Bezzy BC Members Share Their Thoughts on Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Awareness Month can be deeply personal and a unique experience for every person with breast cancer.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and with it comes a flood of emotions for many survivors — a sense of purpose, empowerment, anger, confusion, or indifference.

Started in 1985 as a weeklong occasion, Breast Cancer Awareness has expanded into a monthlong event full of walks, fundraising, and galas. Its purpose is to boost awareness, raise money for research, and educate people on prevention and detection.

While Awareness Month is rooted in good intentions, some people with breast cancer feel that it’s strayed from the original purpose and become too commercialized.

Here are how some members of the Bezzy BC community feel about Awareness Month.

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I’m proud to be a thriver

“I’ll participate in the American Cancer Society’s Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness. I have a porch flag that displays pride in being a thriver. I also have several tops that show I’m a thriver.” — Christina99

It feels surreal

“It feels surreal going into this month. For so long it was something other women dealt with, and now I’m in treatment.” — themrslewis

It makes me cringe

“I’m a mammogram technologist and have been for 20 years. October makes me cringe actually … Breast Cancer Awareness should not be a 1-month deal — It should be an every-single-day-of-the-year deal.

Why doesn’t cancer care teach all of the risk factors? Most women have no idea that drinking alcohol or being overweight increases their risk. Having dense breast tissue also increases your risk because it makes mammography more difficult to see tumors.

There should be awareness 365 days a year, not just for breast cancer but for all cancers.” — Ellen4550

It can save your life

“I just went in for a routine, annual mammogram. I just ended up having a double mastectomy. It’s important that every October you’re reminded to get your mammogram. Maybe your results will be different than mine, maybe they’ll be similar, but you won’t know unless you schedule an appointment. October reminds me I’m still here.” — Debbie DL Camp

I’m not sure how to feel

“This will be my first year. I’m not sure how to feel about it. Too many emotions.” — Flores3

I feel honored

“I finished treatment a month ago and went back to work teaching at the beginning of the school year. Yes, it’s easy to get jaded by the pinkwashing, but a lot of good comes out of the month, too. My school formed a team in my honor, and we’re all walking for a local women’s cancer respite. I’m honored and emotional.” — lucreciadenise

It reminds me of my own mortality

“It’s tough for me, going through MBC. There are a lot of memorials and tragic stories used for awareness, and even though I’m currently very well, every time I see them I’m reminded that it could be me at literally anytime. I’d prefer to see less tragedy and outdated pinkwashing, and more actionable plans instead.” — Jen Pogue

I don’t need to be any more aware

“I’m plenty aware of breast cancer and am annoyed at all the cutesy pink-washing and ribbons I see out in the world. I will literally say to anyone who asks if I want to donate to Breast Cancer Awareness that I don’t need to be any more aware than I already am. I have the scars and side effects to prove it.” — she_stitched_this

It’s a part of my life

“Whatever it takes to bring awareness. I only wish all of the money collected actually went toward a cure.

I understand how it can be a trigger for many people, but it’s not for me. It’s a part of my life.” — Jane Miller

The takeaway

Awareness Month can be deeply personal and a unique experience for every person with breast cancer.

While some people find it empowering, others can feel like they’re dragged into a marketing ploy they never asked to be a part of.

No matter how you get involved with Awareness Month, know that we’re always here for you at Bezzy BC.