October is coming to a close, but the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness continues year-round. For the women of the CSN Henderson Academic Advising team, the message hits close to home. Among the nine women on their team, three are breast cancer survivors—a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength needed to fight this disease.

One survivor recalls, “I got the news in October five years ago. It was a shock. I had no family history. But I knew I had to fight. It sucked big time, but I survived. I was strong because I needed to be—for myself, my family, and my loved ones. I wasn’t going to let cancer break me.” Today, she’s cancer-free, embracing her “new superpower.”

The statistics are sobering: in 2020, an estimated 276,480 women in the U.S. were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and 42,170 lost their lives. But there is hope—over 3.5 million breast cancer survivors live in the U.S. today, a testament to the power of early detection and treatment.

Even as October wraps up, it’s crucial to remain vigilant year-round. Women are encouraged to self-screen, talk to their doctors, and take steps to reduce their risk—regular exercise, no smoking, less alcohol, and annual mammograms. Early detection is key, contributing to a 39% decline in breast cancer deaths in recent years.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month concludes, let’s continue to wear pink, raise awareness, and honor those who have fought. Because, as one survivor says, “I wasn’t going to let cancer define me, and neither should you.”