Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as an important platform to spread knowledge, inspire action, and celebrate the resilience of those affected by breast cancer. Whether you're directly impacted, know someone who is, or want to make a difference, understanding the significance of this month is a step toward making a meaningful impact.
The Origin of Breast Cancer Awareness Month & The Pink Breast Cancer Ribbon
Breast Cancer Awareness Month began in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries, aimed at promoting mammography as the most effective defense against breast cancer. The pink breast cancer ribbon has become an emblem of breast cancer awareness, signifying hope and solidarity. This symbol serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection, funding for research, and support for those who are going through treatment or have survived breast cancer.
Understanding Breast Cancer & Increasing Awareness
While breast cancer predominantly affects women, men are not entirely immune. Early detection through regular mammograms can be life-saving. The advancement of technology has made these screenings more accessible, which is why education about breast cancer is so important. Understanding risk factors like genetics, lifestyle choices, as well as preventive measures can significantly impact outcomes.
Research Advancements
Research into new therapies and improving diagnostic tools is helping with the advancement of treatments for breast cancer. By supporting research efforts, this contributes to a future where breast cancer diagnoses come with more effective and less invasive treatments.
Courtney’s Story
At 37 and a mother of three young children, Courtney was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes. She went through chemotherapy, radiation, a double mastectomy, and hysterectomy all while worrying how her sickness was affecting her kids. During her treatment, she only took a short leave from work⎯teaching a classroom full of first grade students to ensure that her family was able to thrive. She is the definition of Larken, the epitome of a fierce mom, and Maggie (the co-founder of Larken’s) role model and sister.
At the time she was diagnosed, the doctors had told her not to worry⎯she was so young, so healthy, and the lump that she had found didn’t initially appear to be concerning. The doctors almost didn’t even test the lump. When the test concluded that the lump was indeed cancer, and a very aggressive form, even the doctors were shocked. The battle against her cancer was tough, full of many surgeries and treatments but with great joy, the doctors declared that she was in remission. However amazing the news was, she still lives in fear that it may come back and her body still constantly deals with the aftermath of the battle she fought. Just this year, she underwent a 10 hour surgery in which the doctors took blood vessels from her stomach to put back in her chest in order to combat dying tissue from the cancer and radiation.
Having young children when diagnosed with something so terrifying is a whole other level of challenging and one, unfortunately, known to too many. One of the most touching stories was when she and her husband took their family to Disney World during the mist of her chemotherapy to try and get away from it all for a bit. On the tower of terror ride, her son was very concerned that his mom‘s wig would fly away. While most six-year-olds were terrified of the ride, he was more concerned that his mother would be embarrassed. This moment was caught in the picture below.
During her surgeries, she loved wearing the Larken X, undies, and pajamas. The soft, stretchy material brought comfort to her body and didn’t irritate her incisions. Here’s what she loves about Larken products and more pictures below:
Courtney in her Larken X and pajamas recovering from surgery
“I’d encourage people to self check, that’s how I found my cancer. Obviously, get mammograms too. I was blindsided. My doctor actually almost didn’t even do testing but then changed her mind. She said the fact that I was there the day after Christmas may have been a sign and meant something. My advice is to always get things tested. It saved my life. My lump felt like a blueberry, it wasn’t spiky or really hard.”
“It was such a hard experience but having the love of friends and family carries you through and gives you so much more strength than you ever knew you had. I can’t say how much my support system got me through. They showed up. They came to chemo with me, took me to appointments so I wasn’t alone and gave my husband a break. They brought dinners and came and took my kids and got them out of the house so I could rest. They just dropped things on my porch. They just showed up. They didn’t say let me know what you need, they just did it. Call your friends and family, meet them for dinner. They are more valuable than you know. “
“I had a double mastectomy, dose dense chemo, radiation and a hysterectomy in all 6 months. I did everything I could. I knew I needed to tell my kids I did everything in my power to be with them.”
Courtney and her family now
Beyond Breast Cancer Awareness Month
While October may be the designated month for breast cancer awareness, the commitment to this cause extends year-round. Beyond awareness campaigns, individuals can continue supporting breast cancer research and educating themselves and others about breast health. Small actions such as regular self-exams, participating in awareness events, and supporting survivors is the best way to contribute to the ongoing fight against breast cancer.
Resources:
- Find a mammography facility near you
- How to do a breast self-exam
- Breast cancer support groups
- Breast cancer information
- Breast Cancer Research Foundation
- Susan G. Komen