It is something that affects 1 in 8 women in the United States during their lifetime and can absolutely destroy lives. It will take the lives of an estimated  42,170 lives this year, and will not only affect women but also men. It is also the most common cancer in all women in the world and there is, unfortunately, limited cures and help for this life-destroying illness (nationalbreastcancer.org).

Luckily for the millions of women around the world, October is solely dedicated to bringing awareness to this disease. The month is meant for highlighting ways you can detect cancer, help breast cancer patients, and overall show support for these strong women and men.

The first step in detecting breast cancer is knowing the facts. It is important to get your yearly check-up and know the signs of breast cancer. This includes having a breast self-exam, experiencing breast cysts and pain, or having a mammogram that will examine the breast tissue. These are all ways to detect cancer.

The diagnosis is not easy and involves many tests such as biopsies, lab tests, MRIs, and ultrasounds. And although going through the tests seems like the hardest part, waiting for the results is ultimately a lot harder as it is a heavily weighed problem on your mind for several days.

Additionally, it is important to know the several myths that surround breast cancer. The first one is that a lump on your breast means you have breast cancer. It has been found that only a small percentage of breast lumps are tested as breast cancer positive. Another myth is that if the gene mutation BRCA1 or BRCA2 is found in your DNA, you will definitely have breast cancer. This is not true, as only a harmful mutation of the genes will have a five times more likely chance to develop breast cancer.

Now although most of our country is on restrictions due to COVID-19, that is luckily not stopping us from giving praise to these women and men that are fighting so hard. One way to show your support is to obviously wear pink. The symbolic pink ribbon represents hope for the future and many businesses, companies, and individuals wear bright pink in solidarity. 

Not only are there symbolic ways to support, but there is also an annual walk to bring awareness and fundraise for a cure. This year the Komen Orange County Virtual MORE THAN PINK Walk will take place in Newport Beach on October 31. The walk will be virtual this year where you can either walk along the Newport Beach coast or do it in the comfort and safety of your own neighborhood. This event is open to anyone and is free, however, you are encouraged to fundraise so that money is put into intensive research.

This disease has honestly affected more people on campus that many of us know, and unfortunately, Junior, Sarah Lemos (11), and her family lost their grandmother to breast cancer and her family has continued to fight for a cure in honor of her beautiful soul. Lemos says that every time they visited her, they “gave her their best smiles and support because, in reality, that’s what she needed most”. The Lemos family was glad that they were able to be there for her, especially when she needed them most in those moments.

Overall, this disease is something that destroys the lives of so many and it is pivotal that we as a school and community can come together in support because, in reality, we do not know who on campus is being affected by it. By showing support with our pink ribbons or donations we are hoping that one day, our generation, can find a cure and end the losses in our families.