October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding, showing support, and encouraging early detection of a disease that affects millions of people each year. At Carolina Forest High School, students and staff are coming together to raise awareness and honor survivors.
According to the American Cancer Society, about one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. Each year, more than 300,000 new cases are diagnosed, and early detection through regular screenings can greatly improve survival rates. Although male breast cancer is rare, it is estimated that one in 726 men will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.
Michelle Scott, one of CFHS’s English teachers, is a proud breast cancer survivor and shared her journey.
“This year, I faced one of the most difficult challenges of my life: a cancer diagnosis. It has been a journey that tested my strength and deepened my gratitude. Through surgery and treatment, I’ve learned that hope and faith can shine even in the most difficult seasons. I am thankful for the love and support I received from God, family, friends, and the CFHS community, including my amazing students.”
Scott added, “I recently rang the bell to signal the end of my radiation treatment, and my son was there with me to celebrate. Cancer is now a chapter of my story, but I refuse to let it be the whole story. I look forward to the future ahead with renewed perspective, joy, and appreciation.”
Scott, her son, Kingston, and some friends will be participating in “In The Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Saturday, November 1, at Brookgreen Gardens. It was originally set for October 11, but it was cancelled due to heavy rain. Gates will open at 7:15 a.m. and begin at 8:30 a.m.
I have experienced breast cancer affecting my own family. My aunt, Treva Gregory, has been fighting her breast cancer battle with courage. Getting news that you or your loved one has cancer can be sorrowful. People never realize how bad it can get and where it can travel.
“I found out about my breast cancer when I went to the emergency room because I was having trouble breathing. I thought it was asthma-induced pneumonia, but after a CAT scan was done, the doctor came back to tell me that it appeared to be breast cancer that had traveled to my lymph node and left lung. That was the reason I had trouble breathing. After a series of testing, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, which means the cancer had traveled to other places including my bones. It is considered incurable, but I can go into remission, ” shared Gregory.
It is difficult for people who haven’t had breast cancer affect their lives to fully understand what patients and their families experience.
“Another thing that people don’t talk about or understand is how painful it can be. When people ask how you are doing, I don’t think they necessarily want the truth, but want to hear you say ‘I’m fine,’ because that is less scary than the truth that you have pain so often. Or how alone you feel even surrounded by family and friends who love you, because no one can go through it for you. But I will never stop fighting and will always try to be as positive as I can. I would strongly encourage young girls and women to learn the proper way to do self -breast exam and do them monthly. Young people can get it, too, so the more you know your own body, the sooner you can tell if something is wrong,” added Gregory.
We should honor everyone around the world during October by showing our support and pride for breast cancer. While it is a serious journey, it also reminds us to cherish every moment with the people we love and to support one another through challenges. With advances in research, early detections, and the strength of survivors, such as Scott and Gregory, there is always hope.
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