By JENNIFER MILEWSKI
Guest Columnist
During October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness month, the country focuses on the disease that one in eight women will face in her lifetime. Maybe you know someone who has breast cancer and is currently going through treatment, or maybe you have been recently diagnosed. In addition to medical treatment, the role of social and community support can change the entire experience for someone.
What is social support? Social support can take many forms. It may be as informal as a sympathetic ear of a close friend, or as formal as a support group or seeing a therapist. This helps those with breast cancer feel loved, cared for, and understood. Social support has shown to reduce emotional distress, depression and ‘the experience of pain.’ It can also improve mood and self-image. Some large cohort studies suggest women with more social support have better survival than those with less social support.
Whether in person or virtual, community support also plays a significant role in camaraderie and bringing awareness to breast cancer. When businesses, leaders, survivors, thrivers, and supporters all come together to show their support, it is extremely powerful. The exchange of stories, smiles, and inspiration makes an impact on everyone involved.
You can join in on the power of community by participating in this Saturday’s Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk.
Walk details
The MORE THAN PINK Walk will be held on Saturday, Oct. 16. On-site registration begins at 9 a.m. at Celebration Plaza at White River State Park. The walk will begin at 10 a.m., as well as the Virtual Program. You can register up until the morning of the walk at komencentralindiana.org.
Social support information
Call the Susan G. Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636). Calls to the Breast Care Helpline are answered by a trained and caring staff member Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. The helpline provides free, professional support services to anyone who has questions or concerns about breast cancer, including people diagnosed with breast cancer and their families.
Jennifer Milewski serves as the State Executive Director for Indiana and Kentucky with Susan G. Komen®.