IS PINK ENOUGH?

Is Pink Enough?

Centering an empathetic approach to breast cancer awareness

As we say goodbye to October, we must remember that breast cancer awareness is not just a one-off phenomenon secluded to October. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that affects thousands of people across the United States.

The most recent stats report that one in every eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosis in women and the second leader in cancer-related mortality. More importantly than the endless statistics on breast cancer, we must remember that while breast cancer awareness ends on October 31^st, people fighting breast cancer are still living within the reality of their cancer diagnosis, no matter the month. Our advocacy for breast cancer (or any cancer) should not be limited to one month.

While celebrating breast cancer survivors and raising awareness around breast cancer in October is a beautiful thing, do not let your advocacy for breast cancer fighters and survivors end in October. We encourage you to reach out to your friends, family, or even strangers who are bravely fighting their cancer diagnosis, and for the people fighting cancer, always remember, you are so much more than your diagnosis.

Recently, breast cancer survivors and fighters have begun to express sentiments of exhaustion, frustration, discomfort, sadness, and even confusion surrounding the current breast cancer discourse that seems to be celebrating cancer more than the survivors and fighters of cancer. This exhaustion has been termed “pink ribbon fatigue” by researchers. Engagement in harmful or insensitive rhetoric surrounding breast cancer only further alienates those diagnosed with breast cancer.

Instead of placing the sole responsibility on breast cancer survivors and fighters to do the heavy lifting in awareness, we should all join together to become more educated on how to have conversations surrounding breast cancer that are not only well-informed but empowering and respectful to those most affected by breast cancer.

Advocating for yourself in healthcare is important, empowering, and impactful. Speak up and say something. Remember, you know your body and breasts best. If you notice any changes in your breasts, please reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. At Meadows Women’s Center, it is our goal to create an approachable and safe environment for all patients to feel welcomed and comfortable discussing their health. Please contact us and let us know how we can help today.

Meadows Women’s Center
9120 W Post Rd, Suite 200
Las Vegas, NV 89148
www.meadowswomenscenter.com