Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an effort to increase awareness and decrease the stigma associated with the disease by educating people about the symptoms and treatment options.

Survivor and supporters believe that increased awareness will lead to earlier detection of breast cancer, which has been linked to a higher long-term survival rate, and that funds generated for breast cancer research will result in a dependable, permanent cure.

Breast Cancer s the most prevalent cancer in Hispanic/Latina women. In the United States, a projected 28,100 new instances of breast cancer will be detected among Hispanic/Latina women rose marginally (by less than one percent a year. Between 2014 and 2019, Hispanic/Latina women had a 30 percent lower incidence of breast cancer than white women. When Hispanic women are first diagnosed with breast cancer, they are just as likely as non-Hispanic white women to have metastases. Breast Cancer mortality in Latina women fell significantly between 2014 and 2018 (by about one percent a year). From 2014 to 2019, Latina women had a 30 percent lower breast cancer death rate than white women.

In October, you may see pink ribbons in products, sponsored campaigns and everyone supporting breast cancer awareness. In October everything is pink….But, what happens after this month?

Meet The Breasties: A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that brought together 10 community members, all affected by breast cancer in some capacity and they’re all speaking about their own feeling about this BCA Month.

Watch: Pink Is Not The Problem. The Problem Is Pinkwashing

What is Pinkwashing?

pink • wash • ing (noun) : A marketing tactic. the exploitation of breast cancer for profit or public relations. the act of supporting the breast cancer cause or promoting a pink ribbon product while actively producing, manufacturing, or selling products linked to the disease.

Cancer is the second most frequent cancer diagnosed in women in the United States, after skin cancer. Breast cancer may strike both men and women, although it affects women considerably more frequently. Every October people around the world come together to show their support for anybody impacted by breast cancer. This month is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and it’s more essential than ever to let those who have been affected know they’re not alone in their fights. Raising awareness of such a serious issue is important because it helps identify the cause and gives us ideas of ways to improve our chances against breast cancer, but it shouldn’t be limited to one month.

In the continental United States and Hawaii, the Hispanic/Latina population is the second biggest racial group, accounting for 18 percent of the overall U.S. population. Puerto Rico also has a population of 3 million Latina. The American Cancer Society publishes a study every three years based on the most recent population-based statistics on cancer incidence, risk factors, and screening among Latinas in the United States.

Latinas Beating Breast Cancer

Early detection is critical to beating breast cancer. Despite all of the technological breakthroughs in the treatment of breast cancer, prevention, and well-supported treatment plan are two critical aspects that may assist overcome this horrible illness. Many of these breast cancer fatalities may be avoidable if the disease is found early, which is critical for women to self-exam at least once a month and to schedule yearly mammograms to be tested. The people closest to us have an important role in increasing the chances of overcoming breast cancer.

Clara Pablo, a Dominican entertainment executive who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 36 — and one of the Breasties — created her own initiative, Te Toca Tocarte, a digital outreach to create awareness of self examination. On the first of every month, Clara and the Te Toca Tocarte team post a photo to alert women of the importance of “touching” or examining yourself and look out for any bumps or symptoms that could indicate abnormalities with your breasts. Join the movement!

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“The hypocrisy to me is, don’t pretend to be fighting alongside us when you’re not really doing much of it. You’re actually profiting off of our pain and off our struggle and that’s just not cool. It’s not.” – Clara Pablo

It is crucial to highlight that within Equality Health’s network of health care providers, there are medical specialists that have the resources to diagnose breast cancer. Inquire with your doctor and make an appointment for your exam right away. Keep in mind that early detection can save your life.