Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast  Cancer awareness month. It’s been called “Pinktober” because of the numerous displays of pink that capture the attention of the public globally. The colour pink has that appeal that helps to sell products, and in most cancers, receive donations for research and assistance for breast cancer patients. Organizations like ours wish that the enormous publicity that October gets would exist every day, all year. Because breast cancer affects women and men every day.

In Saint Lucia 1 in 16 women will be affected by breast cancer in their lifetime. In the US 1 in 8. Breast Cancer is the most common caner among our females, and the number one cause of cancer deaths. Approximately 50 women get diagnosed with breast cancer annually in Saint Lucia, and that number is expected to increase.

“SHADES OF PINK” symbolizes the varying impact of breast cancer on the persons that it affects – the patient, the family and those around. Breast cancer affects each person differently. One shade of pink CANNOT be applied or used to describe everyone’s journey. The physical, financial and emotional effects of the diagnosis and treatment require that we understand how one disease can have so many shades. Only then will we understand how to help each person. Each treatment is personalized….. each conversation is different….. each need is special.

October for many survivors and families of persons affected by breast cancer is a reminder of the journey, a reminder of the diagnosis and treatments – the reality of breast cancer. In some cases, the losses. One patient puts it this way: “When you see pink or are asked to “wear pink” please remember the reality of those suffering from breast cancer, and that it’s anything but pink.” @monicabrooks.

This month we invite you to understand the disease. Become advocates for early diagnosis and treatment. Become empowered. Become healthy.