May We Live for a Cure to Cancer!

Cancer is an issue that impacts people everywhere. An estimated 600,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the United States every year. Breast cancer, the most common type, accounts for over half of those cases. October has been designated Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In honor of this month of recognition around this devastating issue, I write this blog not as a celebration but as a reminder of how impactful cancer is to so many people. I also write this as a reminder to all to engage with your health professionals to get the appropriate screenings for cancer. Early detection is our best and most effective treatment for cancer today.

I am not a cancer expert or even a survivor. I take this issue seriously and consider it a personal issue as it has impacted several people close to me. I, myself, have had several breast cancer scares resulting in multiple medically necessary biopsies. Through this, I have learned how early detection increases treatment effectiveness. For example, the 5-year survival rate of many types of breast cancer increases to 99% when detected early. In contrast, once breast cancer advances to a late stage of metastatic breast cancer, the 5-year survival rates drop to around 35%. You can help watch for signs of cancer with home self-exams and support from your doctor.

Again, I am not a doctor, an expert, or a studied professional in this field. I am just a layperson who cares about this topic. We all have our ways we can help. Some people make donations to charities. Some people visit those who are sick. Some people care for loved ones. The one thing everyone can do is to help reduce their own risk. There is currently no way to stop or cure cancer. I wish I could say there was. But talk with a health care professional. Learn how to check yourself for cancer. Female or male, learn about your risk for breast cancer. Yes, even men can get breast cancer. Learn about your risk for ovarian, testicular, bone, prostate, or skin cancer. Find out what you can do to reduce your risk and if there are self-exams or annual exams you can do (skin checks, testicular exams, pap smears, etc.)

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder of the risk and loss we have faced from the horrible disease of breast cancer. It can also serve as a reminder to us all of the horribleness of cancer in general. Let's all work together to fight this awfulness in whatever way we each are able. So, in honor of the researchers, the medical professionals, the volunteers, and especially the survivors, I offer my heartfelt wishes. May we live on for a cure to cancer.