Macon Reporter

State Senator Erica Harriss recently addressed Breast Cancer Awareness Month, urging the public to "join us in spreading awareness and supporting those affected by breast cancer," as said in an October 6 Facebook post.

"October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month," said Harriss, according to Facebook. "Join us in spreading awareness and supporting those affected by breast cancer. Share information, get regular screenings, and encourage conversations about early detection."

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women in the United States, accounting for one in three new cancer diagnoses each year. It is frequently diagnosed in women aged 62 or younger. The ACS reports that a woman has a 13% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, with a 2.5% chance of mortality from the disease. The organization projects that there will be 310,270 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women in 2024, with an estimated 42,250 fatalities.

BreastCancer.org provides historical context for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, stating that it originated in 1985 as a week-long campaign by the ACS, alongside Imperial Chemical Industries, a British company manufacturing tamoxifen. The pink ribbon became a symbol of this awareness month in 1982 when Alexandre Penney, Editor-in-Chief of SELF Magazine, collaborated with Evelyn Lauder of Estee Lauder to distribute them. However, some critics argue that the ribbon and its associated celebrations detract from pressing needs for more research to enhance treatments and outcomes and deepen understanding of breast cancer as a disease.

The article further explains various types of breast cancer: Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is non-invasive; invasive ductal carcinoma spreads beyond milk ducts; lobular carcinoma in situ involves abnormal cells confined to lobules; invasive lobular breast cancer starts in milk glands and spreads; triple-negative breast cancer lacks common hormone receptors; inflammatory breast cancer affects skin and lymph vessels; metastatic breast cancer spreads beyond the breast.

Harriss has represented the state's 56th Senate District since 2023. She owns a small business with expertise in marketing and communications and actively volunteers with local charities while leading youth groups at Metro Community Church. Her previous roles include serving on the Madison County Board for six years representing its 26th District. Harriss holds a degree in speech communication/public relations from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and graduated from Edwardsville High School.