Olubukola Ayodele: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Olubukola Ayodele shared on LinkedIn:

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

“October all over the world is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The next few posts are to honour survivors, fighters, those we’ve lost and to the future generations who might end up walking this path.

Breast cancer affects women in countless ways, whether they are survivors, currently battling the illness, lost their lives to it, or may be at risk in the future.

This month provides a crucial opportunity to reflect on their stories, raise awareness, and advocate for change to ensure that every woman, no matter her circumstances, has access to the care, treatment, and support she deserves.

Also, it’s a time to remember that October is more than pink washing. Link to my post on pink washing here.”

Celebrating Survivors: The Warriors Who Conquered:

“Part 2: Celebrating Survivors: The Warriors Who Conquered

Breast cancer survivors are a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. They represent hope for women who are still in the midst of their own battles and for those who may one day face a breast cancer diagnosis.

Surviving breast cancer is not only about overcoming the physical challenges of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation; it is also about enduring the emotional and psychological toll that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis.

These brave women show us that survival is possible—that life after cancer can be rich, fulfilling, and full of new beginnings. They remind us of the importance of early detection, self-examinations, and routine screenings, as these are often the keys to beating breast cancer.

Survivors are the living proof that awareness, medical advancements, and personal strength can converge to give life after diagnosis.

I salute you all!”

The Fighters: Women Still on Their Cancer Journey:

“Part 3: The Fighters: Women Still on Their Cancer Journey

For the women still undergoing treatment, October serves as a reminder that they are not alone in their fight. Whether they are in the early stages of treatment or facing an advanced diagnosis, their courage and determination are awe-inspiring. Their journeys are often filled with uncertainty, pain, and countless obstacles, yet they press on—fueled by hope, love, and the desire to reclaim their health.

It is essential to acknowledge that for some women, the cancer journey is ongoing, and the outcomes are not always clear. We honor their tenacity and fight, and we strive to support them through every step of their treatment.

Breast cancer awareness is not just about raising funds for research; it is about standing by these women—providing emotional, mental, and practical support as they navigate their cancer journey. We owe them our admiration and unwavering encouragement.

This is to say, I see you and I salute your strength!”

Remembering the Women We Lost: Their Legacy Lives On:

“Part 4: Remembering the Women We Lost: Their Legacy Lives On

While breast cancer survival rates have improved dramatically over the years, too many women have been lost to this disease.

These women were daughters, sisters, mothers, partners, and friends whose lives were cut short far too soon. Their absence leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved them, but their legacy lives on in the fight against breast cancer.

For the families and friends of those who have passed, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to honour their loved ones and to advocate for better research, treatment, and early detection methods.

The loss of my mother to this deadly disease shaped my life and continues to fuel my passion and mission to make sure that less women are dying from breast cancer.

Every life lost to breast cancer is a reminder of the urgent need for progress—progress that can only come from continued research, education, and support for all women.”

Protecting Future Generations: Reducing Risk and Raising Awareness:

“Part 5: Protecting Future Generations: Reducing Risk and Raising Awareness

I also turn my attention to the millions of women who may face breast cancer in the future. While we cannot predict who will be diagnosed with breast cancer, we can arm ourselves with knowledge and take proactive steps to reduce risk.

Breast cancer awareness month is not just about looking back at the past and present; it is also about looking forward to a future where fewer women are diagnosed, and more lives are saved.

Advances in genetic research, lifestyle modifications, and preventive healthcare are helping women take charge of their breast health. Genetic counseling, for instance, helps women assess their risk based on family history, while new treatments and innovations in personalized medicine are offering hope for even the most high-risk individuals.

Increased education around lifestyle factors, such as maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and regular exercise, can further reduce the risk of breast cancer for future generations.

The rate of cancer in young people is quite concerning and we must make sure that these young ones are armed with the knowledge to identify when something is not right. Self breast examination at least once a month after the menstrual cycle is required.

I use the mami app to set monthly reminders for myself.”

Our Collective Responsibility:

“Part 6: Our Collective Responsibility

As we honor these women – survivors, fighters, those we’ve lost, and those at risk—we must remind ourselves of the importance of community.

Whether it’s through donations, participating in awareness talks/walks, or volunteering to support someone going through treatment, we all have a role to play in this fight.

Breast cancer is not just a women’s issue; it affects entire families and communities. Together, we can create a world where breast cancer diagnoses are met with even more effective treatments, and where fewer women have to experience the pain of losing a loved one to this disease.

This October, let’s come together to celebrate the strength of the women who have survived, stand beside those still in their battle, remember the women we’ve lost, and commit to a future where breast cancer no longer has the power to take away the lives we hold dear.

In the words of Maya Angelou, ‘I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it.’

Let this be the mantra that guides us through Breast Cancer Awareness Month and beyond.”

More posts featiuring Olubukola Ayodele on oncodaily.com

Dr. Olubukola Ayodele is a Consultant Medical Oncologist at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, specializing in breast and genitourinary malignancies, including germ cell tumors. She is also an honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Leicester and heads the Breast Cancer Clinical Trials Unit at the Leicester Cancer Research Centre. Dr. Ayodele’s work includes numerous publications, clinical trials, and collaborative research projects on molecular drivers and biomarkers in breast cancer. She is a member of ASCO, ESMO, ACP and UKBCG.