Comma Catch-Up Series: #RealTalk: Breast Cancer Awareness
Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it was important that our latest Comma Catch-Up focused on this condition that impacts so many. Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among U.S. women. Comma’s own Lauren Caggiano was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 37 while she was seemingly at her healthiest. But, as she’s quick to note, “Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate.”
Lauren was declared cancer-free in May 2022 and has been thriving ever since. In addition to pursuing a full and vibrant life, she continues to educate people on breast cancer and the many misconceptions about the disease. Keep reading for a brief recap on breast cancer awareness.
Debunking Common Breast Cancer Myths
Lauren isn’t a medical professional, but she’s learned a lot about breast cancer from trusted healthcare providers throughout her diagnosis, treatment, and in remission. Here are a few of the myths she debunked in her presentation.
Myth: Anyone under age 40 is “too young” to get breast cancer.
Fact: Lauren was diagnosed at age 37 with stage 2 hormone-positive breast cancer. Breast cancer in those under 40 isn’t the majority of diagnoses, but it’s a good reminder to mention any health concerns with your doctor.
Myth: Genetic and/or family history are the only risk factors.
Fact: The American Cancer Society notes that most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease, and approximately “5-10% of breast cancer cases are thought to be hereditary.” Breast cancer can be attributed to a wide range of factors.
Myth: Breast cancer is a death sentence.
Fact: There are more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. Early detection and treatment can improve the chances of a positive outcome, so don’t hesitate to seek medical guidance if you’re concerned about anything related to breast health.
Watch the full presentation to learn more common misconceptions about breast cancer, Lauren’s tips for supporting loved ones through treatment, and how to find support groups and other helpful resources.
A big thank you to Lauren for being courageous in sharing her story, and to those who joined us live for an enlightening and hopeful conversation.
#RealTalk: Find Even More Ways to Connect
Each monthly installment of the Comma Catch-Up series is an opportunity to learn and grow alongside our Comma Copywriters community. These free online events help us sharpen our skill set, deep-dive into industry trends, and expand our worldview. Check out our events page to see where we’ll be next and who we’ll learn from along the way.
You can also learn more about our services and see how we can support your content goals. Our Comma writers and editors have been expertly crafting data-driven, insightful marketing content for nearly a decade, and we’re ready to do the same for your team. Contact Comma today to learn more about scheduling a free consultation.
