Why I'm Wearing Pink in October
It’s October guys!!!!! I seriously never get used to this feeling of timing slipping away or moving too quickly. Is that a sign of aging? Probably. Most of us may associate October with fall and finally cozy sweaters and leaves changing color and who can forget the infamous Mean Girls quote:-
C L A S S I C.
But October is also the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and even though I’ve known this for a while, it wasn’t until this last year that it really became important to me. It’s hard to describe what it feels like when someone you love says, “I have Cancer”. To be honest, I don’t remember much besides my mind going blank but simultaneously thinking a million thoughts at once. But this is the reality that many face at some time in their lives.
Last December, my mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Although Cancer isn’t foreign to my family—my grandfather has been diagnosed and also other members of my family—Its a different feeling when it’s someone close to you. When it’s your mom. When you’re faced with the possibility of a loss so great, things that you once overlooked become extremely important. Like knowing that there are organizations out there that help survivors like my mom get through this time, financially especially since the cost of care is so expensive. Truthfully, people of color especially benefit from these organizations since healthcare or a lack there of is a big reason why cancer goes undetected. Without access to proper healthcare and consistent yearly visits, some may go without diagnosis for a long time. Until it’s too late.
I know this is a heavy topic but truthfully it’s important to bring awareness because unlike many, my mom was blessed with her recovery because of early discovery. Since cancer had been in my family before, she was getting her yearly pap smears and mammograms as recommended. In the space of a year, she had developed cancerous cells in her breast that were so small it would’ve gone unnoticed by a regular self-examination. I cannot stress enough how important early discovery is.
So this is why I’m wearing Pink in October. I want to do my part to bring more awareness to a disease that about 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12.4%) will develop over the course of her lifetime. How fucking scary is that? Let’s consider some other statistics:
POC have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any racial/ethnic group in the US for most cancers. (American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures for African Americans 2016-2018)
Compared with white women, black women with breast cancer experience a significantly worse financial impact. Disproportionate financial strain may contribute to higher stress, lower treatment compliance, and worse outcomes by race. (Journal of Clinical Oncology)
45,000 deaths per year in the United States are associated with the lack of health insurance (CNN)
Shheshh. Right?!? I know this is a lot of information to take in, and as always, do your own research. But it’s clear that this is a serious health issue that we all need to be knowledgeable about: If you’re 40-45 years old you have the choice to start screening early, & If you’re 45 & older you should definitely be getting a mammogram every year. Like myself, I was worried about my chances due to my family history in general, but since I’m still in my twenties it’s still considered too young for these examinations. My mom did have genetic testing done and—(Thank God & the Universe)—the results were negative. But I still have to stay vigilant about my healthcare.
I know this is a tough conversation to have but make sure you encourage the Women in your life to be proactive about their health & take the necessary steps to prevent rather than cure. But remember there are many resources available. Take this month of October as a challenge to get educated about this disease & research a way that you feel comfortable with donating toward a cause that may save the life of someone you love one day.
P.S. I would like to dedicate this post to a fellow blogger that many knew as a light in the community. Kryzayda was a shining example to us all on how to stay strong and live life to the fullest. She shared her diagnosis with us around the same time that my mom told me about hers, and she fought hard till the bitter end. She was even younger than my mother. In her last words she wrote:
“I have a brand new car parked outside that can’t do anything for me, I have all kinds of designers clothes, shoes and bags that can’t do anything for me, I have money in my account that can’t do anything for me, I have a big well-furnished house that can’t do anything for me.
Look, I’m lying here in a twin size hospital bed; I can take a plane any day of the week if I like but that can’t do anything for me ... So do not let anyone make u feel bad for the things you don’t have - but the things u have, be happy with those; if you have a roof over your head who cares what kind of furniture is in it... the most important thing in life is LOVE. Lastly, make sure you enjoy the ones you love”
I am so blessed and thankful to still have more time.
Sincerely,
Tiffany S.
