October is breast cancer awareness month. The breast cancer awareness month, which began in 1985, is observed globally from October 1–31. This observance provides a focused time to support patients and families facing a breast cancer diagnosis, educate people about breast cancer risk factors, emphasize the importance of regular screening, and fundraise for breast cancer.
There are several organizations, advocacy groups, and support groups that promote awareness of breast cancer. Here in Houston, Texas, Priscilla Siwela, a therapist and an executive administrative assistant, wants to offer succor to those battling breast cancer and the survivors as well. Priscilla, who is originally from Zimbabwe, started a breast cancer awareness event last year, which she tagged SIP and PAINT for a cause. This year’s edition was attended by people from different backgrounds who gave positive feedback and looked forward to subsequent events.
Priscilla Siwela during her breast cancer awareness event tagged Sip and Paint for a cause
Priscilla said she became a breast cancer awareness advocate after the disease killed her friend’s mom. Witnessing the impact of breast cancer on loved ones motivated her to raise awareness, encourage early detection, and offer a helping hand to those affected.
As a breast cancer advocate, she aims to reach more people with information about breast cancer prevention, screening, and early detection. She also wants to provide emotional and practical support to breast cancer survivors and their families.
Participants at the breast cancer awareness event
She hopes to engage more in community building and create a strong network of advocates and survivors to foster a sense of community and strength while collaborating with partners, healthcare organizations, and nonprofit organizations to amplify efforts. to have free testing carried out. Organizing events and campaigns to raise funds for research, treatment, and support programs is paramount in the fight against breast cancer, including lobbying for policies that improve access to breast cancer care and treatment.
Sip and Paint for a cause which aims to raise breast cancer awareness
In the United States, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. In 2023, an estimated 297,790 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
