Think Pink: Support Breast Cancer Awareness

More women than ever are beating this scourge. It’s never been more important to support survivors and keep funding research.
Cheryl De Leon,
2 Think Pink

Here’s something worth celebrating this Breast Cancer Awareness Month (and, indeed, every month): Breast cancer has never been more survivable. According to the American Cancer Society, when diagnosed in the “localized” stage (early, when the malignancy hasn’t left the breast tissue), it has a nearly 99 percent survival rate. According to data collected by the National Cancer Institute, breast-cancer mortality in the U.S. dropped 44 percent from 1989 to 2023.

Why is that? Says Marcella Fornari, D.O., a specialist in breast diseases and surgery at Morristown Medical Center: “That improved survival rate is in large part due to better screening technology. The three-dimensional mammogram becoming standard—as opposed to the older two-dimensional ones—has helped a ton. In addition, higher awareness helps tremendously. We speak about women’s health with a lot more ease than we did 20 or 30 years ago.”

It’s because of this that we now thankfully talk more about breast cancer “survivorship”—or, what happens, physically, mentally and socially, after a woman is declared cancer free. From physical side effects to anti-hormone medication and chemotherapy to adjusting to life post-reconstruction surgery to handling the mental toll, there are many steps to the road to full recovery. Says Dr. Fornari, “I always tell my patients that recovery takes time. Look at what your body has already done and fought off. Give yourself breathing room. You’ll get there.”

Want more advice from Dr. Fornari and a deeper diver into what life after breast cancer looks like? Check out the full feature in the new issue of MORRIS & ESSEX.

How about other ways to show your support this October? Here are events all over both our counties where you can stop by for education, fundraising and community support:

  • Oct. 12. In Chester, take part in the annual Power in Pink Breast Cancer Walk to support research and survivors.
  • Oct. 19. The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Walk comes to Mulberry Commons in Newark for a day of fundraising, community, remembering those we’ve lost and celebrating survivors.
  • Oct. 24. The West Orange Police Department Community Service Unit presents the Pink Shields of Hope walk at West Orange High School.
  • Oct. 24-25. Rêve Pilates in Randolph presents two days of educational events and classes to raise money for the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation.
  • Oct. 25. Over in Morristown, take part in Women’s Day Out 2025, a day of panels, informational talks, doctor Q&As and more.
  • Oct. 26. If you missed Making Strides in Newark, you can catch another one at the Century Office Campus in Parsippany.

How are you honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Have a story of survivorship you’d like to share? Tell us all about it on Instagram @morrisandessexmag.

Categories: Morris/Essex Health & Life