Why I cut my Hair

(Other than the fact that it looks super fashionable, French-West African chic type, that I save me precious morning time… I that I can now really say ‘I woke up like this’)

Have you ever wondered why someone would cut their hair? For me, it's more than just a fashion statement or a way to save time and money on hair care. It's a personal campaign for breast cancer awareness. Eight years ago, I discovered I was pregnant at the age of 45. Considered a geriatric pregnancy, I had to undergo a series of tests. It all came back great; I am very blessed. Around the same time, a young colleague of mine was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. I felt both sadness for her and gratitude for my own health. That year, I shaved my hair for the first time and donated it to an organization that creates wigs for women suffering from breast cancer. I am happy to report that my colleague today is well and healthy. Nevertheless, it was an important wake-up call for me and since then I am not missing my annual mammograms. It requires a little bit of pressure on the breast, but only takes a few minutes to know what’s going on in my body.

Regular mammograms can lead to early diagnosis, improve treatment options, and ultimately lead to better outcomes. Living in the ‘First World’, we are fortunate to have access to annual mammograms, in the best case, covered by our employer’s insurance. However, not everyone has this luxury as many women in the world do not have access to even basic health services. According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, disproportionately affecting individuals in low- and middle-income countries, with lower survival rates than in high-income countries. It is important to understand the reasons for women's non-participation in health-promoting activities, such as mammographic screening, which facilitates early detection of malignancies. It can be understood from many different perspectives such as, socio-economic and lifestyle-related issues determinant of health. Mammograms may not be 100% accurate, however, it remains the best breast cancer screening test we have at this time.

While women make up 50% of the global population, they are still underrepresented in clinical trials – even lab mice are predominantly male – and their specific needs still unfairly reflected in healthcare research. As a result, there are fewer adapted treatments available for women-specific diseases, general treatment may be less effective for women or have higher side effects. And that is if the disorder is not simply ignored! Women are different from men, and their bodies function differently. With over 57% of medical researchers being females, is there a hope for change in the field?

A few months ago, a dear friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. In solidarity with her and to restart my awareness campaign, I donated my hair again. It's a statement and an opportunity to talk about this important topic, with men and women. We can all do our part in raising awareness and supporting those affected by breast cancer.

Not that you asked but…now you know why I cut my hair.