By Julie Dunnigan, CEO of Cancer Support Community Arizona
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, more than 360,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024.
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and as a breast cancer survivor, I hope that by sharing my experience, I can help someone else who may be facing similar struggles. By spreading the word about early detection and lending our support to those in need, we can make a difference.
Schedule Regular Screenings
Early detection is key to successful treatment. When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the survival rate of breast cancer is 99%. It’s also important to make a habit of regularly performing self-examinations. Breastcancer.org recommends performing a self-examination each month so that if you notice any changes or abnormalities, you check in with your physician to address them immediately. If you’re over the age of 40 or are at increased risk, you should be seeing a physician for clinical breast examinations and mammograms on a yearly basis.
Educate Yourself and Others
Knowledge is power when it comes to breast cancer. Educate yourself on the disease’s risk factors, like genetic predisposition or lifestyle factors, that may contribute to the development of breast cancer. By learning more about your family’s medical history, you can better protect yourself.
Practice Empathy
Breast cancer is not just a physical battle, it’s an emotional one as well. It’s crucial to offer both practical help and emotional support for those with this diagnosis. Listening without judgment, offering companionship, and assisting with daily tasks can make a huge difference for someone in treatment.
Find A Community That Uplifts You
No one can, or should, face cancer alone. There are many nonprofit organizations in the Valley that help those battling cancer, such as the Cancer Support Community Arizona which provides 100+ free social and emotional support programs to anyone who has been impacted by cancer of any type, at any stage. Surround yourself with a community that understands what you’re experiencing. If someone you know is struggling with a cancer diagnosis, let them know about the resources available to them.
While this month sheds light on breast cancer, our efforts to raise awareness and offer support to those in need shouldn’t be confined to just one month. By staying vigilant about early detection and surrounding ourselves with supportive communities, we can make significant strides.
About Cancer Support Community Arizona
Cancer Support Community Arizona is a nonprofit organization that provides emotional and social support for anyone impacted by cancer by providing 100 free programs per month including bilingual support groups, social activities, mind/body therapies, nutritional counseling, educational seminars, and embedded hospital navigators who connect newly diagnosed cancer patient and their families to community resources. All programs are offered to Arizona residents at no cost and are designed to support cancer patients, their families, and caregivers throughout their cancer journey. To learn more about CSCAZ, please visit https://cscaz.org/.
