October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is a campaign to spread awareness on the disease.

We have most likely all been effected in one way or another by breast cancer.

My personal experience is having stood by one of my best friends as she was diagnosed and faced with many great challenges from the start. It was an emotional, painful, tiring, devastating and discouraging year for her and those who love her. She is beating the beast and will live on to be a survivor. Standing up, fighting, being brave, being strong, educating herself, learning to be patient, kind and loving to herself is why I think she stands on her own two feet today and can continue serving as an inspiration and supporter for others.

Whether you’re battling the B word yourself, supporting others battling or are a survivor there is hope for all of us and we can fight this disease together. Breast cancer does not discriminate (and can affect anyone men too) at any time without warning.

There are measures we can take to attempt to prevent it, and lots of resources available to educate ourselves to know what to watch for. Amongst many, two important topics of breast cancer are: support and rehabilitation.

Support plays a huge role in the journey of those fighting for their lives. There are many supportive groups, individuals and organizations available to show compassion and hope when hope seems gone.

Some of the most common support groups that women and men turn to are: the Susan G. Komen Foundation, American Cancer Society and growing across the states, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA.

Our local Niles-Buchanan YMCA offers this program at no cost to the participants and provides a membership to the individual and their family during the 12 week program. This is not excluded to those of breast cancer, but to all cancer survivors.

Friends and family members can be very supportive of their loved ones during what is probably the most difficult time of their lives. As a supporter we wonder “what can I do to help?” “Am I doing enough?” “Am I doing too much?” The answer is truly within the eye of the beholder. Each person needs and wants different types of support.

After surviving your breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, you may begin to think about an exercise program that suits your physical needs and will help regain your strength. You may have been able to stay physically active during your treatment, or not, but exercise is going to play an important part in recovery and rehabilitation. Many survivors say that getting and staying active has played a big role in getting their lives back.

Also the LIVESTRONG program at the YMCA includes exercise in the program to encourage survivors to regain strength, quality of life and find a new normal.

Breast cancer, or any cancer is a scary world to be up against. Know that there are ways to detect pre-cancer or early stages through mammograms, self-checks and eating a well-balanced and clean diet. There is support at all stages and there is hope for regaining strength and moving forward after treatment. This month especially, support those battling, hug the survivors and remember and honor the ones who we’ve lost.

 

Lacey Peters is the fitness director at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA, as well as a life coach and overall fitness enthusiast. Above all, she believes in optimal well-being and life balance. She can be reached at lpeters@nb-ymca.com