By Madison Wong, Opinions Editor
During October, you’ve probably noticed that people wear pink or have pink ribbons pinned to their clothes. For example, NFL players often wear pink shoes or socks and referees blow pink whistles to show their support. This is because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, educate others, and fundraise for breast cancer research and education. Cancer can be a sensitive and somewhat confusing topic to many people, so here are some common questions people have about breast cancer, and more specifically, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
How did Breast Cancer Awareness Month start? It started in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries. Betty Ford, former President Gerald Ford’s wife and a breast cancer survivor herself, kicked off the first ever breast cancer awareness event. Fundraisers and awareness efforts soon became an annual activity in October.
What exactly is breast cancer? Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells starting in the breast. There are different types of breast cancer depending on where in the breast it began; it could spread to different parts of the breast or even to other parts of the body including the lungs or brain. There are five stages of breast cancer, from stage 0 to stage IV. Stage 0 is the presence of abnormal cells, stage I is the presence of a tumor, stage II and III is the spread of a tumor, and stage IV is the presence of tumors in other parts of the body.
Why haven’t people found a cure yet? We are constantly producing new cells in our body. Cells continue to divide until they are told to stop, but cancer cells do not stop dividing when they are told to do so, forming tumors and thus, cancer. It is so hard to treat because there are over 100 types of cancer and not everyone responds to the same treatments, the main three being surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. For example, the side effects from chemotherapy for someone who smokes may be worse than someone who does not smoke, possibly making that form of treatment not ideal. Since researchers have to find multiple solutions to multiple problems, cancer research is very time-consuming and costly.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer? Some of the main symptoms of breast cancer include a breast lump, a change in size, shape, or appearance of a breast, as well as changes to the skin over the breast.
Breast cancer statistics: It is estimated that 1 in 8 women in the US will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. While breast cancer mortality rates have decreased by more than 40% since 1989, it is still one of the most common types of cancer for women in the United States (Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation). A common misunderstanding of breast cancer is that only women can develop it, however, despite the chances being lower, men can still develop breast cancer. It is estimated that in 2020, almost 280,000 people will be diagnosed and more than 42,000 people (42,690 women and 520 men) will die of breast cancer in the United States alone. While this may seem bleak, the 5-year relative survival rates for women in the US with breast cancer is 90%.
How can I lower my risk of breast cancer? A few ways women can lower their risk of breast cancer include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption. While these tips do not guarantee that one will not get breast cancer, an easy way to detect breast cancer early is to get tested regularly. Most women do not have any visible symptoms of breast cancer, making regular screening extremely important. It is recommended that women aged 50-74 who are at average risk for breast cancer have a mammogram (an x-ray picture of the breast) done every 2 years. It is also not a bad idea to get into the habit of doing breast self-examinations once a month.
How can I support someone who has had or has cancer? Being there for someone who has breast cancer can be difficult since it is such a sensitive topic, but there are some ways you can support them. The first step is to try to understand what they are going through. Although you will not be able to know exactly what they are experiencing, you still can do some research and understand what their treatment entails. Some cancer treatments have harsh side effects, and knowing what these side effects are can help you figure out the best way you can support them. Depending on their treatment, they may need help doing certain things, such as cleaning around the house, making dinner, or driving to appointments. If you feel uncomfortable or unsure about how to support them emotionally, doing these small actions to show that you care can be extremely helpful to the person undergoing treatment. Another easy way to help someone going through cancer treatment is to listen to them. Know that they will not be happy all the time, and that’s okay. Sometimes all people need is someone to talk to and be there for them. Finally, look after yourself. Watching a sick loved one can be emotionally taxing and hard to accept, and before you can take care of someone else, remember to take care of yourself first.
What does breast cancer awareness month represent and how can I help? Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than a month to raise awareness – it’s a time to show solidarity and support for those who have had or have breast cancer. You can help make a difference by donating to non-profit organizations supporting cancer patients or funding cancer research projects, including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the National Breast Cancer Coalition. If you are unable to donate, you can help spread awareness by educating others about breast cancer or participate in events such as the Komen Race for a Cure, a fun run organized by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to fundraise. There’s hope that there will be a time without cancer, but until then, we must fight for a future in which everybody is able to get treated and continue to live their lives.
