Breast Cancer Awareness; The Importance, and Why It Can Help Us:

Every October, we acknowledge and remember those who are fighting breast cancer, as well as those we have lost to breast cancer. To show our never-ending support we participate in fundraisers such as “CIBC Run For The Cure”, educate ourselves on the effects, as well as continuing our research on what we can do to help. During this time, it is not only necessary for us to understand how breast cancer affects those who have it, but to also acknowledge why this month is incredibly significant for us.

Breast cancer awareness is crucial. It provides us with a necessary reminder that cancer is a decimating disease, and one that needs to be vigilant for symptoms. It provides us a time to acknowledge that those who battle or those who defeated their battle are strong and brave fighters. According to Cancer Care Ontario, it is recommended to talk to your family doctor about getting a mammogram if you are between 40-49. Check ups and booking screenings will lower your risk of finding out unexpectedly, it will give you a chance to target the cancer early which will lower your risk of dying, and it also has a higher chance of the treatment working.

One of the many reasons breast cancer awareness is critical to learn about, is because it helps spread information on how to avoid getting it, gives us opportunities to show our support, and celebrates those who have beaten their battle against breast cancer. Due to the attention events, research and organization have devoted to breast cancer awareness, nearly half of the amount of death rates from breast cancer have dropped. This is because of the increase of better screening practices as well as getting diagnosed earlier.

Another reason we should celebrate breast cancer awareness is because of the funding it provides for research in the medical field. Thanks to CIBC's Run For The Cure, which occurred on October 5 this year, has raised over 18 million dollars to help fund cancer research, as well as support services across Canada. Last year, the donations helped 76 research focus groups on breast cancer, while also supporting 23 medical trials that diagnosed patients with the disease. The funds also helped answer over 4,000 inquiries from patients who are affected on the Cancer Information Hotline. All of these resources, and tips have decreased death rates, help increase funds for research, and lowered the risk of getting the disease.

While the whole month of October is dedicated to awareness of Breast Cancer, it is vital that we still stand in solidarity for those going through treatment, and those who have lost their battle to breast cancer all year round. The pink ribbon that represents breast cancer was chosen to symbolize hope and community for those who have been affected by breast cancer. During this Thanksgiving season, let's remember to keep these families in our minds and in our hearts.

Works Cited:

Breast Cancer Ribbon. National Breast Cancer Foundation. (2025, August 14). https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-ribbon/#:~:text=Candace%20Day%2C%20Senior%20Marketing%20Manager,every%20day%20of%20the%20year.”

Canadian Cancer Society (National Office). (2025, October 5). Canadian Cancer Society CIBC run for the cure raises over $18 million. Cision Canada. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/canadian-cancer-society-cibc-run-for-the-cure-raises-over-18-million-812244369.html

Canadian Cancer Society / Société canadienne du cancer. (n.d.). Reasons to Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness. Canadian Cancer Society. https://cancer.ca/en/about-us/stories/2020/6-reasons-to-celebrate-breast-cancer-awareness-month

Cancer Care Ontario. (2024, October). Screening for Breast Cancer. Screening for Breast Cancer | Cancer Care Ontario. https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/types-of-cancer/breast-cancer/screening