How To Celebrate National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day
The emotional and financial support of a loved one who has been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer can be overwhelming.
Learning how to ask for help is key in assisting when needed, especially because this devastating illness takes everything away from you your time money, says author Paula Spencer-Wright Ph.D. LMFT. Learning more about the condition will allow friends or family members to provide comfort during difficult times as well offer advice on what they need so that person isnt feeling alone throughout treatment.
1. Learn something new
The next time you feel like quitting a task or project, take the first step by learning something new. This will help get rid of negative feelings and empower yourself in achieving whats best for your career long-term.
2. Contribute to the cure
If you want to be a doctor, consider the medical profession with an emphasis on Oncology. If thats not for you, another good choice would be as a radiologist assistant or lab technician!
3. Spread the love
You may not know that there are many different types of breast cancer. You can get a blood test to determine what type your friend has and how it affects their treatment plan, so reach out if you want help understanding the process!
Reasons Why Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day Matters
I am in awe of what scientists have been able to discover, but we dont know enough for those 119 women who will die this Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, nor for the 43,881 others who will die before the next Breast Cancer Awareness Month rolls around. We deserve more.
Chawnte
Patty
Monica
These names represent just 15 of the 119 people in the U.S. who are estimated to die of metastatic breast cancer every single day during 2021. They are the real first names of real people who died due to this cancer during the past year.
The American Cancer Society estimates that 44,000 women and men in the U.S. will die this year due to metastatic breast cancer. In the midst of the pink celebrations and deeply hidden in the money that pink ribbons bring to both legitimate organizations and unsavory pinkwashers, there is a single day that marks the deadly reality of breast cancer: October 13.
For those who live with metastatic breast cancer, as well as for many with early-stage breast cancer, the month of October is a 31-day horror story leading up to Halloween. Its nearly perfect that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, because so much of what we hear this month is a flimsy costume, a disguise meant to bolster the belief that all our money, all our runs and parties and pink paraphernalia keep us safe.
But you cant really be safe from something that isnt understood.
I am in awe of what scientists have been able to discover.
But we dont know enough.
We deserve more.
About Mbc Awareness Day
In 2009, October 13 was established as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month had been on the national calendar since 1985. But its focus was primarily screening and diagnosis. All too often, women and men with metastatic breast cancer were pushed to the margins or felt completely invisible. MBC Awareness Day ensures this doesnt happen.
Of course, improving awareness and understanding of metastatic breast cancer should not be limited to one day or one month. But October does create an opportunity to move the conversation from detecting breast cancer to living with MBC.
The Metastatic Breast Cancer Network has created A Fact A Day with information you can share via social media to help create awareness of MBC. Read more about the history of metastatic breast cancer awareness day and learn how you can take part:
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Observing Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day
Learn something new
In being a part of the solution, start with yourself. Commit to learning something new whether by doing online research, volunteering with a local organization, or attending a Metastatic Breast Cancer Day event.
Contribute to the cure
If youre about to choose a major in college, consider medicine with a focus on oncology, or another supporting professional role. If not, make a one-time or yearly donation to a cancer-fighting organization. Do anything you can to help overcome this disease.
Spread the love
If someone you know is battling breast cancer, reach out to them. Let them know that you want to understand what they’re going through and to give your support.
National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day
Before 2009, the observance was promoted by several breast cancer awareness groups around the country. In 2008, for example, the mayor of Poughkeepsie, NY, proclaimed the day on October 13th. Then in 2009, through efforts of breast cancer patients across the country, Congress passed resolutions declaring October 13th National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Since then, cancer patients, their loved ones, and the medical community observe the day with support and continued hope for a cure.
Metastatic Cancer FAQ
Q. How is metastatic cancer treated?A. Treatment depends on the type of cancer and where it has spread. Breast cancer starts in the breast, but metastatic breast cancer spreads to other areas of the body. Doctors commonly treat metastatic cancers with chemotherapy and radiation. Other therapies include immunotherapy and targeted cell therapies.
Q. How do cancer cells spread from the primary cancer?A. Cancer cells break away from the primary tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymph system. These cells form new tumors in other areas of the body including lymph nodes, liver, pancreas, bone, lungs, and brain.
Read Also: What Is Considered Early Breast Cancer
Listen To Stories About Metastatic Breast Cancer
The Speaking Out video series ensures that we are giving patients, caregivers, and advocates as much helpful information as possible for their cancer journey. In this series, we work with leading cancer advocacy groups to offer advice and assistance to individuals across various cancer types, as well as their caregivers, advocates, and health care professionals.
Mbc And Health Disparities
Many of you have been supporting METAvivor for years and many are new to our blog and social media. We have shared a lot of love and support and it has been reciprocated from all of you, whether you are someone living with metastatic breast cancer , a friend or family member. We thank you for all of your support and effort toward our common goal of ending death from MBC. Continue
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History Of Metastatic Breast Cancer Day October 13
What is MBCN?
Founded in 2004, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network is a national, independent, patient-led, nonprofit advocacy group that provides education and information on treatments and coping with the disease. We fund metastatic specific research, and in 2012, became a founding member of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance, an organization whose mission is to move research forward, improve patient access to information and build awareness of the disease for those living with metastatic breast cancer.
Who Founded MBCN?
Jane Soyer and Nina Schulman founded the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network in 2004.
As a woman living with metastatic disease, I had felt isolated and excluded from the very groups that were set up to help woman diagnosed with breast cancer, Shulman explained in 2007. The breast cancer community had become a place for survivors, not for people living with breast cancer every day of their lives. We were not being seen or heard. No one was trying to meet our needs. No one was listening.
Soyer, an NYC public school teacher, mentor and guidance counselor died in 2005. Schulman, an Emmy Award-winning film editor, producer and director, died in 2008.
What Was it Like to Have MBC in 2004?
The breast cancer world at that time was not a welcoming place for those with metastatic breast cancer.
Why Was October 13th Chosen to be National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day?
How Did National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day Come About?
Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer During October
A Day of Metastatic Awareness
- A Day of Metastatic Awareness This article from Living Beyond Breast Cancer talks about the history of Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day.
One Day is Not Enough
- MBC Awareness: One Day Is Not Enough Breastcancer.org asked their metastatic breast cancer community what theyd like you to know about living with metastatic disease.
How can I get involved with advocacy?
The organizations below have great resources to help you get started as a metastatic breast cancer advocate.
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Inspirational Slogans To Fight Against Cancer
It Drives New Research
As more people understand metastatic breast cancer, more people will be donating, researching, and fighting for a cure. Right now, metastatic breast cancer is not classified as a chronic disease, but researchers believe it one day could be, and that gap is just one example of how much more needs to be found out.
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Furthering Awareness: October 13 And Year
Dian Corneliussen-James, founder and director of advocacy at METAvivor,says the organization observes and celebrates MBC Awareness Day through blog and social media promotion, and by getting media coverage in the Annapolis, Md. area.
LBBC has no formal program for the day, but it does promote October 13 and awareness of metastatic disease through its online channels, in addition to offering a two-part metastatic breast cancer webinar series that month.
Shirley says MBCN offers resources for supporting MBC Awareness Day activities and events on mbcn.org. Their goal is to bring national broadcast and print media attention to this day. She says people can participate in MBC Awareness Day by contacting their local government leaders about proclamations and encouraging their local breast cancer centers and organizations to hold events.
Though most women with metastatic disease see Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day favorably, some women either dont know about the day or think awareness must go beyond one day.
Theres still a big void in awareness, resources and support for metastatic breast cancer, Caryn says. I searched for a for years until I discovered LBBC.
Dikla points out that women with metastatic breast cancer have come a long way in making their voices heard since she was first diagnosed. This is partially due to increased awareness of the disease through the observance of October 13 and through other messaging and programs.
Beyond Pink The Metastatic Breast Cancer Ribbon
Did you know that metastatic breast cancer has its own ribbon?
The metastatic breast cancer ribbon includes the colour green, which represents the triumph of spring over winter and life over death teal, which symbolises healing and spirituality and pink to signify that the metastatic cancer started in the breast.
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Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast cancer is a disease that affects 13% of all women during their lifetimes. Of this group, 6% will be diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. As of 2021, there is no cure for metastatic breast cancer, but there are treatment plans available.
Metastatic breast cancer occurs when cancerous cells travel outside of the breast into other essential organs, such as the liver, bone, or brain. Breast cancer cells can travel through the bloodstream and form tumors. This is known as Stage 4 cancer. Treatment plans can include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiation therapy.
History Of Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day
In 2009 the House and Senate unanimously passed a resolution to recognize one day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October, as specifically devoted to metastatic breast cancer . The best part is how the proposal reached the floors of Congress to begin with. A group of nine MBC patients and their families had traveled to Washington DC and picketed and demonstrated, and these brave souls were able to catch the attention of the right people to initiate a vote.
But this is no time to fall into complacency. The pinpointing of one day merely means that, now that the word is out, the onus is upon the public to take action. As stated by the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network, ow it is up to every metastatic breast cancer patient and those who love and support them to find ways to make use of this dayto further our cause to support those living with the disease and demand research to find treatments to extend our lives.
So learn the facts and stand strong with your fam, on National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day.
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National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The annual campaign to raise breast cancer awareness falls in October each year. The National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc campaigns throughout the month to raise awareness, spread the word and seek donations to fund their important programs.
The campaign aims to promote prevention through education and raised awareness, and raise funding for mammograms for those who normally couldnt access this important health care tool. A top priority is providing educational resources for women on how they can be proactive in their own breast health. Knowledge is the key and early detection saves lives.
In women, breast cancer is the second most commonly occurring cancer and mammograms play a vital role in detecting cancer as early as possible, hopefully before it has begun to spread. The detection of a lump in the breast can be very confronting for most women and their families, and they can turn to the NBCF for support and understanding. Through the foundations active network, patients can find sympathetic ears and messages of support from other women like them, who have gone through that same journey.
A screening mammogram is a non-invasive procedure where the breasts are exposed to a low energy x-ray from different angles to detect any breast changes in women who have no current signs of breast cancer. On a mammogram it is possible to detect a tumor that cannot be felt, sometimes even up to three years before it can be felt manually.
The NBCF Supports Research
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Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day: Standing Up For Each Other When We Need It Most
Today is Metastatic Awareness Day. I wish we didnt need this day but until women no longer die of breast cancer, until science can keep all breast cancer cases contained to being early stage, until breast cancer is over, we do. We need this day to recognize the unique needs and concerns of women with metastatic breast cancer that are invisible, misunderstood or unacknowledged especially against the backdrop of the pink ribbon and what some even call out as the pink nausea that is October.
Im feeling such a swirled up mix of emotions these days. Im just back from presenting our MBC Advocacy work at the World Cancer Congress in Malaysia. So proud to share some best practices and showcase what were accomplishing, but the disparities around the world when it comes to MBC are shocking. Last night, we had our Boobyball event in Toronto. How can you not be inspired by an event that was started 17 years ago to support a 23 year old diagnosed with Stage 4 who was with me on stage last night? Yet there were faces missing last night, friends that are gone from MBC. And, I know that even our most positive thrivers need us. Need you.
With this mix of emotions, and holding the thrives in my mind, heres what Im celebrating today:
Im grateful for the support Rethinks had in making this progress. And, Im asking everyone for one more, pretty simple action.
When we all work together and stand up for each other when we need it most, we are positioned to make lasting change.
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History Of National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day
In 2009, the House and Senate unanimously passed a resolution to recognize one day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. October was specifically devoted to metastatic breast cancer patients because its when their disease is most active in spreading throughout your body.
A group of nine MBC sufferers traveled all over Washington DC before picketing outside Congress on this special occasion where they were able to catch attention with help from friends back home who called or e-mailed members about what had happened while we watched helplessly through TV coverage.
When Is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day This Year
Are you interested in Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day and need to find When is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day This Year, Next Year and the Years To Come and information about this day? Here youll find what you need, you can also find information about other interesting holidays take place in October.
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Silent Voices And Beyond
Long before Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, LBBC offered an annual October webinar series, conference workshops and a helpline matching service for women with metastatic disease. In 2005, LBBC created a 64-question needs assessment survey with the goal of expanding our resources for women with metastatic breast cancer.
LBBC feels it is important to raise public awareness that not all breast cancers are alike, and stage 4 breast cancer is a serious that requires tailored information and support, Elyse says.
The survey results were published in Silent Voices, a report written by LBBC consultants Musa Mayer, MS, MFA and Susan E. Grober, PhD. The data obtained from the 618 respondents covered topics ranging from the role of information and support in the lives of women living with metastatic disease to the availability of services and resources.
Musa, an author, breast cancer advocate and founder of the website AdvancedBC.org, says it was the first ever large-scale needs assessment of the metastatic breast cancer population.
In the years since, Silent Voices served as a basis and inspiration for much subsequent research, which is very gratifying, Musa says. The information it gave LBBC about the kinds of services women were interested in and could benefit from was extremely useful.
Caryn Kaplan, 53, of Holland, Pa., diagnosed with advanced disease in 2004, shared similar feelings.