The Importance of Breast Cancer Awareness

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Avery DeBorde, Contributor

October has arrived, and while the season of the witch is very exciting, Halloween isn’t the only important thing going on this month. Breast cancer, the second most common cancer in women (after skin cancer) is recognized during the month of October. It is breast cancer awareness month, and it’s important to be cautioned on the effects that breast cancer has among millions globally.

Breast cancer is a life-threatening disease that has unfortunately taken the lives of many, and it’s currently the most common type of cancer around the world. It is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. In a recent study by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, it has been proven that 1 in 8 biological females in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. In 2021, an estimated 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed, as well as 49,290 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer in the U.S. Nearly all women who have been diagnosed with stage 0 and 1 breast cancer have an almost 100% 5-year survival rate.

Women globally have been affected with this disease and it is common for those to have one or both breasts removed and replaced to prevent it from spreading and affecting other parts of the body. This can have damaging effects on not only physical health, but also mental health and body image. Self-esteem is a huge part of mental health, and when one loses something as important as their breasts, they can suffer from severe depression and low self-worth. Breast cancer does not only affect biological females, however. Although uncommon, males can get breast cancer too. In a recent study, 2,650 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S and 530 will not survive.

Though these facts may seem frightening, breast cancer awareness isn’t meant to scare you. Awareness surrounding breast cancer is incredibly important as early detection, often through screening, can catch the disease when it is most treatable. Self-exams is another way to possibly detect breast cancer. This is done by checking for any unusual bumps or tumors on your chest. It’s important to not only spread the word about the dangers and effects of this disease, but to also take action upon yourself to ensure that you or a loved one does not have it before it’s too late.

If you wish to help those who are struggling with breast cancer, please visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org for more information and/or to donate towards a good cause.

“Being a survivor now, I realized I was not educated or aware about what breast cancer actually was and how it impacted and affected people.” – Patryce Sheppard.