The Nation Comes Together in the Battle Against Breast Cancer
Yesterday marked the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a yearly reminder to us all that early detection is the key to survival.
To kick off the national event, First lady Melania Trump reported on Twitter that "we lit the White House pink,” to show the importance of “talking to healthcare providers about mammograms and what can be done to reduce the risk.” The Today show is also getting involved with a week-long breast cancer awareness event hosted Hoda Kotb that will be feature some of the nation’s “top breast surgeons, oncologists, OBGYNs and psychologists” for a two-hour, live event called “Pink Power TODAY.” Viewers are encouraged to submit their breast cancer questions via Twitter using the hashtag #PinkPowerTODAY.
Photo: Today Show website
One in 8 women are diagnosed each year with breast cancer, with the American Cancer Society estimating that number at 252,710 before the end of 2017. Last week Julia Louis Dreyfus announced she was “one of those women,” sharing her breast cancer diagnosis on Twitter amid an outpouring of support.
Recently, two women from California anonymously shared a brief portion of their respective struggles with stage-4 breast cancer with the She-Compass network, including one woman who managed to become a mother to “two miracle twins” as she suffered through her diagnosis. She reminds the community that “Jesus can change anything and anyone’s circumstances.”
Another survivor noted that it was her relationship with her best friend that was integral to making it through treatment. “I am surviving beautifully because of that woman walking tall.” Some members of She-Compass community are contributors to Surviving Beautifully, a book full of aesthetic tips from cancer survivors and professionals who treat women undergoing cancer treatment.
Studies show that even if it doesn't increase chances of survival, “research has shown that giving cancer patients information in a support group helps reduce tension, anxiety, and may lower the risk of depression.”
More information on how to get involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month is available on the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation website.