Don't Overlook October: Understanding Awareness

In the midst of the fall foliage, every October sees an uptick in pink ribbons and shoelaces. From professional athletes to the students of St. Paul, the pink signifies the importance of awareness as it relates to breast cancer. Breast cancer is currently the most common cancer for women in the United States, with one in eight women being diagnosed in their lifetime. Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is to show that cancer is not something we can always prevent or overcome without support. Treatments are more available and do help, but they also do not guarantee full remission and are oftentimes unaffordable for most people.

While some are fortunate enough to pay for treatment through insurance or personal funds, many have to make sacrifices or rely on fundraisers like GoFundMe. Through the National Breast Cancer Foundation, people can donate to help others receive financial assistance for their treatments and overall mental well-being through an impossibly difficult time.

If donating is not feasible, sometimes just being there for someone experiencing the toils of cancer is enough. Being present on the good days, and especially on the bad days, is all we can do at times. Treatments are a very tedious and costly process (not to mention the burden it places on oneʼs well-being); something as simple as making a meal for someone can greatly help their daily life and morale. Even just a simple check-in or words of support can improve someoneʼs day; sometimes that little bit can mean the most for someone going through their most difficult time in life.

Through all of this, itʼs important to be grateful for what you have and who you have. If you are struggling or you may know someone struggling, reach out. You are never truly alone in this world, and this October, I hope we all remember that.

Breast Care Helpline: 1-877-465-6636

St. Paul recently had two events for Breast Cancer Awareness month:

• Sidney Galvan '27 and Luna Costello '26 along with their mothers (who have both survived breast cancer), were made honorary flag football captains before a 54-0 victory over Sacred Heart of Jesus on October 5th
• Varsity volleyball sold yummy baked goods during break + lunch this past Thursday to raise money for breast cancer research at City of Hope in Duarte, CA