October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.We all know someone who has been impacted by cancer in one way or another. There are many types of cancers, the most common being breast cancer. About one in eight women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their lives– that’s 12% of the female population. Out of these women, one out of thirty-six (3%) will die from breast cancer. Luckily, the death rates have decreased over the past 25 years. Now, there are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors. While most people know what breast cancer entails, a lot of people do forget to take the steps necessary in order to stay healthy and safe. So what kind of plan can we have to keep ourselves cancer free?
1. Mammograms! As women, it is important to have a clinical breast exam on a regular basis.
2. Breast self-exams! Self-examining is very proactive and beneficial for women of all ages. Your doctor can give you all the information you need regarding checking yourself for symptoms of breast cancer (for example, feeling for a lump). However, it is important to understand that a self-exam cannot replace a clinical breast exam.
With the advancement of technology, research would not even be possible without donations and support from nationwide communities. One of the most well known fundraisers for cancer is The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. Relay For Life is an all-night fundraiser to support survivors and fight back against cancer. At the fundraiser, people of all ages walk all night long to raise money for the cause. Throughout the night, many touching ceremonies are held including the “lantern” lighting. Throughout the night, people have the option of buying a lantern (a white paper bag) and writing the names of loved ones who have been affected by the disease on the outside. Then, before the sun rises, walkers place their bags around the track and light a candle inside. The bags light up the track the way those loved ones who are battling or have battled the disease light up our lives. Relay for Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have overcome cancer, remember the people who lost their battle to cancer, and fight back against the unfortunate disease. The American Cancer Society helps people take steps to diminish their risk of cancer or find it early. They provide free information and amenities to cancer patients throughout their journey. The organization is participating in vital research to prevent, treat, and one day, cure all cancers. Last year, I began my Relay For Life experience by forming my own Relay team here at Sacred Heart. In 2014, my team and I raised $5,100, the most money ever raised by a single team in Sacred Heart University history! This year, I will captain a team again. Our goal has been pushed up to $6,000, but I am confident we can do it! My team is called, “All Night For The Fight,” and we are ready to fight against cancer again! (If anyone is interested in participating, please feel free to contact me or the Relay For Life president, Lily DiPaola. Make sure to come participate in Sacred Heart’s Relay For Life this year and keep an eye out for emails about the event).
The “All Night For The Fight” team
Viki and her Aunt, a breast cancer survivor, at last year’s Relay For Life.
For me, breast cancer is a disease that hits rather close to home. I’ve known many women who have dealt with breast cancer, some who were able to survive and others who were not as lucky. Two of the most important people in my life have been affected by breast cancer, my grandmother and my aunt. In 2004, at the age of 64, my grandmother was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer. At just twelve years old, I didn’t quite understand just how serious the concept of cancer was. However, a few years later in 2013 when my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was more than aware of the situation’s severity. The news hit me like a ton of bricks. My aunt, just 45 years old then, was (and still is) my best friend. Hearing that she had been diagnosed with cancer was one of the scariest moments I have ever experienced. Knowing how scared I was, I couldn’t even imagine how scared she must have been to get the news. I participate in Relay For Life for my grandmother and my aunt. I encourage you to join the movement this year at Sacred Heart University (Date TBA).
In light of Breast Cancer Awareness month, be aware of your body– stay on the lookout for signs and symptoms of breast cancer by taking necesary precautions like self-checks. Also, think pink! Think about becoming involved in the battle against breast cancer.
Have a story you want to share? Share your story with Her Campus Sacred Heart by emailing Colleen O’Melia at omeliac@mail.sacredheart.edu!