Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Clarios

“Do you have a few minutes to talk? Are you sitting down?” That’s how my friend of 35+ years started the phone call. My immediate thought was “oh no she’s getting divorced.” At the time, we were in our early forties so the last thing on my mind was cancer, but that’s exactly what our conversation was about: how she discovered an abnormality, sought out the experts, and received the diagnosis of breast cancer. Luckily, after a helluva challenging year, she has cancer in her rear-view mirror.

I have had a front-row seat to breast cancer via friends, acquaintances, work colleagues, neighbors, and family members. Count yourself blessed if you have not been touched similarly by this all-too-common type of cancer. 

This year, more than 360,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer. While it impacts women more than men, about 1% of cases occur in men. Women over 40 are more likely than younger women to receive this diagnosis, but the rates are increasing in younger women and decreasing in older women. A woman born in 2020 has a 1-in-8 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during her life – it used to be 1-in-10 (according to the National Cancer Institute). It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in US women just behind lung cancer. For Black and Hispanic women, it is #1, even though they have a slightly lower incidence rate than White women. 

“Celebrating” is not the right word when it comes to Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM). It’s more about honoring, building awareness, supporting, and educating. BCAM is recognized globally and works to encourage education and action around early detection because when caught early, the five-year survival rate is incredibly high – 99%. For a guide on early detection, click here. 

Clarios brought BCAM to life in various locations throughout our global organization. We brought the pink theme into our workplaces. We texted information about free screening that we can all take advantage of. We fundraised for After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD), a global organization with Milwaukee roots, just like us. Our Clarios Foundation, devoted to charitable giving, helped by matching funds raised for ABCD. And we brought in a speaker to share stories and educate. 

Take a look at how this all came together!