October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, an important time that focuses on educating people about the signs, risks, and prevention of one of the most common cancers that affect many women worldwide. Most importantly, breast cancer awareness is about empowerment, giving people the knowledge and confidence to take charge of their health.

Samantha Pina, a breast cancer survivor, realized something was wrong after contracting coronavirus three times and struggling to recover. The support from friends and family, which included daily gifts and visits, were crucial for her recovery. Despite ongoing pain from reconstruction, the presence of loved ones made her recovery easier. Pina advised newly diagnosed individuals to listen to doctors, get second opinions, and ask questions, stressing the importance of early detection.

“Take care of your health. It’s also very treatable if it’s caught early. Listen to the doctors and do all the tests, maybe get a second opinion. The recovery after surgery was the hardest, and the current pain from the reconstruction is hard, but get your mammograms,“ Pina said.

The emotional turmoil and stress experienced during breast cancer diagnoses and treatments are difficult, but support from friends and family during difficult times helps. It’s important to be present and spend time with loved ones. The challenges faced by children of cancer survivors are difficult, and the support of family is a necessity. Easton Esquivel, a junior whose mother is a breast cancer survivor, saw the impact his mother’s stage four breast cancer diagnosis had on his family. 

“So my mom would go to treatment every three weeks, and after treatment she’d be sick for two weeks, and I remember it being very hard and stressful to see her not be able to get out of the house or let alone her bed. I thought I was going to lose my mother. Your time with your loved ones and the people around you is very limited, spend as much time as you can with them,” Esquivel said. 

This month should be appreciated and respected for how it helps the brave women who are battling or have survived breast cancer. It serves to spread information about Breast Cancer so more can become aware. Michael Johnson, a freshman whose mother is currently battling stage 2 breast cancer, talks about how much his mother’s situation has impacted his current life. 

“My mother was diagnosed 3 months ago, she’s been going through chemo and it’s hard to see her so tired after, so I try my best to help her however I can. Honestly, it’s completely changed the way I think and see women,” Johnson said.

Breast cancer has a severe impact on everyone involved. Spreading awareness, taking precautions, and showing respect to women who may be battling or have battled breast cancer before, is an important part of fighting against breast cancer. Veronica Gomez, a junior whose mother has passed from breast cancer, explains the seriousness and effects of breast cancer.

“My mother had stage 4, we tried chemo and surgery, but unfortunately it spread too much to be stopped. She passed away over 3 years ago and I never fail to spread the severity of breast cancer to everyone I can, along with just dedicating the month of October to my mother and women all over who have been victims of this unfortunate cancer,” Gomez said. 

Breast cancer is a serious disease, and while advancements have been made in treating it, a cure still has not been found. For many women breast cancer may seem rare, however it is important to take precautions and be educated on a disease that affects women all over the world. Tammy Black, a sophomore who has seen her grandmother and mother battle breast cancer, talks about how most women don’t realize how common this cancer is.

“I remember when I was little my grandmother had it, she battled and survived. Since she had it my mother got checked early and they caught it in her, luckily since it was so early it was easily treatable but unfortunately I’m at high risk for it, so it’s important I take precautions, and not just me, all women should,” Black said. 

Even when Breast Cancer Awareness month comes to a close, it is important to remember that the fight against breast cancer does not end with October. Awareness must continue year-round to support women who have dealt, or are currently dealing with, breast cancer.