Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness month highlights important educational pieces on the disease, including causes, treatment, early detection, prevention, and cures, as well as raising money to help fund its research, and providing a time to show support for those impacted by breast cancer. Specifically, October is a month that teaches the signs, symptoms, and prevention techniques for breast cancer, including how to properly execute a self-exam, how to access official screenings, and the significance of regular mammograms. Further, the education piece includes how breast cancer also affects one’s mental health and has important psychological impacts for those directly impacted and for their loved ones.
The funding aspect of Breast Cancer Awareness Month includes events such as social media campaigns, walks, and races to raise money for important research that creates new more effective treatments and therapies, ultimately that can help decrease the mortality rate of this horrible disease. Additionally, this month promotes new and effective treatment and surgery options that may otherwise be unknown to the public. Lastly, Breast Cancer Awareness month is crucial in celebrating individuals who fought the disease and supporting those affected.
Breast Cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in Canada, and the most common cancer in women.
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
Being diagnosed with breast cancer affects not only one’s physical health, but also one’s mental health.
Common psychological impacts of undergoing breast cancer diagnosis and/or treatment include anxiety, depression, anger, fear of pain/loss/uncertainty/death/resurgence of cancer in the future, body image issues, and more.
Studies on psychological impacts of breast cancer have found that the fatigue caused by breast cancer treatment can, in turn, lead to increased mental health challenges
Breast cancer awareness month is an important time to think about how we can support those affected by breast cancer. It is crucial to provide emotional support and understanding to individuals facing this challenge. Encouraging open conversations and offering a listening ear can make a big difference. If you are going through breast cancer yourself it is important to prioritize your mental health. Make sure to reach out to a support system, like friends, family, or a therapist, who can provide emotional support. Remember to take care of yourself and practice self-care activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Additional tips for others during breast cancer awareness month:
Show empathy and understanding: Let them know that you are here for them and that you understand the challenges they may be facing.
Offer practical support: Help with everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning or running errands. Small gestures can make a big difference.
Provide emotional support: Listen without judgment and offer a safe space for them to express their feelings. Sometimes, all they need is someone to talk to.
Educate yourself: Learn about breast cancer and its treatments so that you can better understand what they’re going through. This can help you provide more informed support.
Encourage self-care: Remind them to take care of themselves both physically and mentally. Encourage activities that promote relaxation and well-being.
Everyone's experience with breast cancer is unique, so it’s important to tailor your support to their individual needs.
Reducing the harm of breast cancer involves early detection through regular screenings and seeking appropriate medical treatment. It’s also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, follow your doctor’s recommendations, and stay positive.
Local Resources
The BC Cancer Agency in Victoria is a great resource for breast cancer support and information. They provide comprehensive care and support for individuals as well as have a great online database for information.
Anyone diagnosed with cancer, as well as those supporting them, can seek counseling from the BC Cancer Society. In person or over the phone counseling is available for individuals, couples, and families. Cancer-related challenges are addressed through solution-focused services.
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/our-services/services/supportive-care/patient-family-counselling
The Canadian Cancer Society’s Victoria office provides information, support services, and resources for those affected by Breast Cancer.
https://cancer.ca/en/search#q=breast%20cancer&sort=relevancy
An example of a service provided by the Canadian Cancer Society is prosthetics and wigs for Cancer patients.
https://cancer.ca/en/living-with-cancer/how-we-can-help/wig-and-breast-prosthesis-service
An example of a local support group is, Breast Friends - Breast Cancer Support Group. This support group meets bi monthly in Victoria at the James Bay Community Project.
Contact: 250-472-3381
During the early stages of the Breast Cancer journey, registered nurses at Island Health Victoria assist patients and their families by answering questions, preparing them for treatment visits with specialists, guiding them through the cancer care system, and providing emotional support.
Contact: 250-727-4467