Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed every October, and the awareness period of this not-so-silent killer is winding down.
The pink-themed month became nationally recognized in 1985, and initially, the aim was to increase the early detection of the disease by encouraging women to have mammograms. With the number of cases rising — and the encouragement of self-exams helping keep the number of fatal cases in check — it rose to popularity, and each year more and more attention has been presented on this issue.
The availability of care and education is at the forefront of the national awareness campaign, led by organizations like the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
“The NBCF has not wavered in their commitment to ensure access to lifesaving mammograms and breast health education to underserved women,” said Magnolia Contreras, the Vice President of Community Health at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “With their support, we have been able to provide mammography to women and in particular to women of color, who data show to have a higher mortality rate in breast cancer.”
Locally, there are programs to promote breast cancer detection. The Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program ( BCCEDP) makes it easy to have doctor-recommended breast and cervical cancer screenings like Clinical Breast Examinations (CBE), Mammograms, and Pap Smears for uninsured women between the ages of 50-64. In addition to testing for the early detection of breast and cervical cancer, this program also provides further diagnostic testing and referral to treating providers for those women who have been diagnosed with either breast or cervical cancer.
A page at the Osceola County Health Department website — https://bit.ly/3SgQV4c — contains links to the application for the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. The applications are provided in English and Spanish.
In St. Cloud this year, one annual cancer awareness event will go over into November. Pinktoberfest 2022, presented by Pink Heals St. Cloud, takes place Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lakefront Park; it was postponed from October to allow first responders to continue with their Hurricane Ian aftermath work.
Pinktoberfest’s goal is to raise awareness and support those battling any type of cancer. This fundraising day of awareness is sponsored by Shamrock Auto Body, Humana, KISS, Neptune Chiropractic and Wellness, Orlando Health – St. Cloud Hospital and the City of St. Cloud and boasts many activities. There will be raffles, vendors, a bounce house and a fire truck pull competition. Come out and help support some community cancer warriors!
Information from the Osceola County Health Department and National Breast Cancer Foundation was provided for this report.
