October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease and to share the stories of those who have dealt with it. According to the American Cancer Society, it was estimated that, among U.S. women, there would be 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 40,450 breast cancer deaths in 2016. Breast cancer begins when cells divide and grow without their normal control. Breast cancer occurs almost entirely in women, but it is important that even men be aware of the disease because they can get it too. The warning signs of breast cancer are different for every woman, but with the help of regular mammography screening, most breast cancers in the U.S. are found at an early stage. While this is true, not all breast cancers are found through mammography, which makes it such an impactful disease.

          It is important that we bring awareness to breast cancer so that we can recognize the heros that have survived it or are still dealing with it today. One woman, named Maria Gonzalez, won the battle of breast cancer through chemotherapy. This strong and powerful survivor not only fought breast cancer, but did so while pregnant. Maria is a true example of what it means to be a hero, for herself and her son. Another survival story that stands as a reminder to keep fighting is from Elida Cano. Elida is a 32 year old woman who lived to tell her survivor story after she fought the war that is breast cancer, and left the war a veteran with advice to share with others.. She says that it has taught her a lot about life. She states, “Breast cancer taught me to enjoy life everyday as if it’s our last day. Also not to take anything for granted.” She also says that most of her learning also came from her son, “What I learned from my son when he started walking is that you can’t give up,” she said, “They try to get their first steps and fall, and that’s when I learned to cheer him on, and to use that same motto for my journey,  in Spanish ‘paso a pasito, poquito a poquito’ (step by step and little by little), I was going to get there eventually.”  

          The end results of these people’s breast cancer journey is empowering. With the journey comes the obtaining of strength and the ability to keep fighting. What makes Breast Cancer Awareness worth celebrating is its showcase of womanhood and empowerment.

 

Sources

http://ww5.komen.org/

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-what-is-breast-cancer

www.breastcancer.org