As breast cancer awareness month concludes, I want to remind you that awareness and advocacy should not be limited to just one month. Breast cancer does not follow a calendar, and neither should our efforts to spread awareness.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States. Approximately “240,000 women are diagnosed annually, and 42,000 women die from the disease each year,” according to the CDC. These statistics are intense, but they also prove the need for education and support among our world.
Breast cancer advocacy holds a special place in my heart, as both of my grandmothers have battled and survived breast cancer. I remember visiting my grandmother during one of her treatments. Witnessing her pain and exhaustion was heartbreaking, but her resilience and determination was incredibly inspiring.
My grandma was lucky enough to catch her cancer early and had a wonderful support system by her side throughout the treatment process. I couldn’t help but think about the thousands of people who do not have a support system or adequate finances to support themselves, or do not catch symptoms early enough.
As college students, we need to better educate ourselves on the facts and statistics of breast cancer, warning signs and precautionary measures women should be taking. This knowledge can save someone’s life as catching breast cancer early tremendously raises survival rates.
Ribbon of Hope, an organization based here in Wisconsin, was founded by a group of breast cancer survivors and offers financial and emotional support to individuals undergoing breast cancer treatments. As survivors themselves, they understand the physical and emotional impact breast cancer in itself can have on an individual, which fuels their mission to help others. Their goal is to provide adequate support so patients can focus on fighting cancer, minimizing other stressful worries such as medical bills.
Breast cancer awareness month is just one example of how our society confines advocacy for certain health causes to a single month — heart health in February, mental health in May. While these months bring awareness to specific diseases and circumstances, just like breast cancer, these conditions do not adhere to a calendar. Sadly, the reality is that diseases such as breast cancer affect individuals every day.
With this, I ask you to do your research, learn facts, statistics and share your knowledge with friends and family. When you become aware of an “awareness month,” challenge yourself to sit down and learn information. Do not just post an Instagram picture because everyone else is. If you are able, reach out to organizations such as Ribbon of Hope on how to get involved because you can make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Advocacy, education and support must be ongoing in order to make a lasting impact on our society. We are in control of our future, so let's advocate, let’s research, let’s come together to make a lasting difference — no matter what month it is.
