Breast Cancer Awareness Month: More Than Awareness

Breast cancer is a disease that affects millions of people around the world.  Among women 50 to 74 years old, approximately one in four have not had a mammogram within the past two years as recommended (Plescia & White, 2023).  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) breast cancer is also the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). According to the World Health Organization, there were 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer and 685,000 deaths from the disease in 2021 (World Health Organization, 2023).

To bring global awareness to this disease, October has been recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to bring awareness of the disease and its prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. It is also a time to honor those who have been affected by breast cancer, and to support the research and advocacy efforts that aim to end this disease.

The theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2023 is “More Than Awareness”. This theme emphasizes that awareness alone is not enough to fight breast cancer. We need to take action, support one another, and help women now.

Here are some ways you can get involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2023:

• Get screened. Early detection of breast cancer can save lives. The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 40 and older should have a mammogram every year, and women aged 45 to 54 should have one every two years. Women with a higher risk of breast cancer may need more frequent screening or additional tests. Talk to your doctor about your personal risk and screening options.
• Advocacy and Research: Breast Cancer Awareness Month also serves as a platform for advocating for increased funding and support for breast cancer research. The ongoing efforts of researchers and scientists have led to significant advancements in understanding the disease, developing targeted therapies, and improving the quality of life for breast cancer survivors. By advocating for research, we are taking steps towards a future without breast cancer.
• Supporting Survivors and Their Families: A breast cancer diagnosis not only affects the individual but also their loved ones. Breast Cancer Awareness Month fosters a sense of community and support for survivors and their families. It provides a space for sharing stories, seeking guidance, and offering emotional support to those battling breast cancer.
• Reducing Stigma: Breast cancer is more than just a health issue; it carries a significant emotional and social burden. Breast Cancer Awareness Month strives to break down the stigma associated with the disease, encouraging open conversations about breast health and supporting those facing breast cancer with empathy and understanding.
• Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power. Take the time to educate yourself about breast cancer, its risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures. Share this information with your friends and family to raise awareness.
• Get Screened: If you are eligible, schedule regular mammograms and clinical breast exams. Early detection is crucial for better outcomes.
• Donate and Support Fundraising Efforts: Many organizations work tirelessly to fund breast cancer research and support patients. Consider donating to or participating in fundraising events to contribute to these efforts.  Your donation can make a difference in the lives of women facing breast cancer. There are many organizations that fund research, provide patient support, and advocate for policy change. Some of the leading ones are Breast Cancer Research Foundation, National Breast Cancer Foundation, and Susan G. Komen. You can also donate your time or skills by volunteering for these or other local organizations.
• Show Your Support: Wear a pink ribbon, display a pink light, or participate in local Breast Cancer Awareness Month events to show solidarity with those affected by breast cancer.  Many retailers and brands offer products that support breast cancer causes during October. You can shop for pink items or items that feature the pink ribbon, the symbol of breast cancer awareness. Some of the products that donate a portion of their proceeds to breast cancer organizations are Estée Lauder Pink Ribbon Collection, Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Collection.
• Encourage Open Conversations: Promote open discussions about breast health, cancer, and self-examinations in your community. By talking openly about these topics, you can help reduce the stigma surrounding breast cancer.

Conclusion

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2023 is an opportunity to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. By getting involved, you can help save lives, improve outcomes, and create a world without breast cancer. Remember, it’s more than awareness. It’s action.

Works Cited

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Cancer Statistics At a Glance. Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://gis.cdc.gov/Cancer/USCS/#/AtAGlance/

Plescia, M., & White, M. C. (2023). The National Prevention Strategy and Breast Cancer Screening: Scientific Evidence for Public Health Action. American Journal of Public Health, 1545-1548.

World Health Organization. (2023, July 12). Breast Cancer. Retrieved from World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer