THIS Saturday marks the start of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The aim of the awareness campaign is to shine a light on the devastating impact breast cancer has on thousands of Australians each day.
This year, more than 3200 Australians, including 30-40 males will die from the disease.
That’s almost nine people a day. While five-year survival rates have improved from 76 per cent to 92 per cent since the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s inception in 1994, that’s still nine deaths too many.
Indeed, the foundation’s goal is zero breast cancer deaths, hence the importance of the awareness month.
During this campaign period – and throughout the year – many people wear pink ribbons to honour breast cancer survivors, remember those lost to the disease, and support the progress we are making to defeat it.
However, the pink ribbon movement is not without its detractors, with some activists calling out issues surrounding inclusivity – or lack thereof.
In mainstream Australian culture, as in many other places, breasts are linked to femininity, sexuality and attractiveness.
Consequently, breast cancer is a highly sexualised and gendered disease.
However, there are many ways in which people express their gender identity, including outside of the heteronormative either/or categories of man/woman, and any could develop breast cancer.
Does this mean we should abandon Breast Cancer Awareness Month and pink ribbons?
This editor would say no.
Yes, we need to challenge mainstream assumptions about gender and sexuality in relation to breast cancer risk, diagnosis, and treatment so that everyone feels supported in their journey.
So, join The Bunyip and its generous sponsors in using Breast Cancer Aware- ness Month as a reminder to encourage being ‘breast aware’ regardless of how anyone identifies.
Become familiar with how your breasts usually look and feel while you’re in the bath or shower, applying body lotion or getting dressed, also checking your arm- pits and up to your collarbone.
Check these areas regularly and if you notice any changes, consult your doctor.
