We are not alone in this fight
Three CCWF residents share their personal reasons for participating in this year’s Cancer Awareness Walkathon
October swept in with a wave of pink ribbons, shirts, and patches, all in support of the 40th National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many people choose to use this month as a platform to support those who are currently battling a breast cancer diagnosis, to honor the memory of those who have lost the battle, or to bring awareness to the importance of early detection in increasing survival rates.
The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 316,950 new breast cancer diagnoses in 2025. On a positive note, the five-year survival rates have increased to 92% as of 2021, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Joanna Gomez, a longtime resident at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF), will be celebrating this Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a breast cancer survivor. She recently received the news that she is officially cancer-free after a fierce battle with a particularly aggressive form of Stage II triple-negative breast cancer.
Gomez discovered her lump while performing a monthly self-breast examination and, at 41, is the youngest patient in CCWF to receive a breast cancer diagnosis. Her message to others is simple: “You are never too young to start self-examinations.”
Today, being cancer-free “means a whole lot of gratitude” to Gomez. “I didn’t know how much I was holding the weight of the diagnosis until I received the word that I was cancer-free,” she said. “Then I was able to breathe again.”
Throughout her journey, Gomez has found purpose in advocacy and bringing awareness to patients’ rights and the importance of breast cancer prevention and early detection. Even while undergoing treatments, she advocated for the proper medical care and patient rights of her peers. Breast Cancer Awareness Month this year brings Gomez full circle in her journey as a survivor and an advocate.
Zulma Chavez also has a personal connection to this month. Chavez’s grandmother is a breast cancer survivor, and she honors her bravery and resilience every October. In addition, Chavez found two lumps in her left breast in 2020 during a self-breast examination. Further testing revealed the lumps were benign. However, she now performs regular self-examinations in the shower and if something feels abnormal, immediately puts in a request to see the doctor.
Chavez uses Breast Cancer Awareness Month to affirm her own health prevention practices and to encourage others to do the same. “Do your monthly self-breast exams and go to the doctor if anything feels off. It saves lives,” Chavez said.
Participating in annual Breast Cancer Awareness walks every October has been Sabrina Hawkins’ favorite way of honoring her cousin’s life and battle with metastatic breast cancer. Although relatively new to CCWF, she looks forward to finding ways to continue the tradition of honoring her cousin’s memory here.
Hawkins said her cousin “fought hard through every step, although she eventually succumbed to her cancer.” In her honor, Hawkins plans to wear pink lipstick and eye shadow throughout the month of October and hopes to participate in future walks. Hawkins also uses October to encourage early detection, particularly for those who have a family history of breast cancer. It can be very stressful to deal mentally with the possibility of getting screened for breast cancer or a possible breast cancer diagnosis.
“I have been avoiding seeking care and getting tested, but this month is giving me the motivation I need to overcome my fears,” Hawkins said.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder that we have come a long way in prevention, diagnostic care, and treatment options. We have all been affected in one way or another by breast cancer, and October provides an opportunity to support those affected by this disease, to bring awareness and encouragement to those currently affected, and to educate everyone about the importance of preventative measures and early detection. We are not alone in this fight.
