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Help me out gang. What exactly did we accomplish with this week’s Facebook stunt? (If you missed it, check out this Washington Post article.) Yes, a few people are talking about “awareness” but what have we actually done to affect outcomes?
The issue matters. According to the American Cancer Society, almost 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. The chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman’s death is about 1 in 35. The good news is that the rates of incidence and mortality have declined. Taking action makes a difference. So how do we motivate ourselves to action?
Perhaps we’d have greater effectiveness if we talked about people and not just their underwear. At the time of this post there are 293 females on my Facebook friend list. As I look through the list of names I am reminded of real people who are at risk.
- At the Starbucks in my town there are 15 female barristas. 1 in 8.
- In my workplace there are 14 female team members. 1 in 8.
- In my close family I have 1 wife, 2 daughters, 1 mother, 1 mother-in-law, 1 sister, 2 sister-in-laws and 3 nieces. 1 in 8.
Thinking about these people makes me want to do something. Thinking about the possibility of protecting these people has me searching Guidestar to learn about organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and The American Cancer Society.
So here’s a status update for you…35. If we are unable to further decrease the rate of breast cancer incidence, 12% of the women I’m connected to on Facebook will experience breast cancer firsthand. That’s 35 women I know and care about.
I’m motivated.
How about you, who’s in your friend list?
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Step, outstanding commentary! I have been reading the comments on FB also, related to breast cancer awareness. I agree, the issue is far too serious to make it into a game that really branches out into areas that do nothing to spur awareness and positive movement towards combating this deadly health issue. Yes, there are at least 8 women in my life that I love beyond reason. That one of them could be standing at the treshhold of this horrible life threatening disease makes it very personal.
Thanks for being the voice for those of us who didn’t raise one.
Thanks for the feedback, Mom. It means a lot. BTW, you’re my favorite mother-in-law!
Thanks, Step. I hope others read your blog. Your words are sincere and logical and if we are able to pass on this attitude of awareness, how effective we could be! I would have liked to have explained as eloquently as you have to my daughter why the fb “striptease” was not an event to participate in to truly support breast cancer awareness. There are avenues which, as you stated, would provide more support and action. Thank you. Your comments are encouraging!
Thanks for the encouraging words, Kristi. Let me know if you have additional ideas for increased effectiveness.
Enjoyed your commentary Step. Very thorough. As an OB/Gyn nurse I talk with women frequently about breast cancer awareness. I am very concerned about our government’s recent recommendation to forego yearly mammograms & that 35 is too young to start screening. It’s been proven that yearly screenings beginning at age 35 is effective in detecting early breast cancer & the earlier it is treated the better the prognosis. As women, we must stay on top of this issue. I am thankful for men, like you, who are concerned enough for the females in their lives to speak out this topic. Thank you!
Hi Tracie! Thanks for taking time to comment. You raise a great point. With such a high rate of incidence, women are wise to take every precaution possible to ensure breast cancer is detected early. It’s disappointing to learn of the mixed messages that seem to downplay the issue.
Step…when you wrote this article ,we had know idea how this would impact our lives. Thank you for your insight and information into this terrible cancer affecting my dear sister and your mother in law. When I read Gwens comments, I just cried. God has his hands on her, so I leave it to Him, but you can never get too much information on this subject. You are a wonderful person and I am proud of you and all you do……Aunt Rere