For many people, October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pink ribbons appear on store shelves, social media feeds, and community events. The month centers on education, early detection, honoring survivors, and remembering those we have lost.
For me, October brings awareness in multiple ways. Although another cause holds a deeply personal place in my heart, breast cancer awareness is the second most important reason October carries such meaning. This time reminds me of a chapter that changed my life forever.
Last December, I made the difficult choice to step away from work and undergo a double mastectomy as a preventive measure. It was not a light decision. I faced sleepless nights, tears, fear, uncertainty, and more prayers than I can count. As a mother, I thought of my child and the moments I still wanted to witness. As a professional, I worried about pausing my work and delaying everything. As a woman, I struggled with the emotional reality of what the surgery would mean physically, mentally, and emotionally.
I chose prevention because I wanted to do all I could to protect my future. At the time, I believed I was acting proactively to reduce my risk. What I did not know was that the surgery would reveal something unexpected. Cancer cells were found.
I recall sitting with that reality and feeling a wave of emotions I can barely describe: fear, shock, relief, gratitude, heartbreak, all at once. What began as a preventive procedure suddenly confirmed that my choice may have saved my life. Even now, I consider how different things might have been if I had waited.
What if I had delayed it for another year?
What if I had convinced myself I was too busy?
What if I had ignored the warning signs and hoped for the best?
Those questions highlight how valuable life is and why we must speak up for ourselves, even when it feels uneasy or frightening.
That experience gave me a lesson I pass on whenever possible, early detection and prevention are vital.
As women, we often concentrate on caring for others and overlook our own needs. We arrange visits for our children, sustain our families, attend our jobs, and shoulder duties that appear endless. Somewhere in that routine, we promise ourselves we will find time for our health later.
Please do not wait for later.
Arrange your mammogram.
Make the visit you have delayed.
Pose the questions.
Stand up for yourself.
Your health is valuable.
Your life is valuable.
Men, you may face risk as well, so do not dismiss it because your family relies on you.
Today, when October arrives, I do not merely notice pink ribbons. I see a sign of strength. I see a sign of how precious life is. I see a sign that awareness goes beyond wearing pink….. it involves action.
If sharing my story helps even one person to book a mammogram, speak with their doctor, or place their health first, then being open is worthwhile.
This October, I invite you to pause for yourself. Whether you are a survivor, currently in a struggle, supporting a loved one, or simply due for your annual screening, recognize that you matter.
And if no one has said it recently, let me be the one.
Make sure to care for yourself as you care for everyone else.
With love,
Corianta ❤️
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