Supporting Hispanic Communities during Breast Cancer Awareness Month
At Pawsitively 4 Pink, we recognize the significance of October, not just as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but also as Hispanic Heritage Month. This, together with the uplifting and inspiring stories of Hispanic women we’ve helped, inspires us to shed light on how Hispanic individuals in Massachusetts can access vital financial assistance during their breast cancer journey.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: A Universal Cause
Breast Cancer Awareness Month knows no borders, touching lives around the world: breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer globally, and poses an important challenge to every woman who receives a diagnosis. This October, we underscore the importance of inclusivity towards Latin American immigrants, who deserve access to financial support just like anybody else when confronted with this challenging journey.
Overcoming Unique Challenges
Latin American immigrants often face unique obstacles when seeking financial help for breast cancer. Language barriers and limited healthcare access are hurdles they must navigate, and being able to afford breast cancer treatment becomes one of the biggest concerns. It is our goal to break down these barriers and ensure that they can access the support they need. Statistically, Hispanic women are less likely to get a breast cancer diagnosis in the early stages of the illness, due to a lack of screening. Moreover, Hispanic women with breast cancer have a lower survival rate: they are 30% more likely to die from the illness compared to white American women.
Pawsitively 4 Pink's Dedication
As a breast cancer non profit, we do everything in our power to help underserved women with breast cancer. For example, we offer breast cancer financial grants, emotional support dogs, we host fundraising events, and even provide assistance with transportation to medical appointments. Our belief is that every person deserves comprehensive healthcare when diagnosed with breast cancer. For this reason, we are committed to helping Hispanic women receive the treatment they need. We have experience serving many Hispanic women who only speak Spanish and finding ways to bridge the gap between languages, making sure that no one who seeks help through P4P is left behind.
Steps for Hispanic Individuals to find Financial Support for Breast Cancer
- Research online for inclusive healthcare providers: Start your search by looking for healthcare providers in your area who are committed to inclusivity. While the focus here is on breast cancer, healthcare providers that prioritize inclusivity often create welcoming environments for all patients.
- Seek recommendations from your community: Rely on your community to guide your search. Reach out to friends, family, and members of Hispanic communities and inquire about their experiences with healthcare providers. Personal recommendations provide invaluable insights into doctors who are supportive, knowledgeable, and open to providing comprehensive care.
- Schedule consultations: Once you've identified potential doctors or healthcare providers, schedule consultations. These meetings are an opportunity to discuss your concerns, medical history, and ask questions. Pay attention to their responses and attitude, ensuring they are knowledgeable and respectful.
- Trust your instincts: No matter what you read or hear, always trust your instincts when choosing a healthcare provider. Comfort and trust in your doctor are essential for establishing a strong patient-provider relationship.
Remember: healthcare, including breast cancer care, is your right. You deserve healthcare professionals who listen to you, respect your choices, and address your concerns with empathy and understanding.
At Pawsitively 4 Pink, our mission is to provide financial support to local underserved women battling breast cancer. If you're passionate about helping these women, consider exploring volunteer opportunities. If you're facing a breast cancer diagnosis and need financial help, please reach out to us!
This October, we commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, advocating for inclusivity and support for all. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer, no matter their nationality or heritage.
Celebrating Bisexual Visibility Month
September isn’t just the beginning of fall here in Worcester, MA, it’s also known globally as Bisexual Visibility Month. This month-long celebration is all about honoring and uplifting the individuals who find themselves somewhere on the spectrum of bisexuality. Whether you're bisexual yourself or an ally, bisexuality has a long history and deserves to be recognized. Recognition is a form of celebration and encourages others to learn about the history of bisexuality and important bisexual men and women current day and historically.
Bi Visibility Month: A History
Bisexual Visibility Month, also known as Bisexual Awareness Month, has its roots in LGBTQ+ activism. September became officially recognized as Bi Visibility Month in 1999, thanks to the tireless efforts of Wendy Curry, Gigi Raven Wilbur, and other change-making LGBTQ+ activists. Officially, Bisexual Visibility Day is celebrated every year on September 23rd.
The purpose of celebrating bisexuality for the month was simple yet profound: to shine a spotlight on bisexuality and to combat the stigma and stereotypes surrounding it. By devoting a whole month to celebrating and raising awareness about bisexuality, activists hope to ensure that everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. Read more in-depth about the history of bisexuality and the individuals who worked hard to be seen and heard.
So… What is Bi Visibility Month, Exactly?
Bi Visibility Month is a time to celebrate, educate, and advocate for the bisexual community. Historically, bisexuality has been widely misunderstood or written off entirely, leading to harmful stereotypes and erasure of bisexual identity and individuals. Dedicating the month of September to bisexual awareness provides a platform to debunk myths and foster understanding. Simply put, it’s all about letting people know that bisexuality is valid and that love knows no gender boundaries.
The Importance of Bisexual Visibility
LGBTQ+ activists envisioned a world in which everyone would be able to love who they love and suffer no discrimination, violence, or hate. Celebrating bisexual visibility every September is about creating a world where every bisexual individual feels safe to express themselves and their love, and is ultimately accepted and cherished for who they are.
Visibility matters because it helps combat biphobia and fosters inclusivity. When bisexual individuals see themselves not only acknowledged but represented and celebrated, it leads to increased self-acceptance and a sense of belonging. On the surface, this may seem simple, but cultivating these positive feelings actually leads to diminished experiences of depression and self-harm in the LGBTQ+ community. Bi Visibility Month is a step toward reducing mental health disparities in the bisexual community and improving overall well-being, physically and emotionally.
Everyone Benefits
Bisexual Visibility Month isn't just for the bisexual community; it's for everyone. Below are a few reasons that Bisexual Visibility Month is crucial in our communities:
Education and Awareness: By learning about bisexuality, schools, workplaces, and families, are able to break down stereotypes and prejudices. This knowledge can lead to more inclusive and accepting communities. Learn more about bisexuality.
Support and Allyship: Celebrating Bisexual Visibility Month shows support for the bisexual community, making bisexual individuals feel valued, seen, and understood. Gain a deeper understanding of cultivating allyship.
Intersectionality: Bisexuality intersects with other aspects of identity, such as race, gender, and disability. Recognizing and celebrating this diversity promotes a more inclusive society and ensures the support of each and every individual. Read more about intersectionality.
Mental Health: As we mentioned earlier, increased visibility improves the mental health and well-being of bisexual individuals. A happier, healthier community benefits us all.
How To Get Involved
Celebrating Bisexual Visibility Month is all about participating to make a difference in our communities. Here are some ways to get involved…
Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about bisexuality, its history, and the challenges bisexual individuals face.
Show Your Support: Attend local events, engage with social media campaigns, and wear purple, the official color of Bisexual Visibility Month.
Amplify Bisexual Voices: Share articles, books, and art created by bisexual individuals. Give them a platform to share their experiences, and don’t forget to listen!
Donate: Consider donating to organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community.
Attend Inclusive Events
Celebrating Bi Visibility Month involves heightened awareness and learning, but it should also involve fun!
We are excited to share that we have a fantastic event lined up for the beginning of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month! At Pawsitively 4 Pink, we have created an incredibly supportive and inclusive community centered around supporting local Worcester women battling breast cancer. Our events bring locals together to raise money for local underserved women so that we can make a direct financial impact on their lives. Join us on October 7th for our "Rhythm 4 Ribbons" event. We'll be hosting some incredible live music and local food trucks. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect in a safe, supportive environment and aid a worthy cause!
If you can’t make it to Rhythm 4 Ribbons, don’t worry - there are more events on the way! If you’re interested in getting involved in Pawsitively 4 Pink by hosting a percentage night or volunteering, please don’t hesitate to reach out! Or, support Worcester women fighting breast cancer with a direct donation. Every dollar makes a difference!
I Found a Lump in My Breast...Now What?
You’re in front of your dresser and your hand runs through your chest. You feel something and just to be certain, you touch your breast again and this time, you’re sure that you felt a lump. Most women self-examine their breasts and once they find a lump, they freeze. Now the question is, what do you do when this happens?
First and foremost, don’t panic. Research shows that 85% of breast lumps are benign, which means they are noncancerous, especially in women who haven’t yet hit 40. Women over 40 are normally encouraged to have regular mammograms and if those mammograms always turn negative, the odds are even higher that the lump you felt isn’t cancerous.
According to most obstetricians, before a palpable lump appears on a woman’s breast, something will already have been detected during a mammogram screening. Despite most women knowing this, the worrying and stress it has not stopped anyone from worrying once they feel a lump. The only way to be sure is to differentiate between a benign lump and a breast cancer lump.
Understanding your breasts
Your breasts consist of fat, blood vessels, nerves, glandular tissue, fibrous connective tissue, ducts, and milk-producing lobules. All these make your breasts quite lumpy. The major difference between a benign lump and a cancerous lump is that a benign one is fluid-filled and rolls between your fingers. A cancerous lump is normally hard and feels stuck in one place.
The other difference has to do with pain. Breast cancer, in most cases, doesn’t cause pain. Inflammatory breast cancer is an exception to this, as it comes with symptoms of aching or burning in the breast. Benign conditions might also be accompanied by painful symptoms, but at times, this isn’t the case.
The only sure way to know the nature of a breast lump is via medical tests such as a mammogram, fine needle aspiration, or ultrasound. These tests should be done at a medical facility that has all the equipment and with experts who can read the results.
Understanding the tests
What is a mammogram?
An X-ray examination of the breast is referred to as a mammogram. It is a process used to detect breast diseases or any breast problems, such as nipple discharge, lumps, or pain. This procedure enables the detection of benign tumors, cysts, and breast cancers before they can be detected via touch. All women are encouraged to frequently do a mammogram, whether or not they have breast health-related issues.
There are factors or conditions that may affect your mammogram results, such as
- Having had a previous breast surgery
- Hormonal breast changes
- Deodorant, lotions, creams, or talcum powder applied on breasts or under the arms
- Breast implants; these prevent the complete visualization of the breast area, hence hiding tissue
You should inform your medical examiner if any of these apply to you so that they can make the required preparations.
How to prepare yourself for a mammogram
The first thing is scheduling a date for the mammogram. It is advisable to do this two weeks before your period starts because breasts do become tender a week before and during menstruation. Once again, if you have breast implants, please notify the facility when scheduling the exam.
Expectant mothers or those who think they might be pregnant should consult a medical doctor before scheduling a mammogram. Discuss all options with your doctor. If you are breastfeeding, you should mention this to the mammography technician.
Avoid using lotion, perfume, deodorant, or powder on the day of the examination. Note that you'll have to remove clothes from the waist up, so wear something that you can easily get out of. It is also advisable to leave all jewelry and valuables at home. The health care provider or technologist will request other specific preparation based on your medical condition.
What is a fine-needle aspiration or FNA?
There are situations where a mammogram can’t prove that a certain body area is cancerous even though there are high chances that it is. In such situations, the tissue will be extracted via a needle for biopsy. The tissue will then be scrutinized under a microscope to determine if it is cancer or not.
FNA is just one of the several breast biopsy procedures as the type of biopsy done depends on the size and location of the breast lump.
How to prepare yourself for a biopsy
The entire procedure should be explained to you by the technologist and you should ask all the questions you might have. A consent form will be provided, but you should go through it carefully before signing anything. Once again, seek clarification on points that you don’t understand.
If your breast is numbed using local anesthesia and you are awake, then you don’t have much preparation. If general anesthesia will be used to put you into a deep sleep, then you will have to fast before the surgery. Your surgeon will explain everything before the procedure.
Once again, apply nothing to your breast or underarms. Inform your healthcare provider if you suspect you could be pregnant or you are pregnant. You should also inform them of any allergies. Perhaps you could be allergic to latex or anesthesia. You should also let them know if you are on any medication or taking supplements. This is also the time to say if you have a history of bleeding disorders.
Since you will be drowsy and groggy after, ensure that someone is on standby to drive you home.
What is an ultrasound?
When sound waves are used to examine your breasts, we refer to the method as a breast ultrasound. It will help the medical examiner spot any issues and also see how well blood flows to your breast areas. Ultrasounds are normally used when there is a change that fails to show up in a mammogram.
A breast ultrasound is not normally used to detect breast cancer, the reason being that it may fail to detect some early signs. For example, one early cancer sign it might not detect is micro-calcifications, which are small calcium deposits. So in what cases are an ultrasound method used?
- When the breast tissue is really dense and the mammogram cannot see through it
- When pregnant. Ultrasound doesn’t make use of radiation like mammography.
- You are below 25 years of age
- When there is a need to look at the surrounding lymph nodes. This is essential when removing cyst fluid or guiding a needle during a biopsy.
- The health provider may recommend other reasons
How to prepare yourself for an ultrasound
Your healthcare service provider should explain the entire procedure to you. Don’t be afraid to ask all the questions that you may have. There are situations where you might be given a consent form to sign before the test. It is important that you go through the form carefully and ask for clarification when something is not clear.
There is no need to stop eating or drinking before the test. Just relax and please, don’t take any medicine for it. Breathe easy. Once again, avoid putting lotion, deodorant, or any other substances on your breasts that day. You should also wear clothes you can easily take off and that allow the technologist to easily examine your chest area. Some gel will be applied to your skin during the test. Follow any other instructions as required during the test.
Information is power, so when you feel a lump on your breast, seek medical advice as ll breast lumps should be evaluated by a medical professional. Once the cause of the lump is established, treatment can begin. So, finding a lump on your breast is not always a cause for alarm, it is a cause for taking the right action.
If you’d like to help make a difference in the lives of women experiencing breast cancer, you volunteer with us a Pawsitively 4 Pink or make a small donation.
How to Be There for a Loved One With Breast Cancer
Introduction
When someone you know is diagnosed, the first question is usually how to be there for a loved one with breast cancer. It can be hard to believe that this has happened since it’s not something that most people expect or plan to happen.
Breast cancer comes without warning, and it varies widely in how it impacts each individual diagnosed. However, if you think your reaction is sudden and shocking to hear that a loved one has been diagnosed, think about how they are feeling.
This article will encourage you to shift your perspective and motives to educate yourself on being there for a loved one with breast cancer. Although the diagnosis will affect you, it’s important to think about your loved one’s needs and how you can be your best for them.
The Power of Listening
One of the best things you can do for a loved one is to be there for them and approach every conversation with open ears. Just being there and listening can make all the difference.Â
Many people feel isolated and scared after their diagnosis. They may feel confused and afraid to express what they are truly feeling and going through. By going into every conversation with open ears, you are fostering an environment that is safe for them to express themselves and put their trust in you.
Even if you don’t completely understand what they are trying to express or explain, it’s important to listen and validate their experiences. For example, if your loved one is saying that she doesn’t know how her spouse or children will handle this news, let her know you see where she is coming from and validate her experience. It is scary, and try to assure her she and her doctors will do everything they can to fight this thing.Â
A general rule of thumb is to listen first, talk second. This leads us to our next point…
Only Give Advice When Asked
Along with entering each conversation with open ears, try to have an open mind, heart, and perspective as well. Don’t be so quick to give advice unless asked. Though your intentions may be good, it’s important to understand that not everyone wants or needs advice.
Your loved one may be in the early stages of their diagnosis and not have any idea what to do next. In this case, they will likely want and need your help figuring out their options. However, if they are farther along in their cancer journey, they may not want or need any advice, just love, and support.Â
The keywords here are “when asked.” It’s okay to share your perspective and experiences as they relate to the diagnosis, but wait for your loved one to ask for help—or at least express that they want it. This will help to avoid any tension or feelings of being overwhelmed on their part.
Of course, you want to support your loved one in any way you can. Do your research… but don’t overdo it. Instead, do something tangible like dropping off a meal or picking up their child for school. This is where you will really be needed.
Support Your Loved One’s Treatment Decisions
One of the most important things you can do as a supporter is to support your loved one’s treatment decisions. This includes everything from surgery to different therapies.
It can be difficult to make these decisions, and it’s perfectly understandable for you to have mixed feelings about them. However, it’s important that you do not voice unsolicited opinions unless you are asked for your opinion or advice.
You have to remember your loved one is going through the recovery process more than once. The treatment itself is one version of pain they have to go through, but they also have to go through it before the treatment itself, as well as after when they are waiting in remission.
Every time they have to weigh all their options, go over the timetable of the procedure or talk to their doctors, they are going through the process all over again.
So, try to support them throughout it all. Their lives have been turned upside down, and the last thing they need is judgment from the people they love. Understand that you would maybe not make the same decisions as your loved one, but that does not mean they have not chosen the best option for them.
Check-In Regularly, Not Just When Asked for
One of the most important responsibilities you have is to check in with your loved one. On a regular basis. This can be done via phone calls, text messages, cards, visits—anything that helps them know they are on your mind.
Doing this will let them know they are not alone during their recovery process. Many patients feel that their loved ones don’t check in beyond the initial diagnosis. This leaves them feeling alone and isolated. The hardest time for those with a cancer diagnosis is actually in the months following when the initial shock has worn off, and their loved ones get back to their daily lives.Â
So, make sure you are checking in regularly to offer comfort and support. Moreover, your loved one may need this more often if their treatment is causing significant side effects or making them feel ill for an extended period of time.
Doing a service or an act of love at least once a week can provide quick reassurance that things are okay and they are not forgotten. So reach out to them. As much as you can.
Educate YourselfÂ
Lastly, but equally important, educate yourself on your loved one’s treatment. If you are like most people, cancer didn’t cross your mind much before your loved one was diagnosed.
So, take the time to learn about their type of cancer, the various treatments, what to expect during and after treatment, and so on. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to support your loved one emotionally and practically.
This includes being there for them when they have appointments, being able to answer any questions they may have, and just being a listening ear.
If you can be there and sit in on doctor’s visits and take notes for your loved one, this would be a fantastic way to offer support. Not only will you be helping them, but you will gain a better understanding for yourself as well.
Conclusion
There is no best way to support a loved one with cancer. However, there are many things you can do (or not do) that will help your loved one feel less alone and more supported throughout their journey.
When offering to be there for them, it’s important to remember they may need different types of support at various times. So, be sure to communicate with them and ask what they need from you specifically.
Most importantly, be there for them in whatever way possible and let them know you love them. Even if it gets difficult at times, just know your support goes a long way. If you or a loved one need another person in your support group, any aid in the breast cancer journey, or you would like to give something to help those with breast cancer, feel free to head over to Pawsitively 4 Pink. We have been able to help many women through their breast cancer journey through generous donations from our community. We are here for your loved one too.