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.
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 Christy Morrissey, M.D., an oncologist at Valley Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care in Paramus who specializes in breast and gynecological cancers: “I think the main reason is screening mammogram technology. We can catch breast cancer much earlier than we have in the past.”
Adds Deena Graham, M.D., an oncologist who specializes in breast and gynecological cancers at Hackensack University Medical Center: “In addition to better early detection and awareness, we have better, more tailored therapies and better supportive care. For example, we can do genomic testing on early-stage breast cancers and determine if patients would benefit from chemotherapy.”
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. Morrissey, “I tell my patients they’re going to be able to do everything they used to do, within limitations,” she says. “Don’t feel guilty if you can’t run ten miles right now. It doesn’t mean you won’t get there in a few months or years.”
Want more advice from Dr. Morrissey and Dr. Graham, and a deeper diver into what life after breast cancer looks like? Check out the full feature in the new issue BERGEN.
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. 19, Spirit of a Woman Breast Cancer Community Day, Borough Park, Elmwood Park, 10 a.m. This community event, now in its third year, includes vendors, health and wellness exhibitors, live music and community spirit.
Oct. 25, Making Strides of the Meadowlands, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, 8 a.m. This annual American Cancer Society event includes a noncompetitive walk, informational displays and booths, and vendors.
Oct. 25, Pink Pathway Breast Cancer Walk, American Dream, East Rutherford, 9 a.m. Head indoors for this Susan G. Komen fundraiser and listen to stories of hope and inspiration, then take part in a 1-mile walk through the mall.
Oct. 26, The Fader Family Walk for Awareness, Overpeck Park Amphitheater, Ridgefield Park, 11:30 a.m. Join the Englewood Health Foundation for a 3.1-mile walk around the park as well as a health program, vendors and information tables.
How are you honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Have a story of survivorship you think should be heard? Tell us about it on Instagram @bergenmagnj!
