Understanding Breast Cancer: Awareness, Impact, and Treatment

       October marks the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women in the United States, and it is the second leading cause of death for women. The estimated deaths from it in 2025 so far are 42,170 people. But what are the common questions asked about cancer? For example, “What causes breast cancer?” or “Can breast cancer be prevented?” or even “What is breast cancer?” And many more like “How does breast cancer affect families?” According to the National Library of Medicine, “ Cancer is the second leading death in the U.S., with heart disease being the number one. The most commonly diagnosed cancers are prostate, lung, breast, and colorectal.” According to the National Cancer Institute, “In 2025, an estimated 618,120 people will die of cancer in the United States.” 

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breasts grow out of control. This is mostly common in women, but men can get breast cancer as well. The cause of breast cancer isn’t known, although some factors can increase the risks of breast cancer, like; 

• High levels of estrogen and progesterone over long periods of time 
• Smoking 
• Alcohol consumption
• Obesity or lack of physical activity

One common misconception about breast cancer is that it is caused by aluminum in antiperspirants or deodorants, although there is no strong evidence to support that theory. Another common misconception is that the only way to get breast cancer is through family heritage, although, according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, “About five to 10 percent of breast cancers are hereditary.”

How does Breast Cancer Affect Families?

Breast cancer doesn’t only affect the carrier, it also affects the entire family as a whole by disrupting routines and roles, causing worry or guilt, and causing much emotional distress to the entire family. According to Zoga Ajeti, a student at JMS (Zoga Ajeti: World Traveler), “It was really hard because my mom had it when I was 8, and she could not really take care of us, so my aunt had to help her.” Breast cancer takes over the lives of thousands of people, with Zoga’s mom being one of the many. “She was very drowsy and lost a lot of weight from it.” 

Common effects of breast cancer are fatigue, hair loss, weight changes, difficulty swallowing, and many more. These symptoms can occur throughout your battle with cancer, happening off and on. Some effects can last a lifetime, making the quality of life challenging. Having a family member with cancer can be heartbreaking because it’s hard to see someone you love so much battle something so scary. 

What can you do to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

• Paint Pink Exhibition: On Friday, October 17, 2025, the New Studio for the Visual Arts is having its third annual Paint Pink Exhibition. This event raises awareness for breast cancer. Located at New Studio for the Visual Arts, 5130 S US Highway 1, Jupiter.
• Making Strides Against Breast Cancer: The American Cancer Society hosts a walk on Saturday, October 25, 2025, in Boca Raton at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater. It is a 3-5 mile non-competitive walk to provide support to your community for the courageous survivors of breast cancer.

Can Breast Cancer be Prevented?

There are no current ways for breast cancer to be prevented, but there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risks of breast cancer.

• Staying active: Going outside and getting at least 30 minutes to an hour of physical activity each day
• Eating healthy: Make sure to have a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
• Limiting alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption damages DNA, raises estrogen levels, and increases inflammation, which are all factors that negatively impact the body and raise risks for breast cancer.

What are some Treatments for Breast Cancer?

Chemotherapy is something cancer patients have to go through to kill the growth of cancer cells in the body slowly. When going through the process of chemotherapy, a lot can happen. Chemotherapy may be useful in killing cancer cells, but it can also harm other important cells in the process. Some effects of chemo are nausea, hair loss, increased chance of infections, and appetite changes. Patients can receive chemo at any point in their cancer journey. The survival rate for all patients receiving chemotherapy is 60%. Mesothelioma.com states, “Chemotherapy is one of the most common first-line cancer treatments. This means it is often the first treatment given in cancer cases.” Chemotherapy and cancer can be scary for the family and the loved one going through it.

Just know that if you are in a situation like this, you are not alone, and there are ways you can cope with it, such as talking to your friends, someone you trust, or maybe even a counselor if your loved one’s cancer battle is causing you distress. Cancer is a topic most people avoid due to several reasons, for example, if they had a loved one going through it, lost someone, or it may be just an uncomfortable subject for people to talk about. You are always welcome to talk to any staff member here at JMS, and they will gladly help you cope with your family’s battle.