Every two minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, and every year, around 300,000 women are afflicted in the United States alone. Breast cancer is a form of cancer that forms in cells of the breast tissue, and it is the second most common cancer type. Although the disease can occur in both men and women, the probability of men being diagnosed is low, while women’s risks are high, and even higher if they carry the BRCA gene.

Women diagnosed with breast cancer typically show no sign of the illness other than a lump on their breast. One in every eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, and although it affects such a large part of the population, the numbers have been gradually decreasing since the late 1980s. The only thing that can really help save a woman from breast cancer is early detection; there is no exact prevention for breast cancer because the BRCA gene is passed through family members congenitally.

Researchers and doctors have been working to increase early rates of detection, spread awareness, and improve their treatment options. Despite the decreasing numbers of illness, finding a cure is much harder than people think. There have been a few times when scientists believed they found a cure, but once the medicine got tested, negative side effects were discovered. According to Health Coma, “More than 80% of cancers today are completely curable if they get an early diagnosis. People who have been successfully treated for cancer don’t have to worry of it recurring for the next five years, and the chances of it reappearing are very rare.”

Breast cancer awareness month is a month dedicated to recognizing those who have beaten breast cancer and for those who have lost their lives to breast cancer. It is a widely known month throughout the world, and through October, many breast cancer organizations hold events, and schools hold fundraisers. It is important and crucial that we spread awareness as much as possible for this form of cancer that has an effect on so many people’s lives. 

Based on data from the Huffington Post, every year, 12.7 million people find out they have cancer and 7.6 million people die from the disease. Freshman Anthony Capitali, whose mom and grandmother were diagnosed with breast cancer, recalled how the illness affected his family: “It was definitely a challenge, and it was hard seeing people so close to me go through those kinds of hardships. It really makes me appreciate things more. We should try spreading more awareness.” 

Freshman Enzo Sorbara’s mother was also diagnosed with breast cancer. He shared, “It was heartbreaking and overwhelming finding out my mother had cancer. Seeing the strongest woman I know be so weak was scary.” He believes that LHS can spread more awareness on breast cancer by “having a unit dedicated to it in health class.”