It's currently the end of October, also known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The pink ribbons have been flying high, and the breast cancer campaigns may still be advertising for their fundraisers, but this won't last for long. Soon it will be November and next thing you know, everyone will be focused on the busy holiday season. While this is completely normal and acceptable, I've come to appreciate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is such an inspiring time for many, bringing about a sense of hope. But after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), I have learned from experience that although breast cancer awareness month has good intentions, there are definitely some things that are unproductive and can put a sour taste in the mouths of those of us with MBC.
Pink ribbons don't do anything - They might raise awareness, but the money should be going towards actual research, not towards creating pink products. Many organizations spend money investing into pink products for the month of October, but rather than throwing money away to "raise awareness," businesses should put their money where their mouth is and actually donate to campaigns that raise money for breast cancer research, specifically stage IV.
MBC is not represented by the pink ribbon - Lower stages of breast cancer are considered curable (unless the cancer comes back) whereas MBC is incurable. Because of this large distinction, the MBC ribbon contains teal, green, and pink. This is why my blog includes these colors! You can read a little more about this if you head my home page.
Many breast cancer campaigns don't donate money to research MBC - Less than 5% of all funds raised for breast cancer are actually focused on saving the lives of those of us with MBC. If more money was raised for actual research this would most likely result in finding a cure for all stages of breast cancer, or at least allow MBC to become a chronic disease rather than a terminal disease. METAvivor is one of the few organizations that donates all funds raised to MBC research. This is why I frequently advocate for this organization.
There is a constant reminder that breast cancer exists - The way that breast cancer is nonchalantly discussed during October can be really difficult for those of us who are actually diagnosed with the disease. I completely understand that there is a need for awareness so others realize that breast cancer, specifically MBC, is a real issue, but frequently reading the statistics about MBC is honestly depressing. The fact that the average person with MBC lives only 2-3 years is a terrifying thought. It's already been almost 2 years since I was diagnosed, so thinking that based on averages I only have one year left to live is extremely difficult to think about and be reminded of on a daily basis.
There is a focus on survivors - Something that is celebrated during breast cancer awareness month is the many men and women who have beaten breast cancer and are currently in remission. I greatly rejoice with those who have overcome breast cancer, but the focus on survivorship can be frustrating because MBC is not curable. In this day and age it is impossible to be in remission from MBC, so I believe there should be more of a focus on those of us who are thriving despite facing an incurable disease, even if we haven't necessarily "beaten cancer." Sometimes the common phrases that are so frequently spoken around this time such as "You can beat this," "You're so strong," or "Cancer's got nothing on you" can make me feel like a failure. I know people have good intentions when they say these things, but in reality, those of us with MBC will never be cancer free. It also is disappointing to hear these phrases when many people in my cancer community have died from MBC because I know they did everything they could to survive and live a long and happy life.
Now, besides all this negative stuff, lets focus on some of the positives that come with breast cancer awareness month:
Certain organizations, such as METAvivor, are campaigning and raising money for MBC - As stated above, more funds need to go towards MBC. "Stage IV needs more" is a common phrase you might here at this time of year and is a great reminder about the necessity of researching MBC to be able to find more life saving or even life prolonging drugs. METAvivor has done a great raising awareness for MBC and has raised over $350,000 for MBC this October. It is because of organizations like this that I have hope that I will one day be able to beat this disease.
Having a month designated to breast cancer gives those of us with breast cancer a great platform to share our stories and educate those around us - If you follow me on social media, you will know that I've definitely taken advantage of October to share things that are close to my heart, as well as educate those around me about the importance of donations to MBC research. In case you missed it, I was chosen by METAvivor to share a bit of my story as well as some important things I want my family and friends to know. You can watch it here! https://www.instagram.com/p/CkBkVBVg81y/
The community comes together - This is one of my favorite things about October. From fun runs, to fundraisers, seeing people come together for a good cause makes my heart happy. It is also a great reminder of the support I have in my community.
Progress for MBC awareness specifically is made - This year, I decided to volunteer with METAvivor to help make a difference. My specific role was to compose a proclamation and write a letter to the Governor of Michigan to make October 13th Michigan's Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. I am proud to say that my hard work paid off and it's official. This is just one small and personal example, but it gives me hope knowing that every small step adds up and is making a difference.
So, while Breast Cancer Awareness Month has definitely provided opportunities for progress in the breast cancer world to be made, there is still room for growth. I hope that together those of us with breast cancer as well as those who have not personally been affected by this disease will continue to raise awareness and donate to organizations in the months to come to find a cure!
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