Breast Cancer Awareness Month: A Cause That’s Personal to Me and So Many

Every October, countless people show their support for various non-profits and campaigns related to breast cancer — a disease that nearly 1-in-8 U.S. women will develop in their lifetime.??

Like many people, I have seen the impact of this terrible disease. Breast cancer has impacted the women in my wife's family and mine, including my sister and cousin, who were all diagnosed with breast cancer early in their lives. Sadly, I lost my sister to breast cancer four days after her 49th birthday. At the same time, my cousin continues her fight day in and day out. Through these experiences, I learned about the work so many do to make a difference for patients and their families.?

Reflecting on My Family’s Experience

There are many things I have learned over the years as the women in my life have courageously fought against breast cancer.?

One of the biggest — and the most eye-opening — was that Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with and pass away from breast cancer than any other group. This was extremely alarming to me and something we need to help raise awareness about so that Black women can take measures early.?

One of the other takeaways I’ve come to realize is that there is a great deal of conflicting information as well as limited access to verified and clear facts for patients and their families. This ranges from information on what patients should do once diagnosed, to what type of breast cancer patients are diagnosed with, to proactive measures people can take earlier in their lives, and more.?

For example, according to the CDC , “...women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their doctor or other healthcare providers about when to start and how often to get a mammogram.”?

This may be the right course of action for some women, but for Black women, this may not be the best course of action given that the incidence rate is much more significant and the disease occurs at a much earlier age.?

Combatting these issues — especially on the information front — is a wonderful organization called BreastCancer.org .?

Founded in 2000 by Marisa C. Weiss, MD , BreastCancer.org has reached nearly 200 million people as part of its mission to help people make sense of the complex information about breast health and breast cancer. More specifically, the organization helps individuals and their families find reliable answers to questions about their risk, diagnosis, treatment plan, surgical options, and more so they can be informed, supported, and empowered to make the right choices for them.?

My family and I know firsthand how much information is out there about breast cancer, and it can be challenging to discern what is accurate and valuable. BreastCancer.org has been an essential resource for us as the women in my life continue their fight against the disease, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the knowledge they have armed us with.?

Supporting the Breast Cancer Cause Year-Round?

As we continue to show support for causes related to breast cancer this month, we must remember that this disease impacts women and men all year long. In fact, a woman in the U.S. is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes.?

I encourage everyone to continue their support for non-profit organizations, like BreastCancer.org, all year round. These organizations are working tirelessly every day of the year to not only find a cure for this devastating disease but to provide critical information that could change the lives of those impacted.?