About 1 in 8 women in the United States (or about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. The most commonly known awareness event is the entire month of October, also known as breast cancer awareness month (BCAM). Information about breast cancer, screenings, mammograms, and support systems are heavily advertised during October, and social media is an important way of spreading information.

We Can Survive

The We Can Survive concert at the Hollywood Bowl took place on Saturday, October 21. It was the fifth annual breast cancer awareness benefit, and included performances from Harry Styles, Alessia Cara, Kesha, Khalid, Lorde, Macklemore, P!nk, Sam Hunt and Sam Smith. Several celebrities are using their influence and their social media to spread awareness and support BCAM. Sheryl Crow, a country music singer, has been raising awareness as well as funds since before her own diagnosis in 2006. She actively encourages her followers on Twitter to pay attention to their bodies and schedule regular mammograms. Christina Applegate was diagnosed in 2008 and had a double mastectomy (removal of the breast) to reduce the risk of cancer spreading or coming back in the future. She then founded her own nonprofit organization, Right Action For Women, that provides financial support for women. Her social media serves as an important platform for spreading information and awareness. While more uncommon, breast cancer also affects men. Peter Criss, drummer of the band Kiss was diagnosed in 2008. In his memoir, “Makeup to Breakup: My Life in and out of Kiss,” Criss describes how his outlook on life changed. He says, “Now I’m all about family, my granddaughter, God, my health, and my beautiful wife.”

WCHS Plays a Part

Raising awareness is also a part of our local community. WCHS sells pink shirts for breast cancer during football season, and has “pink out” games to show support. The baseball team shows their support for Hunter Selby’s mom, who is a breast cancer survivor, with pink jerseys that have “Selby” printed on the back. Several students have been affected by cancer, whether directly or indirectly. Lorie Maynard, Kayla Maynard’s (11) mother, had breast cancer. She was diagnosed early, but still had to undergo radiation and a single mastectomy. In an interview, she said, “When I found out I had breast cancer, I felt like it was the end of the world. At least my world. But I had lots of people telling me it was going to be okay, and it ended up being okay. They told me I would not have kids and that felt like something that no one should feel, but I ended up having four kids.”

Although there are an estimated 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., it isn’t all bad. Funds are being raised for research, and information and help is provided all over the nation. With growing awareness and improving technology, more people are taking preventative measures and making routine checks of their health.