Living with breast cancer with a way forward

Celebrating breast cancer awareness month

Each October, the Canadian Cancer Society celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many Canadians use the month to inform people on the disease, empower people to make educated healthcare decisions, and to celebrate the courage and strength of those who have fought and continue to fight against breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness Month began in 1985, as a week-long campaign initiated by the American Cancer Society. The campaign has historically aimed to educate people on the disease, celebrate breast cancer survivors and honour those who have lost their battle. The Estée Lauder Companies founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in 1992, and later established the pink ribbon as a breast cancer awareness symbol. Since the formation of the foundation, there have been several observances of Breast Cancer Awareness Month worldwide. Roy Hill Railway in Western Australia, for instance, paints their locomotives and other equipment in bright pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

This year, several organisations are holding events to raise awareness and funds for research. The Peter Gilgan Centre for Women’s Cancers at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto is promoting their “Take Action, Take Control” initiative, for genetic screening for cancer risk among Black women. Although genetic testing is very prevalent for determining the risk of developing cancer, Black women’s participation in genetic testing remains low. Studies show that PALB2 mutations — genetic mutations that increase the risk for breast, ovarian, and other cancers — are more common in Black women with breast cancer in the U.S. Further, some research finds that triple-negative breast cancer occurs more often in Black women, women under 40, and women with a BRCA1 mutation.  

While women are often celebrated during this month, men with breast cancer are typically neglected. While breast cancer in cisgender men is rare, with less than one percent of all breast cancers occurring in men, further research is still needed. In lieu of this disparity, the third week of October was established as “Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week” in 2009 by advocacy groups like Out of the Shadow of Pink, A Man’s Pink, and the Brandon Greening Foundation for Breast Cancer in Men. 

Olivia Haill – Argosy Illustrator

Every Canadian has been impacted by breast cancer in some way, through a personal diagnosis or the diagnosis of a loved one. One in eight women are expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime. While this statistic may seem frightening, there are also some statistics worth celebrating. Since the peak of reported deaths in 1986, breast cancer death rates have dropped by an estimated 48 percent. Now women are being diagnosed sooner because of the increased awareness around the importance of mammograms and other screening practices, thereby receiving a better prognosis. In addition, Stand Up to Cancer Canada, in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, are currently completing clinical trials to find new ways of treating metastatic or stage four breast cancer. Current research and innovation is saving lives. 

Due to medical advancements, breast cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, with a five-year net survival rate of 89 percent. One way you can decrease the risk of breast cancer is by taking preventative measures such as living a healthy lifestyle and prioritizing early detection. Medical experts urge women over the age of 40 to get mammograms every two years. This simple procedure could be a lifesaving measure. To book a screening mammogram, New Brunswick residents can  contact one of their screening sites. If you have any questions regarding Breast Cancer Screening, call 1-844-777-3443 to reach New Brunswick Cancer Network. 



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