We are now in the midst of the “-ber” seasons, as October draws to a close and cold winds begin to redden our noses. Before we move on to November, it’s important to pause and acknowledge all the lives honored and dedicated during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer is often called a silent killer. Each year, over 2.3 million people worldwide are diagnosed, leading to more than 670,000 deaths. Global incidence is projected to rise by nearly 40% over the next 25 years (Burstein et al., 2025). Of those affected, about 99% are women and 1% are men.
The telltale signs can be easy to overlook. More so, many women feel ashamed or embarrassed to get a mammogram, a crucial health care step that could save their lives. Still, early detection can begin at home. Countless informational articles and videos guide you through self-examinations and help you recognize when it’s time to take the next step and reaching out to a medical professional.
Jade’s Story.
These statistics aren’t just numbers, they were people with unwritten futures, favorite hobbies, jobs, life, and, loved ones. To understand the personal side of this silent killer, I spoke with Biomedical Science major, Jade Gibson, who lost her mom to breast cancer. A mother’s story, through her daughters’ eyes.
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When asked about the bond she shared with her mom, Jade chuckled and described their relationship in simple but honest terms: “She rage-baited me some days but spoiled me as much as she could.” Jade added, “She had a very big heart. I know that’s right because I got one too. I can remember every little metaphor she told me. I laugh because even when she scolded or grounded me, I’d still laugh at her creative little sayings.”
She paused before recalling one of her mom’s favorites: “When I would be sad about doing bad in a class, she’d say, ‘Nothing beats a failure but a try, little grasshopper.’ I quote her to my friends and roommates when I have the chance.”
What do you remember about the time when your mom was first diagnosed?
- “I originally thought it was a lie. I didn’t believe it until the treatment actually started. She continued working although she was suppose to be resting just to make sure i still had what i wanted an needed. That shows the type of woman she is.” Jade adds recalling the hardships she went through when processing her loss, “As a family we just spent more time together and moved in with more family to make it easier and have more help. After losing my mom I realized how fast life can change and made it my business to do everything right by her because i knew she wanted great things for me.”
“There isn’t a solution for grief and losing someone, but with time it gets easier to live with and grief is different for everyone. Grief will always be there even though you don’t want it to be there, what I learned to do is to accept it and grow from there.”
When you think of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, what comes to mind?
“It means a lot,” Jade said, her voice softening. “Every pink ribbon I see, every post or event honoring those who battled breast cancer it hits me in lots of ways. It’s heartwarming to see so much love and support, but it can feel like if I was punched in the stomach, because I remember what it feels like to lose her. Still, seeing awareness being spread, even in little ways, feels powerful and those small gestures matter not just to me, but to anyone who has been through the same. And to my mom.”
“I also talk about her a lot, I always will.” Jade smiles softly as she says, “One lesson she taught me was to not care with others think as long as you are your best self.”
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is devoted to early detection, funding research, and sharing stories like Jade’s. Behind every statistic is a heartbeat, a laugh, and a legacy. As we close out Pink October, let’s remember that awareness isn’t just about ribbons and campaigns it’s about lives, memories, and the people who continue to carry their loved ones’ strength within them.
Learn, donate, and support year-round:
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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