Editor’s Note: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Commercial Integrator presents this op-ed from WAVIT as a public service in hopes of encouraging the women and men in our industry not only to care for themselves and take preventative action but also to support others who are suffering from breast cancer.
As we enter the month of October, we turn our focus and care to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
So, what does that look like exactly?
We are focusing on and celebrating the brave four million-plus survivors who have either completed treatment or are currently undergoing treatment during this immense, painful and unthinkable adversity.
Sadly, we are also focusing on and fighting the 310,720 new diagnoses of invasive breast cancer that individuals have had endure in 2024. We are focusing on and mourning the loss of about 42,250 people who lost their lives to breast cancer this year (statistics from the American Cancer Society).
We’re also focusing on and acknowledging the fact that Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer than any other race or ethnic group is. It’s likewise important to note that 1% of all breast cancer cases occur in men. While breast cancer in men is rarer, it can often be diagnosed later and result in higher mortality rates.
October is, most of all, a time to take all possible measures to prevent breast cancer. Taking care of and advocating for those impacted is essential, but so, too, is taking self-care measures. Preventative healthcare is life-saving healthcare for many. Taking the right actions can truly make all the difference when it comes to lowering your risk and becoming aware of symptoms.
Learn and Understand Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Unfortunately, we still don’t completely understand the cause of breast cancer. Some risk factors, such as old age and family history, are completely out of your control. However, there’s power in knowing the risk factors that we can actively manage. What follows are some great lifestyle changes that, according to Advocate Health, may help:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, with less processed foods, fatty foods and red meat.
- Exercise consistently; exercising about four to seven hours a week is recommended.
- Limit alcohol intake and stop smoking entirely.
- Watch for any increased estrogen exposure (common with hormone replacement therapy).
Take Part in Prevention Programs
One of the most important aspects of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is sharing just how important it is for people to take preventative action.
Although these measures don’t prevent cancer altogether, many can be crucial to catching the disease while it is at an earlier and more treatable stage. What follows are the two most common ways to take preventative action against breast cancer:
Mammograms: This is one of the most important tools we have in the fight against breast cancer. By taking an X-ray of the breast, doctors can detect breast cancer, as well as any other abnormalities present. Mammograms are essential because they can find cancer before it has gotten big enough to feel. That means it would be at its most treatable stage. Also, a mammogram is currently the only test that is affirmatively proven to reduce breast cancer deaths.
For women older than 40, the American Cancer Society urges annual mammograms. This age demographic suffers from more aggressive cancer, notably due to certain factors like genetics and breast density. The median age at diagnosis is 62, whereas only a small number of women are younger than 45 at the time of diagnosis.
Self-examinations: There are certain warning signs to look out for. That means doing self-examinations is incredibly important. Something to look out for are any changes in the look or feel of the breast. You should seek medical attention if anything looks or feels different or abnormal.
By helping people in your community, you, as an individual, can really make a difference. And you’ll see that difference every day. Pixel-Shot/stock.adobe.com
Spread Your Care Outward
In terms of preventative care, there are many things that can be done to potentially lessen the odds of a breast cancer diagnosis down the line. Nevertheless, for women, breast cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., save only for skin cancer. That means there are countless people who need care and support.
In terms of caring, loving and showing empathy for the people all around the world impacted by this disease, there’s a lot that can be done. There’s a lot of power in having a support system, whose members can include family, friends, neighbors, coworkers and anyone else. Online support groups and mentorship programs, similar to Women in AV/IT (WAVIT), also have a key role to play.
Supporting charitable organizations can also make all the difference. Although October attracts a lot of attention for and awareness of breast cancer, it’s important to turn conversation this month into action year-round.
Different Kinds of Support
Countless well-known charities work to provide different kinds of support — from financial assistance, to wigs, to fitness programs, to much more — to those fighting breast cancer. Some key organizations include the American Cancer Society, After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Imerman Angels and Chemo Angels, among so many others. Countless local organizations do a lot of good and need support, as well, so consider funding those. Local resources can be found via hospital social workers or even through social media initiatives like Facebook groups. By helping people in your community, you can really make a difference, and you’ll see that difference every day.
Other organizations are looking to find a cure; these include Stand Up To Cancer and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Both are excellent organizations if you’re looking to send donations.
This October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, care and support are top of mind. That includes self-care, caring for family and friends, and amplifying support nationwide.
Rachael Hinds is senior marketing manager with Peerless-AV.
