October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, supporting those affected, and encouraging action toward early detection and prevention. While Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims to promote education and support, it can be emotionally triggering for some patients. Media attention, pink ribbons, and public discussions may evoke feelings of anxiety, fear, or even survivor’s guilt. Those in remission might feel the return of emotions they had worked hard to manage, such as the trauma of treatment or the uncertainty of their health’s future. Additionally, for those who have lost loved ones to breast cancer, the month may bring back painful memories, exacerbating grief and feelings of helplessness.

Milestones Made with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, established in 1985, has become a powerful global movement, raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research, prevention, and treatment. The initiative began as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries (now part of AstraZeneca) to promote mammography as a critical tool for early detection. Over the decades, the pink ribbon, adopted in the early 1990s, has become an international symbol of solidarity and hope for those affected by breast cancer. The success of Breast Cancer Awareness Month lies in its ability to engage millions through public campaigns, fundraising events, and educational programs, contributing to increased survival rates through early detection and improved treatments.

What if its successes could be replicated for other cancers?

What if, as a society, we establish Being Cancer Aware, Every Day in an effort to support everyone impacted by cancer?

Being Cancer Aware, Every Day.

Creating a comprehensive program to raise awareness of all cancers involves a multifaceted approach that engages the public, healthcare providers, and policy-makers. First, it is crucial to develop educational campaigns that highlight the importance of early detection for a variety of cancers, not just the most common ones like breast or prostate cancer. These campaigns should address risk factors, prevention strategies, and screening options for different types of cancer. Second, partnering with community organizations, schools, as well as healthcare and religious/spiritual institutions can help reach a diverse audience—particularly underserved communities who may lack access to care. Third, providing resources for survivors and caregivers, as well as support for mental health, can also increase a Being Cancer Aware, Every Day program’s impact. Finally, leveraging social media, traditional media, and events such as health fairs or webinars can help spread key messages widely.

Being Cancer Aware, Every Day means learning and talking about cancer.

Cancer has been treated for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations. By fostering an open conversation about cancer, we help break the stigma and silence surrounding it. The earliest recorded treatments come from the ancient Egyptians around 1600 BCE, where surgical removal of tumors was documented. In ancient Greece, Hippocrates suggested that cancer was caused by an imbalance in bodily fluids and recommended diet and lifestyle changes. By the 19th century, advances in anesthesia and antiseptics allowed for more complex surgical treatments. In the 20th century, the development of radiation therapy and chemotherapy revolutionized cancer treatment, followed by targeted therapies and immunotherapies in recent decades, offering more personalized and effective approaches to combat cancer.

—> Discover & Learn

Dr. Stacy Wentworth, a radiation oncologist, is leveraging the power of social and traditional media with the launch of her a new podcast, Less Radical. The podcast delves into the life and work of Dr. Bernie Fisher, a trailblazing surgeon-scientist who revolutionized breast cancer treatment. Fisher’s groundbreaking research shifted the way we understand not only breast cancer but cancer as a whole. The six-part series narrates his journey from his early struggles to gain entry into medical school due to antisemitic quotas, to his transformative contributions in medicine, and the fallout he faced during a Congressional hearing that tarnished his reputation. Through the podcast, Dr. Wentworth brings listeners into operating rooms and research labs, exploring the deep impact of Fisher’s legacy on cancer treatment today.

Being Cancer Aware, Every Day means investing in pre-screenings for cancers to detect and treat early.

Cancer screenings are essential in detecting the disease at its earliest stages, often before symptoms appear. Early detection increases the likelihood of successful treatment and can significantly reduce the risk of death. Screenings such as mammograms, Pap tests, colonoscopies, and low-dose CT scans can identify cancers like breast, cervical, colon, and lung cancers early, when they are most treatable. According to the American Cancer Society, regular screenings have contributed to a decline in cancer mortality rates by enabling earlier interventions, improving survival outcomes, and saving countless lives.

—> Contact your elected officials and ask that they support legislation that invests in education and community building to increase free pre-screenings.

Being Cancer Aware, Every Day means scheduling and going for cancer screenings (e.g., mammograms, colonoscopies, etc) based on medical advice.

Universal access to cancer screenings, treatments, and support services is crucial for empowering patients to navigate their cancer journey with the best possible care. By ensuring everyone can access early detection and treatment, regardless of financial, geographical, or social barriers, patients are more likely to receive timely interventions that improve their prognosis. Comprehensive support services, from emotional counseling to survivorship programs, also play an important role in helping patients manage the physical, emotional, and mental challenges of cancer. Universal access fosters equity in healthcare, reducing disparities and improving overall outcomes for all individuals facing cancer.

—>Schedule your annual cancer pre-screenings.

Being Cancer Aware, Every Day means supporting the emotional challenges patients and loved ones experience throughout their journeys.

Psychosocial oncology counseling provides essential support to individuals affected by cancer by addressing their emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. A therapist can help patients manage distress, develop healthy coping strategies, and improve their overall quality of life. By enhancing communication with healthcare providers and fostering a sense of empowerment, counseling supports informed decision-making. It also offers critical support to families and caregivers, helping them navigate the challenges of the illness. Additionally, it aids in the transition to post-treatment life and provides comfort during end-of-life care, making it a vital component of comprehensive cancer care. There are a variety of options for psychosocial oncology counseling, individual, couples, and group can be provided by therapists who have received advanced training and run a private practice or work in a Cancer Support Program and through cancer services organizations such as Cancer Services and LiveLung.

—> Schedule an appointment with a counselor, join a group, or attend a community event to receive the support you need on your cancer journey.

Being Cancer Aware, Every Day means recognizing the emotional and physical strengths of caregivers and the emotional and physical toll it makes on caregivers.

Caregiving for cancer patients can take a profound emotional and physical toll. Caregivers often experience stress, anxiety, and depression as they navigate the intense emotional burden of watching a loved one battle cancer. Physically, they may face fatigue, sleep disturbances, and health problems from juggling caregiving responsibilities alongside personal and professional obligations. Caregivers also may struggle with feelings of helplessness and isolation, as the demands of caregiving can become overwhelming, leading to burnout. Addressing the emotional and physical needs of caregivers is crucial to ensure they can continue providing care while maintaining their own well-being.

—> Provide flex-time for caregivers to go for a walk, get a haircut, or have lunch with a friend & ask them how they are doing.

Being Cancer Aware, Every Day means financial investment in research for the discovery and treatment of all cancers.

Public attention and committed financial resources have developed advancements in breast cancer treatment. Targeted therapies, such as HER2 inhibitors and hormone therapies, are becoming increasingly refined, offering treatments tailored to the specific genetic makeup of a patient’s cancer. Immunotherapy, which harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells, has shown promising results, particularly in aggressive forms like triple-negative breast cancer. Additionally, advancements in precision medicine allow for more accurate genetic testing, enabling doctors to predict how patients will respond to different treatments and avoid unnecessary side effects. New therapies, combined with ongoing research into early detection and prevention, are paving the way for improved outcomes and a better quality of life for breast cancer patients.

—> Contact your elected officials and ask that they support legislation that invests in all cancer research.

Being Cancer Aware, Every Day means equal and affordable access to cancer care for all.

Equal and affordable access to cancer care is essential to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their financial or social status, can receive timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Disparities in access can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes, particularly for underserved populations, including BIPOC and those in low-income communities.

Women of color, particularly Black and Hispanic women, face significant disparities in breast cancer screenings and outcomes. Despite similar or lower incidence rates compared to white women, Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive forms of breast cancer at later stages, contributing to higher mortality rates. Factors such as limited access to healthcare, socioeconomic barriers, and systemic biases within the medical system contribute to these disparities. Language barriers, mistrust of the healthcare system, and lack of culturally competent care further widen the gap for Hispanic and other minority women. Addressing these disparities requires not only increased access to affordable screenings but also targeted outreach, education, and advocacy to ensure that all women receive the care they need to detect breast cancer early and improve survival rates.

By improving access to affordable cancer care, we can reduce inequities and improve survival rates, ultimately saving lives.

—> Contact your elected officials and ask that they support legislation ensures equal and affordable access to cancer care for all.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws attention to the crucial issues surrounding breast cancer, it serves as a vital reminder that awareness should extend beyond just one month. While October brings much-needed focus on early detection, support for survivors, and advancements in treatment of breast cancer, it can also serve as a reminder that we need to invest emotionally and financially in Being Cancer Ware, Every Day. Ongoing education, routine screenings, and advocacy for equitable healthcare access are essential in reducing the impact of this all cancers. By keeping awareness alive every day, we can continue to support those affected, encourage regular screenings, and push for progress in research, prevention, and treatment, ultimately saving more lives and fostering a supportive community.

In the spirit of awareness, this blog post honors anyone who has been touched by breast cancer, their struggles, their resilience, and their spirit. It also honors anyone who has been touched by any type of cancer, their struggles, their resilience, and their spirit.

LAR, 10/4/24