Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is a topic that hits close to home for me. Back in 2016, my grandmother received an early breast cancer diagnosis during one of her annual routine appointments. Initially, my family and I were concerned and worried about my grandma being diagnosed with breast cancer. However, the early detection played a pivotal role in her successful treatment and eventual remission. 

While my grandmother is now cancer-free, other people are still fighting breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women, accounting for nearly 1 in 4 cancer cases. While breast cancer diagnoses are higher in women, it is important to recognize that men can also develop this disease. Early detection through regular checkups is key in improving outcomes and saving lives. Different treatments for breast cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and hormone therapy depending on the type and stage of cancer. 

In addition, blood and platelet donations are important in the fight against breast cancer because they help with chemotherapy. Blood transfusions help improve overall health and allow patients to better tolerate their cancer treatments. They offer essential support to individuals fighting breast cancer, improving their chances of recovery and overall quality of life. Unfortunately, while 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, only 3% of the U.S. population donates blood. These statistics underscore the importance of breast cancer awareness and the need for blood donations.  

 

All of this serves as a reminder of the value of early detection through annual check-ups and the role that blood donations play in the battle against cancer. While my grandma didn’t need blood transfusions, many other breast cancer patients depend on them for their well-being. Join us this month to support breast cancer patients and help improve their quality of life.