As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, October has brought more than just pumpkin spice lattes and Halloween decorations. It has marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when communities across the globe unite to raise awareness, support those affected, and fund research for a cure.
The Power of Pink
During October, pink ribbons become a ubiquitous symbol of solidarity and hope. This iconic emblem serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against breast cancer and the importance of early detection. Cities and towns around the world transform as buildings are illuminated or decorated in pink, and people don pink attire to show their support. This year marked my first experience of ‘October Rose’ here in France, so I thought I would share my experiences with you.
Walking for a Cause
One of the most impactful ways to participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month is by joining a breast cancer awareness walk. The last two Sunday mornings I woke up early and joined ‘October Rose’ walks in neighbouring towns. At one event, everyone wore pink neckerchiefs, a very French way of showing solidarity and at another, there was a parade of pink t-shirts blocking the centre of town before heading out into the surrounding countryside. At both there was a wonderful sense of community and ‘bonheur’ with young and old, female and male participants babbling away in French, even the canine participants seemed to be having a great time! Both had options for the walk length which ranged from 3km to 13km, which made the activity accessible to all. Of course there was free coffee on offer and at one event there were free culinary delights such as mini Boursin muffins and ‘pain au chocolat’ (or chocolatines as they are known as in this region). If you have never participated in such a walk, here are some reasons why you should consider doing so next year.
Why Participate in a Breast Cancer Walk?
1. Raise Fund: Every step taken translates into dollars for research, treatment, and support services. For example the UK-based charity, “Breast Cancer Now”, explained how their donations are used;
"We fund world-class research projects to help identify risk factors, develop new ways to treat and monitor breast cancer, improve quality of life for breast cancer patients, improve treatment outcomes and ultimately save more lives."
Some walks have small enrollment fees, others run on a donation base. The routes are prepared and managed by volunteers, so as much money as possible can be raised. One of the walks I attended had a 5€ inscription fee which included the neckerchief and the other was donation based.
2. Build Community: Walking alongside survivors, patients, and supporters creates a powerful sense of unity. You do not need to be a breast cancer survivor or know someone who has or has been through it, to be part of this community. That said, the National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc in the States claims:
“1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. In 2024, an estimated 310,720 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Chances are, you know at least one person who has been personally affected by cancer.”
3. Honour Loved Ones: Unfortunately though so many of us do know someone affected by breast cancer and this is a way to honour them. Many participants walk in memory of those lost to breast cancer or in celebration of survivors. I had my own breast cancer scare over 10 years ago, but I was one of the lucky ones whose lump was benign and easily removed. According to the World Health Organisation “In 2022, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 670 000 deaths globally.”
4. Increase Awareness: These events often attract media attention, helping to spread the message about early detection and prevention. With the streets filled with pink cladded walkers no-one can stay oblivious to ‘October Rose’, and if it inspires people to go for that mammogram they have been putting off, then the walk might just save someone’s life! In France, the health care system is very proactive in encouraging women to go for a free mammogram check-up every 2 years. I received reminder letters with contact numbers on clinics and was able to book one with only a 2 week waiting time. Early detection is the key, Cancer Research UK, claims:
“Almost all women with breast cancer survive their disease for 5 years or more, if diagnosed at the earliest stage. This falls to around 3 in 10 women when breast cancer is diagnosed at the most advanced stage. “
5. Get Active: Walking is a great form of exercise, promoting overall health and well-being. Walking with others, chatting and sharing the experiences, also promotes positive mental well-being. If you are also lucky enough to find a walk that takes place in nature, then you have the added benefit of the healing power of nature. For one of my walks, we headed out of the Medieval town, across the fields with the stunning backdrop of the Pyrenees mountains, through fall forests, before returning into town. It was a fabulous way to spend a Sunday morning!
Beyond the Walk: Holistic Support of Reiki for Cancer Patients
One of the reasons for this blog is my recent experience of sending Reiki to a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer during the summer. I felt the need to share with you what Reiki can do to support people with breast cancer, as its benefits are not widely known. Reiki is a holistic Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. As my friend was awaiting her operation to remove her tumour, we scheduled a daily 30 minute Reiki sending session as we were in different countries. After each session she described her state of being as ‘Zen’. Her anxiety was reduced, she felt calm and more prepared for what was to come. I am happy to say that the operation was a success and she is now cancer free - hooray!
Reiki and Cancer: A Complementary Approach
Reiki, which means "universal life energy" in Japanese, is based on the idea that an unseen life force energy flows through us, similar to the chakra system in the yogic philosophy. Reiki practitioners believe that when this energy is low or unbalanced, we're more likely to get sick or feel stress, and when it's high, we're more capable of being happy and healthy.
How Reiki May Benefit Cancer Patients
1. Stress Reduction: Cancer diagnoses and treatments can be incredibly stressful. Reiki sessions may help patients feel more relaxed and at ease. During an in-person Reiki session, which typically lasts about an hour, the practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above the patient's body in specific positions. Patients often report feeling a sense of warmth, tingling, or deep relaxation.
2. Pain Management: Some studies suggest that Reiki may help reduce pain perception in cancer patients. As a Reiki practitioner, people often come to me to help reduce their pain. Their experiences vary and never cease to amaze me. I have had clients describe how their pain has been pulled out of them or how it was zipped away!
3. Improved Sleep: Research has shown that Reiki can improve sleep patterns, which is crucial for healing and overall well-being. During sleep, especially during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase, the body releases growth hormones that promote cellular repair and regeneration. Also by strengthening the immune system, sleep helps the body fight off pathogens and promotes faster healing.
4. Complementary to Traditional Treatments: Reiki is non-invasive and can be performed alongside conventional cancer treatments without interference. (It's important to note that Reiki should not be considered a substitute for conventional medical treatments.) There is an increasing number of NHS hospitals and hospices in the UK now offering Reiki as a complementary therapy to cancer patients. On the Maxmillan.org.uk website how Reiki can help is explained in their ‘therapeutic touch’ section.
5. Emotional Support: Reiki may help patients cope with the emotional toll of cancer, reducing anxiety and improving mood. Cancer patients often experience feelings of powerlessness and helplessness as they navigate their diagnosis and treatment. These emotions are common and can have a significant impact on a patient's mental health and overall well-being. By choosing to attend Reiki sessions patients have a way to have some ownership of their cancer experience and thus reduce their feelings of helplessness.
6. Empowerment: Becoming a Reiki practitioner is very empowering. If you have cancer, or are the carer of someone with cancer, being able to help yourself or your loved ones would be so rewarding! Knowing that there is something that you can do, rather than relying on others is good for your well being. Everyone can learn Reiki and if you want to know more about my in person and online classes, send me a message.
7. Anytime, any place, anywhere: The beauty of Reiki is that you can give yourself a burst of Reiki whenever and wherever you want. Maybe when you are anxiously sitting in the waiting room stressing about what the doctor might say, or lying in a hospital bed after surgery, you can Reiki yourself.
Embracing Hope and Action
So as October comes to an end and we put away our pink ribbons, let's remember that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than just one colour or one walk. It's about an ongoing commitment to coming together as a community to support those affected by breast cancer, fund critical research, and explore all avenues of care and support. Together, we can work towards a future where breast cancer is no longer a life-threatening disease.
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