Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is the official National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM), dedicated to providing education about the disease. It is one that has affected women across the country.
NBCAM – established more than 25 years ago – partners with several other organizations, including the American Cancer Society.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women, as reported by the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
The stories of women who fought back – and some who are survivors – are inspiring to say the least. Their resilience and hope cannot be diminished by any amount of chemotherapy.
Such triumphs can be found in Urbana. The Mills Breast Cancer Institute – a part of Carle Foundation Hospital – was funded by a donation from Linda Mills and her husband. Mills was diagnosed with breast cancer herself in 1991.
The center focuses on prevention, early diagnosis and cutting-edge research, as well as different treatment options and patient care.
Urbana High School is also involved in raising awareness, as the volleyball team played in the annual Volley for the Cure game on Oct. 3.
The topic is familiar in my own household. My mom – Vanessa Faurie – is a six-year survivor.
“Yes, it can be a scary thing, but it’s also amazing what can be done to detect and treat breast cancer,” she said. “Early detection is the biggest key to beating and surviving breast cancer.”
Breast cancer is a disease that has the ability to both change one’s life and display the force of human resilience. Raising awareness is the first step towards better outcomes and potential cures.
For more information:
http://carle.org/MedicalServices/Mills-Breast-Cancer-Institute.aspx
http://www.nbcam.org
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