Nancy Brinker United States Ambassador
Breast Cancer Battle Far From Over
It’s still one of the most pervasive challenges facing women today.
O
ctober is breast cancer Awareness Month, and I am reminded of the jour- ney that brought us here
and the road that still lies ahead. When I founded the Susan G.
Komen organization in 1982, my goal was to ensure that no woman would have to face breast cancer alone or without the resources she needed. Today, the breast cancer move-
ment is stronger than ever, yet the battle is far from over. Breast cancer remains one of the
most pervasive health challenges facing women today. According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Despite remarkable advances in research, treatment, and early detection, breast cancer still claims too many lives. As we reflect on the
nearly 100% when detected early and localized, underscoring the critical importance of regular screenings. I urge every woman to prioritize
routine mammograms and clinical breast exams. The guidelines can vary based on age, family history, and other risk factors, but the mes- sage is clear: Early detection is key. Do not wait for symptoms to
appear. Make screenings a regular part of your healthcare routine.
ADVOCATE FOR YOU Beyond screenings, women must become their own health advocates. Know your family history, understand your risk factors, and have open, informed conversations with your healthcare providers. If you are at higher
AWARENESS
progress we’ve made, it is also a time to renew our commitment to education, and to empowering every woman with the knowledge and resources she needs to protect her health.
POWER OF AWARENESS The first step is awareness. Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder to women across the country to take charge of their health. Early detection saves lives. The survival rate for breast cancer is
42 NEWSMAX | OCTOBER 2024
risk, talk to your doctor about additional screen- ing options or preventive measures. Never hesitate to seek a sec-
ond opinion if something doesn’t feel right. Your health is worth it. Your life is worth it.
ACCESS TO CARE The breast cancer movement has been fueled by research, and we must con- tinue to support the scientists and doc- tors working tirelessly to find a cure. Advances in personalized medi-
cine and targeted therapies have transformed breast cancer treatment, offering new hope to patients. But for these advancements to truly make a
difference, they must be accessible to all.
This month, I call on policymak-
ers, healthcare providers, and com- munity leaders to ensure that all women, regardless of race, income, or geographic location, have access to the care they need. This isn’t a Democrat or Republi-
can issue. Disparities in breast cancer outcomes persist, and we must all work together to close the gap. Every- one deserves a fair chance at survival.
SUPPORT EACH OTHER Finally, we cannot underestimate the power of support — both giv- ing and receiving it. Breast cancer is not a journey anyone should have to walk alone. Whether through sup- port groups, counseling, or simply being there for a friend or loved one, our collective strength is one of our greatest assets in this fight. Breast Cancer Awareness Month
is not just a time for reflection but a call to action. We have made incredible strides in the fight against breast cancer, but our work is not close to done. By prioritizing early detection, advocating for our health, support- ing research, and ensuring access to care for all women, we can continue to make progress toward a world without breast cancer. This October, let us honor those
we have lost, support those who are fighting, and recommit ourselves to the cause. Together, we can — and will — win this fight.
Nancy G. Brinker is the founder of The Promise Fund of Florida and former U.S. ambassador to Hungary.
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