By African American Author Denise Turney

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time of reflection for so many women. For other women and men, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time of sadness, regret and faith. As tough as dealing with breast cancer can be, there is hope. To start, the hope of being a breast cancer survivor is greater today than it was years ago.

Breast Cancer Awareness

Point of fact, five-year breast cancer survivor rates are at 99% if the cancer is localized. Relative survival rates are 90%, according to the American Cancer Society. From 1975 thru 1980, the survival rate hovered below 80%. Clearly, there have been improvements. Even more, as of 2020, regional breast cancer survival rates are at 85%, while the survival rate for women with distant breast cancer is at 27%. In the case of localized breast cancer, the disease is confined to the breasts.

If the cancer is regional, that means that it has spread from the breasts to nearby areas or the lymph nodes. Distant breast cancer occurs when the cancer spreads to other distant parts of the body like the liver or bones. Survival statistics for women with inflammatory or triple negative breast cancer may differ.

Statistics aside, it can be scary to think that you might have breast cancer. Add in cultural factors and it’s understandable why some women might prefer to skip going to the doctor just to avoid being told they have breast cancer. It may feel safer, more comfortable during the early years, to roll the dice (even if that’s really not what a woman wants to do).

Breast Cancer Awareness and Culture

As it regards cultural factors, Sisters Network shares that, as of 2019, African American women with breast cancer have a 42% higher chance of transitioning from the disease than their European sisters. Hispanic women have a lower chance of getting breast cancer than African American women or women of European descent. In fact, Hispanic women have about a 9.8% chance of developing breast cancer.

Yet, mortality rates for Hispanic women with breast cancer is high. Also, as of 2015, cancer (all forms included) was the leading cause of death of Hispanics living in America. Asian women’s breast cancer incidence rates are on par with Hispanic women living in the United States.

However, Native American or indigenous American women have lower rates. Risks of getting the disease and having to work to become a breast cancer survivor for Native American women is about 7%. More information on cultural and racial breast cancer awareness statistics can be found at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Support Breast Cancer Awareness Discussion Groups

Whether you’re facing a breast cancer scare or have overcome gut wrenching challenges and become a breast cancer survivor, this is the month to celebrate. Even if you’ve received the unfortunate diagnosis, you now know where you have to focus your efforts to heal. And, if you are grieving the transition of a relative or friend due to breast cancer, you may be seeking understanding and support.

Hospitals and treatment centers host and sponsor breast cancer support groups. One of the greatest benefits that support group attendees receive is emotional support while dealing with a diagnosis, treatment and recovery. As a breast cancer survivor attending a support group, you might even develop a lifelong friendship with another group attendee. Check with local hospitals, treatment centers and libraries if you’re seeking a support group. Breast cancer awareness organizations may offer virtual support discussions as well. Get yourself the support that you need.

In addition to the above places, worship centers and community centers host breast cancer awareness events. These centers also host breast cancer awareness support groups. You may also find it helpful to wear breast cancer awareness bracelets or a breast cancer pink ribbon during October or throughout treatment. Reading a breast cancer memoir, including an uplifting fictional breast cancer memoir that’s rooted in real life events could also provide support.

Uplifting Fictional Breast Cancer Memoir

There are several breast cancer memoir books, nonfictional and fictional, that could offer support, inspiration and comfort during this trying time. Portia is one of those classic fictional breast cancer memoir books that has empowered and encouraged women and their families. Portia has inspired many readers.

A daughter gifted her mother with a copy of Portia. After reading the fictional breast cancer memoir, the woman’s mother decided to fight. She decided to live. That’s the impact that a book can have on a reader, especially if the story creates a deep emotional connection between a reader and a character.

And it’s this that happens with Portia. Named after the story’s main character, Portia tells the story of a successful Chicago defense attorney who, after months of domestic abuse, has accepted that she has enough value to walk free of an abusive relationship. The choice unbinds her, setting her free so she can meet the romantic love of her life while attending an annual newspaper Christmas party.

Getting Help You Need

As if a mean twist of fate, after she meets her true love, she discovers that she has breast cancer. To get through the diagnosis, treatments and possibility that her physical experience may get cut short, Portia leans on the love of her family, her soul mate and her faith. She also has a strong breast cancer awareness support system. For Portia, this all happens at a time when breast cancer survival odds aren’t good.

But Portia survives. And it is my hope and prayer that you or your loved one become a breast cancer survivor, someone who thrives, living her fullest life! Path there may involve more than medicine, rest and cancer treatments.

Love Yourself No Matter What

Here are actions you could take to reduce breast cancer risks or overcome the disease. If the actions appear like too much at first glance, consider adding two to three actions to your lifestyle each month. Do what feels right for you.

• Get outdoors and exercise daily in a safe environment
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Introduce relaxation techniques (e.g. meditation, swimming, soaking in a scented bath) into your day
• Addresses stressors, working to reduce and remove them
• Eliminate alcohol from your diet
• Perform self breasts exams
• Get annual mammograms
• Eat a healthy balanced diet of fresh fruit and vegetables

Even more, it’s important that you be patient with yourself. Be patient with yourself if you’re undergoing treatments. Also, accept that you may experience fear around the diagnosis, treatments and lifestyle changes for months, perhaps years. Yet, just like Portia’s story, yours can and deserves a marvelous finish.