Emma Narvaez
Millions of women all over the world are affected by breast cancer every year, making it the most common diagnosed form of cancer. Breast cancer is a life-threatening disease and the treatment for it can be one of the most painful experiences a person may undergo, involving physical, mental, and psychological impacts that can last a lifetime. Unfortunately, there is no known cause or bacterial infection directly related to breast cancer and approximately half of the women diagnosed did not have an identifiable risk factor, other than being female and being over 40 years old. The unknown factor of this disease causes fear in many women for themselves and others around them. The aim of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to manage this fear and support victims of breast cancer as they are dealing with it, or as they learn to live past it.
Every October, people all over the world recognize this unfortunate disease by wearing pink, pinning pink ribbons on their chests, making donations towards chemo centers, and writing cards to cancer patients. Additionally, fundraisers are held to finance research into causes, prevention, and treatment. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Saint Maur’s Charity Committee and Service Learning Club led by Ms. Mansson crafted pink ribbons to be worn by students on Breast Cancer Awareness Day (October 13). In addition, Mrs. Libby Pentland-Smith, a teacher here at Saint Maur, is a thriver of breast cancer; a person who is currently thriving through breast cancer. She spoke to students about her experience and provided guidance regarding personal health. Mrs. Pentland-Smith also prepared a decorative frame for students and staff to take photos with to raise awareness.
During the seminar, Mrs. Pentland-Smith stated:
“So, four years ago I got a sudden itch and I felt a lump, and it felt almost like a little marble. I told my mom and we quickly went to the gynecologist and they took an ultrasound and picked up something abnormal. Then, they did something called a biopsy, which is when they take a sample of the lump and send it off to the labs. I found out the next day that it was breast cancer. I went through seven months of chemotherapy, which was quite tough. I lost all my hair; my hair used to be down to here [points to waist]. That part was really hard.”
She went on to say, “I would say that the biggest thing that was helpful was having people give me their time, sitting down with me, talking to me, asking me questions like, ‘How was your last chemotherapy session?’, ‘How’s your relationship with your oncologist?’, ‘Do you feel like you’re being taken care of?’ These conversations helped me process my breast cancer and allowed me to acknowledge what my body was going through.”
Another big takeaway that Mrs. Pentland-Smith wanted us to know was that “…it’s very important to know your body because if I didn’t know my body and if I didn’t feel and find the lump myself, I wouldn’t even have known that I had breast cancer and the cells could have spread and taken over my body. But because I was aware and I acted fast, I was able to have a mastectomy and take the necessary next steps.”
She taught us something called “feel them on the first”, which is when you are encouraged to check yourself on the first of every month. Mrs. Pentland-Smith stated, “It’s important to know your normal, as we are all different. You can check yourself standing up, sitting down, or lying down. If you notice any changes, talk to your parents, talk to your mom, or talk to a doctor.”
At the moment, it is one in every eight women globally who get diagnosed with breast cancer. However, knowing your body well and being aware about potential risks of breast cancer are the best things you can do for yourself, as early detection may save your life. Mrs. Pentland-Smith communicated, “I know it’s scary if you feel something that you think is abnormal, but it’s important to know your body because if you’re not checking your own body, then who is, right?”
As Mrs. Pentland-Smith said, there are many things you can do to look out for yourself and loved ones dealing with breast cancer. If you know someone who is currently tackling breast cancer, remember to support them and prioritize their wellbeing by conversing with them and asking them how they would like to be supported. From Mrs. Pentland-Smith’s experience, it is evident that the care from her loved ones eased her journey immensely.
Although Breast Cancer Awareness Month has passed, it is important that we continue contributing to causes beyond October. Below are some QR codes to resources Mrs. Pentland-Smith recommends to further educate yourself and show your support.
Thank you Mrs. Pentland-Smith for sharing your story with us, the Saint Maur community wishes you all the best!
Works Cited
World Health Organization. “Cancer.” World Health Organization, 2022, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer.
—. “Current and Future Burden of Breast Cancer: Global Statistics for 2020 and 2040 – IARC.” Www.iarc.who.int, 6 Sept. 2022, www.iarc.who.int/news-events/current-and-future-burden-of-breast-cancer-global-statistics-for-2020-and-2040/#:~:text=Breast%20cancer%20is%20the%20most.
Emma Narvaez