Did you know that, aside from certain types of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in US women? Over 210,000 women are diagnosed with it every year, and over 40,000 die from the disease annually. Sadly, this pretty much means that at some point in your life, the chances of you being affected by breast cancer, either personally or through a loved one, is pretty high. I think just about everyone knows someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Even if you don’t personally know someone, chances are you’ve thought about the possibilities of getting it yourself and how to avoid it.
How Breast Cancer Affected My Life
My brother and I have different fathers, but I grew up spending a lot of time with his grandmother. I’m not going to lie and say we were particularly close during my childhood, but she was a consistent presence in my life and I do have fond memories with her. She was diagnosed with breast cancer around ten years or so ago, not too long after losing her husband to another type of cancer. She managed to beat it into remission, probably by sheer willpower (she always had a pretty strong will!) and is still alive today. I’ve also had friends who have dealt with the diagnosis. Too many friends, actually. All are pretty much as different as you can get. One was a conservative, one a liberal. One a mom, one a grandmother, and one without kids. When it comes to fighting cancer, though, it seems to me that they all have a few things in common.
- All were incredibly determined to not be taken down by mutated cells in their bodies. Really, that’s what cancer is, right? Mutated cells. Itty, bitty, microscopic cells that don’t play by the rules. To beat breast cancer, or any cancer for that matter, you have to remind yourself that you have many more well-behaved cells in your body and you can kick the bad ones’ butts!
- They were all empowered to stay strong by their personal support network. Whether you rely on friends, family, or people on the internet that you’ve never even met in person, I think having a good support network is vital to dealing with breast cancer.
- They all had something to live for.Again, whether it was family, children, or even just themselves and their own future goals, each woman who beat breast cancer had something to live for. I already know what I would live for if the unimaginable happened and I was diagnosed (I am at a higher risk due to my, um, well-endowed chest). That would be this handsome guy here, in one of my favorite photos of him:
A breast cancer diagnosis is scary, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying it was easy for any of these women to deal with it, and I’m not saying they didn’t have their moments of wanting to give up or break all the dishes in their cabinet. In the end though, sheer determination can go a long way in the fight against cancer.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the American Cancer Society’s nationwide series of walking events to raise funds and awareness to end breast cancer.
“Disclosure: Compensation was provided by the American Cancer Society (ACS) via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the American Cancer Society (ACS).
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I agree, everyone I know that has been diagnosed has become an incredibly strong person and fighter!
My Grandma and a few aunts had breast cancer and like you said they were fighters…why? They were surrounded with family they loved and they felt they had to fight it out for the little ones esp.
Great post!
Marina recently posted..Lessons with the Piggy Bank {Teaching My 6 Year Old About Money!}
I have been very lucky in that all of the women I have known who have had breast cancer have been survivors!
Jenn @therebelchick recently posted..My Yahoo! Women Who Shine Nomination #WomenWhoShine
I have a distant cousin that was diagnosed a couple years ago, and she was very strong during treatment and after. I agree that it is a difficult diagnosis to bear, but many women with breast cancer are optimistic and determined to fight!
Kecia recently posted..Family Entertainment Extravaganza Sponsor: Marina Games Review
I am so glad to hear that she beat it! A few years back, I tragically lost a co-worker and friend to breast cancer. This disease needs all the attention we can give it. Great post!
Angela recently posted..Preparing Girls for Back to School with U by Kotex #KotexMom
I’m glad to hear that those you’ve know have been able to keep a positive outlook and stay strong throughout such a tough diagnosis.
Tesa @ 2 Wired 2 Tired recently posted..Lancester County Trip Review
I am happy to hear your brothers grandma beat breast cancer. Mine passed away from it before I was born. I would have really liked to have met her. Determination, positive thoughts, and a great support team go a long way in kicking those cancer cells butt! Great post!
Theresa recently posted..Rainbow Fish & Nemo Necklaces
My Grandma was a survivor as well!
Great Post! I have known people who have been diagnosed, but they all made it through!
Pamela recently posted..Strawberry, Banana and Mint Smoothie
You are certainly for sure right when you note that breast cancer does not discriminate. Though I have lost loved ones to cancer, I have not lost any to this particular type (knock on wood), but, I did have a lump scare once and even though it turned out to be nothing, it seemed like it took a realllly long time to get the results back.
rosey recently posted..Keep It Simple Sundays
My doctor keeps calling for me to get in for my mammogram, and it’s my least favorite thing. But I must do it…thanks for the reminder:)
Courtney~Mommy LaDy Club recently posted..Designer Insider: Non-Pin Pinning Without Pinterest…Wall Art & Ruffle Rose Pillows
My mom had breast cancer and handled it incredibly well. I believe her attitude contributed greatly to her recovery.