If you’re like me, the word “October” brings to mind pumpkins, scary movies, and the annual nausea that accompanies a few too many fun-sized Milky Way bars. While October is definitely about the spooky and the sweet, it is also about empowerment and awareness.
This month is devoted to both Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness. While brainstorming costumes and making Halloweekend plans is definitely important, it’s equally important to remember yourself and your loved ones during this time of year. Breast Cancer Awareness month is devoted to increasing awareness and educating women about the disease. In this day and age, it’s difficult to find even one person that hasn’t been affected by cancer in some way. In the United States, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. This staggering statistic brings to mind the friends, aunts, sisters, mothers, and grandmothers that have or will battle this disease during the course of their lives.
It’s exactly during this month that you must remember both your loved ones and yourself, and find out how you can decrease your risk of breast cancer. Studies have shown that healthy body weight, regular physical activity, and a healthy diet have all been linked to reducing the risk of breast cancer. It’s also crucial to know your family history with breast cancer. Self-examinations are imperative for women of all ages to increase their chance of early detection. According to Johns Hopkins Medical Center, “Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.” No harm can come from being vigilant and proactive in your own health.
October is also Domestic Violence Awareness month. This is an issue that also predominately plagues women, with one in four women experiencing some form of domestic or dating violence during the course of their lives. Domestic violence is often a silent problem—however, it’s the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the U.S. As of right now, there are more animal shelters than shelters for domestic violence survivors. Reasons like this are why we need to come together as a community to raise awareness for this issue: in the face of such stunning numbers, empowerment and advocacy prove to be critical.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse (either physical or emotional), the UMass Police Department has a list of resources to help. We can only fight for ourselves and the women we love by breaking the silence.
College is a time to find yourself and relish your independence, but don’t forget to care for yourself—physically and emotionally. As a collegiette, there are endless resources and an entire community available to assist you. When you think of October, think of Halloween candy and scary movies, but also think of paying attention to you and your loved ones’ well-being. If there’s anything to take away from this month, it’s to be proactive in your health and be empowered by the community that backs you.