I have a real issue with the way breast cancer and some of the campaigns publicize to raise awareness about it. I would just like to state for the record that this is coming from my personal experiences and my background with breast cancer. No, I have not had breast cancer. But several of my family members have, and several family friends have passed away from it. One person that has passed away from breast cancer is my uncle, a biological male.
Remember last year when people would raise awareness of breast cancer by writing the color of their bra in their Facebook status? I thought it was clever- I did. I loved the concept of having this underground secret that really meant something, and using that to educate people on. But I also hated it, because it didn't help the cause any. For a couple reasons, in my opinion.
One reason is that is wasn't inclusive, and breast cancer awareness never seems to be, regardless of the campaign. Yes, it is rare, but it happens. Biological males can get breast cancer. They need to be checking and made aware of this too. The Facebook campaign wasn't inclusive because it explicitly stated "don't tell the men what it means," which implies that men don't need to worry about breast cancer. Which is very wrong.
Additionally, why exclude men from raising awareness of a cause that hits home to everybody? Men make up about half of the world's population- if society wants to change, they need to include everyone. Breast cancer isn't just a "woman's issue," as I have heard it called in the past. Breast cancer is an issue for everyone to be aware of, everyone to raise awareness of, and for everyone to fight.
The same goes for testicular cancer. In this instance, yes, biological females cannot get this cancer. However, it doesn't mean women should be ignoring the issue. Everyone should get involved, and everyone should raise awareness and be concerned about the issue. Even if it doesn't or cannot directly affect you, it is something that can always indirectly affect you.
I guess this strikes a chord in me because I have had an experience of a biological male pass away from breast cancer. It's something that people don't think about. Breast cancer has always been a "female issue." I mean, look at the color of the ribbons to signify breast cancer- pink, which is a stereotypical "feminine" color.
I am not trying to diminish anything or people's experiences with breast cancer. I understand that, according to medical records, 99% of all people with breast cancer are biologically female. So that is only 1% male, but that also makes up for about 2,000 men each year that are diagnosed with breast cancer. Not an insignificant number.
I would just urge everyone, as these campaigns go around Facebook and you notice things about breast cancer campaigns, to think about it and work to be inclusive. Be inclusive in knowing that it can also affect men. Be incluisve in knowing that this is also a "man's issue." Men should also have the responsibility of raising awareness and supporting the cause, same as women. It's not something solely women should do. Cancer of all kinds affect everyone. Everyone should make all cancer their issue so that we can live in a world where cancer can be cured. Someday. Soon.
My cats want a cure for cancer too!
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