Professional Advocacy Project
The month of October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness month in the U.S. and countries all over the world. It is characterized with the color pink (pink ribbon). Such awareness brings attention to, support, educate, and aid in prevention, early detection, and treatment of this dreadful disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 2008, approximately 1.38 million individuals are newly diagnosed with breast cancer, and roughly 458,000 die of the disease. Breast cancer is noted as most common type of cancer in women around the world, in developed and underdeveloped countries. WHO reveals, individuals in countries of low to middle income have experienced a steady surge in the disease, due to increase in life expectancy, increased urbanization, and embracing Western lifestyle.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer dates back to 1984 in Boston, where Margery (AKA Margie), Gould Rath, a breast cancer survivor, wanted to celebrate breast cancer survivors via raising funds for American cancer society. The event came to fruition in 1993, where 5,000 participants walked throughout a number of neighborhoods in Boston and New Hampshire. The walk was officially named American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast cancer. Currently, 11 million individuals have participated in the walks across the nation, in which the fundraisers have contributed over $685 million to fight against the disease. In addition to providing funds dedicated to research, the organization allocates information and support, free of charge, to individuals affected by breast cancer, and assist in early detection to decrease risk of illness. The event assists those who are battling the disease, those who may be diagnosed with it in the future, and those who will escape such diagnosis due to prevention/risk education. Contrary to popular belief, breast cancer doesn’t only attack women, it can also manifest in men as well. I remember years ago, it was reported in the media, two famous men, Montell Williams (talk show host), and Richard Roundtree (Shaft character), were diagnosed with and survived breast cancer. As per American Cancer Society, for 2017, approximately 2,470 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and roughly 460 men will die from the disease. The lifetime risk for men acquiring breast cancer is estimated to 1 in 1,000.
On Sunday, October 15, 2017, I participated in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. The event was held at MCU Park, 1904 Surf Avenue, in Coney Island neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Numerous participants of different ages, races, and gender gathered as unified force to help raise awareness. My family, friends and I were active participants, and proudly walked for a purpose, and donated substantial funds to assist the organization, in helping those who are and will be affected by breast cancer. This professional advocacy project is very important to me as I have provided care for numerous cancer patients, and had loved ones battle the disease, and some succumb to it. This illness is no respecter of persons. Anyone can be afflicted, including health care providers. It is the obligation of nurses and all healthcare practitioners, to stand together, not only at work, but outside of work, to reach out and educate every individual on signs and symptoms of cancer, prevention, early detection, available treatment(for those who have it), and provide support. Aiding research to find ways to keep the disease at bay or eradicating it altogether is the ultimate goal. This disease has robbed many of family and loved ones. Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk is a wonderful event that I’ll continue to support and advocate for. I look forward to celebrating many more survivors.
References
American Cancer Society. Breast cancer in men. Retrieved fromhttps://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer-in-men.html.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Retrieved from https://secure.acsevents.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename+strides_learn
World Health Organization. Breast cancer in men. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer-in-men.html.
