Today marks the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each October since 1985, this month has been dedicated to raising awareness of the devastating disease that is expected to affect one in every eight women in their lifetime.
In today’s Health section, we highlight six local women brave enough to share their stories about their battles with breast cancer. These six women are just a few of the growing number who have been afflicted with this disease.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women and second most common form. The Society estimates that in 2019, about 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed, about 62,930 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed and about 41,760 women will die from breast cancer.
It takes a special kind of strength to fight cancer, and it’s safe to say these six women possess it. We applaud them for their willingness to fight and their willingness to share their personal stories with the community.
Of course, for everyone that’s living with a cancer diagnosis, there are thousands who were taken by it. We’d be surprised if there was a single person in our readership who hasn’t had their life touched by cancer in one form or another, a loved one lost, a friendly face suddenly missing, another gaping hole ripped in the community.
This October, let’s remember those who we lost to cancer, let’s support these brave women still alive and fighting, and keep a special place in our heart for our loved ones. Keep them close and cherish every moment.