Every October, pink ribbons adorn bumper stickers, social media posts, and even hallways and student sections at schools. But when we see the color pink, we often fail to truly understand the number of lives and people that have been affected by breast cancer.
For many women and families, the pink ribbon is about more than just a color. It stands as a reminder of strength, resilience, and awareness of a disease that hundreds of thousands of women face nationwide every year.
For Rita Kolenic, Honors Biology and Anatomy teacher here at SJHHS, that message of awareness holds a personal significance. As a breast cancer survivor herself, she emphasizes that the purpose of Breast Cancer Awareness month is not only to honor women who have been affected but to spread awareness and educate others on prevention and early detection.
“The thing with cancer is the earlier you find it, the better your chances are of getting rid of it and being cured from it. So this is bringing that awareness,” said Kolenic.
Kolenic explained that her own personal journey underlines the importance and life-saving power of early detection.
“I’ve always mentally been afraid of breast cancer, so I was getting mammograms very, very early. And then just through diligent yearly mammograms, the breast cancer they found in me was as early of a stage as possible. I am the reason they have women do mammograms, because if you can find it at the stage, like they found it in me, it was called the stage Zero. Some doctors wouldn’t even call it cancer. They’ll call it precancer. You can’t find it any earlier than how I found it,” said Kolenic
Because of her vigilance, today Kolenic is cancer-free. Her experience is exactly why breast cancer awareness month is about more than the pink ribbons. By educating more women, more lives can be saved than ever before.
“It’s not a death sentence, we’ve come a long way in technology and through research, treating it. So there’s lots of options for women, and everybody’s journey is different,” said Kolenic.
In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, since 1989, the death rate of women diagnosed with breast cancer has dropped by 44%, mainly due to early detection methods. Regular at home self checks can truly save lives, as well as regular screenings for women at higher risk: typically women who are over the age of 40 or who have a family history of breast cancer.
Breast cancer awareness month, however, is also about supporting those who have been diagnosed. If students or staff know someone diagnosed with breast cancer, offering support can go further than one might expect.
“Just being encouraging, doing research. and being there for them,” said Kolenic.
Whether it’s checking in on someone going through treatment, wearing pink to show support, or simply taking time to learn about early detection, all students can play an impactful role in breast cancer awareness this October.
As October comes to a close, Kolenic’s story and the stories of many other women will continue to inspire. Awareness may start with a pink ribbon, but it grows through conversation, education, and action.
In support of breast cancer awareness, a tailgate will be hosted before tonight’s “Pink-Out” football game, where all proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen foundation. This organization funds research on breast cancer treatments and offers free support to patients. This event will be located in front of the Wetlands from 5-7 p.m.
