As October approaches, the excitement for fall festivities reaches an all-time high. However, our attention and awareness should also be brought to breast cancer, which is “the second leading cause of cancer death in women,” according to the American Cancer Society.
The American Cancer Society analyzes the trends of breast cancer incidences, and it has slowly increased by 0.6% each year. Women who are middle-aged or older are primarily affected by this cancer. They expressed that a “very small number of women diagnosed with breast cancer are younger than 45.”
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has taken the time each October to provide events that bring awareness to breast cancer. An example of such events is the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Beach Walk at 2913 S. Ocean Blvd. on October 12. Last year, they were able to raise nearly $40,000 for the American Cancer Society, and they hope to raise $50,000 this year.
Other events occurring in South Carolina include Breast Cancer Awareness Lunch and Learn on October 19 (GrannyHands / 726-B Montague Avenue Greenwood, SC), Breast Cancer Awareness High Tea on October 18 (The Westin Poinsett, Greenville), Breast Cancer Support Group on October 14 (Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute – Spartanburg), and Breast Cancer Awareness – Spa Day on October 27 (630 S Sumter St.).
These events not only help spread awareness, but they also provide survivors of breast cancer support and love.
Holly Nygaard, a community member, noted that she had become aware of the events as well as the walks done to raise awareness. She expressed that she felt there are “never too many events, and I hope more people in the community commit to taking part in the future.”
Nygaard was a victim of breast cancer and has mentioned how “breast cancer has changed [her] life permanently,” and that she feels that she “will never not be aware that [she is] a survivor.”
Similarly, Ginger Godfree, an assistant principal at Carolina Forest Elementary, also felt that having breast cancer was a difficult turmoil. Godfree’s experience varies slightly as she had breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Godfree commented, “…it was difficult due to having to be extremely careful and having to get treatments without having family or friends around.”
Both of these survivors have advice for current victims of breast cancer and those who fear it. Godfree says to “stay positive” and “reach out to others who have been down a similar path.” Nygaard says to “talk about breast cancer” no matter who you are.
If you have concerns, share these them with friends, family, and doctors. There is no need to suffer alone.
