Haralee- You've raised some good points and good questions. We are indeed much better off than we were in the "dark ages" when breast cancer wasn't discussed and women often didn't see a doctor until it was far, far too late. Men are also much better off now that prostate cancer discussions have become more public, and men are speaking out to encourage other men to get exams. We are also seeing people speak out openly about other cancers, and with the birth of cancer bloggers, cancer Facebook pages, online advocacy groups and many other very public forums there are more public discussions taking place than ever before.
Now that many people are openly and globally discussing cancers that haven't been public before, and are seeking support and attention for many cancer patients, the amount of attention that is paid to breast cancer stands in stark contrast to the attention paid to others. We are at a tipping point, and yes, a backlash is building.
It's hard to find anyone today whose family has not been touched in some way by cancer.People are looking for ways to support the people they care about, not what can be perceived as a reminder that one cancer is better than the others at getting attention and that their loved one also has needs. Hopefully at some point there will be more effective ways to support every person with cancer, including breast cancer, in a manner that is more inclusive.
I don't think people like those who responded to the poll are against breast cancer support, they are simply saying it's time to take what worked well for that cancer and do more for the others.
Thanks for caring and for all you do to help others.
Pat
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Haralee- You've raised some good points and good questions. We are indeed much better off than we were in the "dark ages" when breast cancer wasn't discussed and women often didn't see a doctor until it was far, far too late. Men are also much better off now that prostate cancer discussions have become more public, and men are speaking out to encourage other men to get exams. We are also seeing people speak out openly about other cancers, and with the birth of cancer bloggers, cancer Facebook pages, online advocacy groups and many other very public forums there are more public discussions taking place than ever before.
Now that many people are openly and globally discussing cancers that haven't been public before, and are seeking support and attention for many cancer patients, the amount of attention that is paid to breast cancer stands in stark contrast to the attention paid to others. We are at a tipping point, and yes, a backlash is building.
It's hard to find anyone today whose family has not been touched in some way by cancer.People are looking for ways to support the people they care about, not what can be perceived as a reminder that one cancer is better than the others at getting attention and that their loved one also has needs. Hopefully at some point there will be more effective ways to support every person with cancer, including breast cancer, in a manner that is more inclusive.
I don't think people like those who responded to the poll are against breast cancer support, they are simply saying it's time to take what worked well for that cancer and do more for the others.
Thanks for caring and for all you do to help others.
October 19, 2010 - 5:35pmPat
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