October is widely recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with pink ribbons ornamenting everything from grocery store aisles to major sporting events. However, this month also marks Liver Cancer Awareness Month, often overshadowed by the sea of pink. While raising awareness, supporting research, and promoting early detection of these cancers is essential, it’s important to remember that awareness doesn’t end when the month ends.
For those living with a cancer diagnosis—whether breast, liver, or any other form— every day brings awareness. From the physical strain of surgeries and treatment side effects to the emotional weight of uncertainty and fear, the fallout is everpresent. People with cancer aren’t just aware for a month; they are reminded every time they look in the mirror, feel the fatigue set in, or receive another bill in the mail.
Beyond the physical symptoms of cancer, there’s an accompanying emotional burden. Anxiety about treatment, recurrence, or progression can come unbidden with thoughts like, what does the day hold? What will the next test reveal? For many, awareness of cancer is intertwined with an awareness of their mortality, and that can be a hard reality to live with, day in and day out.
The cost of cancer treatments and lost income from being unable to work can be a constant, relentless source of stress and, in many cases, leads to financial devastation. Campaigns can raise awareness and funds, but individuals facing cancer often feel like the financial struggles never take a break, not even for a month.
While October’s campaigns are vital for drawing attention to breast and liver cancer, we must remember that awareness for people facing cancer is a 24/7 experience with needs extending well beyond awareness months.
Support doesn’t stop when October ends, and neither should our efforts. At Cancer Help Desk, we continue to listen, support, and advocate for the needs of all cancer patients every day of the year. For those facing cancer, true awareness is an ongoing battle, from sun up to sun down.