultimately benefit not just her own daughter but also her granddaughter. The letters were both beautiful and heartbreaking, filled with hope. One poignant excerpt reads, “Really, Ann, what can I do? All I want is to lead a normal life. I sincerely hope that none of your children will ever have what I have. I have been fighting. I believe this chemotherapy is a breakthrough. It has been said that 3% have been cured.”
I’ve found myself revisiting this letter repeatedly in recent weeks — its raw honesty resonates deeply. For my grandmother, that 3% represented a breakthrough, instilling hope in both her and her doctors. Fast forward nearly 50 years, and we have made incredible progress, yet the journey continues. At times, I gaze at my children and nieces and nephews, paralyzed by the fear that they too might one day face this dreadful disease. But then I remember my grandmother’s words, my mother’s resilience, and the advancements made over the years, which eases my worries and reignites my hope.
So, take a moment today to perform a self-exam. It only takes a minute but could save your life. If cancer runs in your family, consider genetic testing. Speak with your doctor about mammograms and preventative measures. Be your own most passionate advocate; no one knows your body better than you do. Also, encourage those around you to do the same—you might save a life in the process.
My journey doesn’t end here. Thanks to the strong survivors who came before me, it’s only just beginning. I am determined to ensure that my children, nieces, and nephews never face a day when cancer looms over them. Breast cancer awareness shouldn’t be confined to October; it should be defined by the warriors who fight every day and the trailblazers who work towards a brighter future.
For more insights into home insemination, check out this other blog post here. When considering at-home options, Make a Mom provides excellent resources for creating your family. Moreover, for those exploring fertility options, Hopkins Medicine is an invaluable source of information regarding pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, as we navigate through Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let us remember the fighters, honor the memories of those lost, and strive for a future where cancer is no longer a threat to our loved ones.