While some people are highly educated about breast cancer, others might not know as much and are only familiar with the term because they hear so much about it in the media or from a physician. Oftentimes, the people who know the most about the disease are so well-versed because it’s close to their hearts for one reason or another. Maybe they lost a family member or maybe they are suffering from it themselves.
With October being such an essential month for raising awareness about breast cancer, you kind of get the feeling that “pink” is everywhere. It’s on billboards, it’s advertised on your favorite cereal boxes, your bank has suddenly gone “pink,” and even when you buy a cup of coffee at your local eatery, a small proceed may go to the cause.
With what seems like the entire country being on board for such a great reason, it may be hard to believe that Susan G. Komen for the Cure was the result of one promise made more than 30 years ago. Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister, Susan, who was dying from breast cancer, that she would do whatever it took to find a cure.
The first race ever was held in 1982. Now, three decades later, that one promise has been amplified and taken to incredible heights.
Even though National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about raising awareness, in Chicago, the goal is to kick it up a notch by encouraging people to take action. Now that people are aware and know what breast cancer is, it’s more about doing something, says Michael Ziener, executive director of Komen Chicago.
“We want to really take the message where we are aware of breast cancer, but we really want to scream from the rooftop that it’s time to take action,” he says.
“Taking action” can come in many forms, but some key points that Komen focuses on are summed up by Breast Self Awareness. Four things to keep in mind: know your risk, get annual screenings, know what’s normal for you and make healthy lifestyle choices.
Make sure you talk to your family to know your family history so that when you see a physician, you can assess your personal risks, Michael says. Also, get familiar with yourself. If you see something different about your body and make your physician aware of this change, you are taking control of your own health. It doesn’t just stop there—you also have to make healthier choices and incorporate exercise in your routine.
With one in eight women in their lifetime being diagnosed, early detection is key.
“When breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent,” Michael notes. “Back in the early 80s, that was about 74 percent to 78 percent, so we’ve seen the dial move dramatically.”
With the current state of healthcare, the reality is that many people just don’t have the resources to visit a physician regularly or even for an annual screening. Recognizing this, Komen Chicago finds the local “medical deserts” and assists those who are typically unable to get the medical attention that is needed. Additionally, Komen Chicago designed Circle of Promise, a program that specifically reaches out to African Americans, to educate and spread messages in various communities.
“Susan G. Koman for the Cure is the oldest community fueling the best science and making the biggest impact in the fight against breast cancer,” Michael says.
For more information or to volunteer, visit komenchicago.org.
