As the leaves begin their annual transformation into vibrant hues and corn mazes pop up like mushrooms after a rain, you know October has arrived. And just like the changing foliage, the nation turns a cheerful shade of pink in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Established in 1985, this yearly health initiative seeks to boost awareness about breast cancer while raising funds for vital research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and hopefully—one day—a cure.
October isn’t just a time for celebration; it’s also a moment to honor those who have bravely fought against this illness, remember those we’ve lost, and support those currently in the thick of it. Throughout the month, we are reminded of sobering statistics that highlight the impact of this disease. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 247,000 new breast cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in women in 2016, with nearly 40,000 individuals succumbing to it. Breast cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for women, just a hair behind heart disease, as reported by the CDC.
Those numbers can be daunting. Yet, amidst the statistics, I find a glimmer of hope. The American Cancer Society also states that in 2016, there are around 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. I am proud to be one of them. Here’s a snapshot of my journey.
Every October serves as a reminder of my family’s history with this disease. It’s not just one or two instances; it’s a legacy of battles stretching from my great-aunt and grandmother to my mother and, in 2015, myself. Aware of my family’s medical history, I started getting screened for breast cancer at 25. Then, in 2014, I discovered I carried the BRCA1 genetic mutation. During a routine mammogram in June 2015, the radiologist expressed concern over what she saw—and in an instant, my world shifted. With two young kids and a husband at home, I had dreams yet to fulfill. But deep down, I knew what the doctor would ultimately reveal: I had breast cancer.
For me, October isn’t just about the arrival of fall or Breast Cancer Awareness Month; it marks 17 years since I lost my mother to breast and ovarian cancer. Like my own struggle, she faced her diagnosis with unyielding grace and dignity. Recently, I stumbled upon a box filled with my mother’s cherished keepsakes. Among them were letters my grandmother wrote to her during the 1960s while undergoing treatment for cancer.
These letters were penned from Ann Arbor, Michigan, where my grandmother sought treatment in hopes of buying precious time with her young children. She participated in early chemotherapy trials, unknowingly paving the way for future patients, including her own daughter and granddaughter. The letters were poignant and heartbreaking yet brimming with hope. One part reads, “Really, what can I do? All I want is to lead a normal life. I truly hope none of your children will ever have what I have. I’ve been fighting. I believe this chemotherapy is a breakthrough. They say only 3% are cured.”
I’ve reread that letter countless times—its authenticity resonates deeply. To my grandmother, 3% represented a breakthrough, filling her and the doctors with hope. Fast forward nearly 50 years, and we’ve made significant strides, but there’s still more work to be done.
Sometimes, I look at my children and nieces and nephews and feel a wave of fear at the thought they may one day face this disease. Yet I remember my grandmother’s words, my mother’s resilience, and the advancements made over the years, which calms my fears and fuels my hope.
So, take a moment today for self-examination. It only takes a minute and could save your life. If your family has a history of cancer, consider genetic testing. Discuss mammograms and preventative measures with your doctor. Be your own advocate—nobody knows your body better than you do. Encourage loved ones to do the same; you might just save their life.
My story doesn’t end here. Thanks to the many strong survivors who came before me, it’s only just beginning. I am committed to ensuring my children, nieces, and nephews never have to face a day where cancer is a threat. Breast cancer awareness shouldn’t be confined to October; it should be a continuous fight, led by those who battle it every day and those who strive for a brighter future.
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Summary:
This article emphasizes the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, sharing personal stories of hope and resilience. It encourages readers to take proactive steps in their health journeys, reminding us all that awareness and action can lead to a brighter future without the shadow of cancer.