It’s October.
Despite the warm temperatures all over the country, especially in cities like Chicago, New York, and Buffalo, Fall is technically the season we must claim. Most women are ready to transition into their boots and blazers, but the sandals and shorts seem to be holding on for dear life.
Halloween (a personal favorite), has served as the theme for plenty of weddings. It sounds creepy at first, but there are beautiful ways to incorporate the holiday into a wedding, I’ve seen it done beautifully. People start planning their costumes half way through the year, and researching the best Halloween parties in their cities.
October is jam packed with great weather, fabulous clothes, collegiate homecomings, and Halloween events. However, one of the most important things we should all be celebrating this month is Breast Cancer Awareness. In 2013, if we haven’t been personally affected by the disease, someone close to us has fought the battle. According to the American Cancer Society, the number of black women diagnosed with breast cancer is on the rise. There are no direct links to the reasons behind the rise, although holistic practitioners have their reasons (but that’s an article for another day, or a series of articles). The numbers are alarming. Government statistics are speculating that 232,000 women will be diagnosed this year, with 39,000 losing the battle.
This past June, the Journal of the American Medical Association released a study of their own highlighting research that suggests black women diagnosed with breast cancer do not survive five years beyond their diagnosis. The study highlights many aspects that have been debated in Congress and addressed by President Obama. Black women are generally diagnosed after the disease has progressed significantly, due to their lack of health care. This October the Affordable Care Act went into effect, it will certainly be interesting to see if these numbers are significantly altered.
Breast cancer death rates have dropped 34 percent since 1990. However, once upon a time white women had the highest rates of breast cancer among women over 40, but the gap between white and black women is closing. Black women, who may have taken their age for granted, are now more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer before their 40th birthday. Many healthcare professionals and medical executives suggest women get their first mammogram at age 40, but since early detection is key, have this conversation with your personal healthcare professional.
There are so many things to celebrate in the month of October (including my birthday), but the thousands of breast cancer survivors deserve all the cake, balloons, parties, and costumes we can give. Break out your pink ribbons, raise awareness, and stay ahead of the disease with regular screenings.
Have you personally been affected?
Do you know a fighter, living or deceased?
Tell us who your hero is!
