Poll: How does Breast Cancer Awareness Month make you feel?
Select the answer below that best matches your emotions and expand your thoughts in the thread below.
Poll: How does Breast Cancer Awareness Month make you feel? 118 votes
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Comments
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hopeful and motivated to help spread the messaging
The pink color is triggering.
4 -
hopeful and motivated to help spread the messaging
To me, anything that can bring awareness, regardless of the "money making" opportunity somewhere for companies, is something positive and good! Breast cancer took a lot away from me, thankfully it didn't take my life, and I "feel" October so much differently now, because it was my fight too. I just can't see anything negative in this. But that's just my personal opinion.
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isolated because I don't feel represented
Being Stage 4 during breast cancer awareness month sucks, all the messaging about "if you catch it early, you'll be fine" - is simply not always true. Feels like getting slapped in the face every day. Thank god for all the October halloween candy, lol!
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irritated and triggered by the constant reminders
Look up how much the Susan G Komen CEOs make!! Also, Breast Cancer Awareness?! We are all aware of it! What about Prevention…..? Then no need for a cure. I do not like that the color Pink has been hijacked! Also, such hype. I dread being at a retail store check out and being asked to support BC Awareness Month! I donated my breasts.
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hopeful and motivated to help spread the messaging
While I appreciate the the feelings of those who dislike the reminders and marketing use, I still feel it is the perfect time to remind, gently or forcefully, my friends and family to get screened. I can post my reminders as well as share the ones posted by others, all month long, without disclosing my own situation or feeling guilty about so many reminders/memes.
Denise D
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angered about brands using the month for marketing
I never liked the color pink, even before I had breast cancer. Now I despise it! It isn't about the color, though. I just feel like isolating a month to become "aware" of something cheapens the effect. I live with cancer 365 days a year. I don't need a reminder that I have it. I need people on my side who are actually working on a cure, not trying to sell me a product. It's just like the scammers on Facebook who send messages to everyone about how natural remedies will cure my cancer. It's totally pointless! And sad.
8 -
I'm 90 years old and have just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Although I'm in perfect health otherwise, because of my advanced age, I've opted to do nothing…just live the rest of my life as normally as I can. I have a wonderful, woman doctor and she doesn't disagree with me and has promised to care for me until the end. I live in a senior apartment with levels of care and so far, I'm still in the "independent" section and able to care for myself and enjoy many of activities here. But if/when I need more care, I will move to the assisted living floor. I truly feel I've found the perfect place to spend whatever time I have left. Shirley B. I'm also not a "pink" lover.
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angered about brands using the month for marketing
I've always felt that the companies are try to make a few extra $$. Often the proceeds from purchasing their products go to "Breast Cancer Awareness." You will see that often. It means nothing.
10 -
mixed emotions, some positive, some negative
Thank you! I really, really wish that everyone, including our lower stage sisters, would reflect on how marginalized stage IV is through the fluffy, pink crap. One day, one freaking day for the only type of bc that is terminal and while deaths from bc have decreased somewhat, it has been a mere drop in the bucket. Don’t ignore stage IV!
As I said earlier , I appreciate the dollars it has brought to bc research but it feels like a slap in the face as we are marginalized and almost hidden since no one seems too interested in the fact that tens of thousands still die every year. In the whole fluffy pink awareness movement, we are simply the failures that no one wants out front to make people truly aware of what bc is.6 -
hopeful and motivated to help spread the messaging
I understand people’s feelings regarding the idea of earning money on BC month pink merchandise. I never really thought about that. I also feel so much empathy for people that are stage 4 or have longer more difficult journeys than I’ve had so far, hearing about early screening during the month. I also feel it brings so much hope that others won’t have to suffer so much if they receive early treatment. I also like seeing pink and the messages because it reminds me of all my pink sisters and how we are all in this together and how grateful I am about that. I wish no one had to go thru this, I also like the fact that it brings so much awareness which hopefully will result, one day, for a cure and better treatment options.
i have IDC, had lumpectomy starting chemo in several weeks and will follow up with 4-6 weeks of radiation’.2 -
isolated because I don't feel represented
"Saving 2nd base!" "Save the tatas!" "Bros for boobies!"
Saving the bumps on our chests is less important than saving the woman who is going through aggressive treatments for a life-threatening disease. I am heartened that more and more women who choose a mastectomy as part of their treatment are choosing to go with an AFC instead of a mound reconstruction. We are learning more and more about BII and other risks from implants, expanders, and flaps; and it's great that doctors are being more proactive in offering all the options. But the media still harps on the false idea that you won't feel like a woman unless you have monster boobs after fighting cancer. Screw them.
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Keep them coming. Very helpful and important to hear all your voices.
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irritated and triggered by the constant reminders
i am quite irritated. i was diagnosed with stage 1 IDC and a week later was diagnosed with stage 4. i found it early, didnt help
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angered about brands using the month for marketing
I'm so sorry ts. That is effed beyond belief.
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angered about brands using the month for marketing
everybody seems to want my money , I’m stage 4 and not going to walk around with a pink ribbon.
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angered about brands using the month for marketing
Just wanted to add : it’s worldwide. In France : Octobre Rose
yesterday in a French supermarket the self scanner added a donation before I even scanned my shopping and again after. Had to delete twice. The perfume shop also asked me loudly in public for a donation. I said NO BECAUSE I HAVE CANCER. DO YOU GIVE DISCOUNTS TO CANCER PATIENTS ?
Yes it gets me in a bad mood 😂 I’m ok really.2 -
isolated because I don't feel represented
You totally should have gotten a discount! We need as many silver linings as we can get.
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