Every 14 seconds, somewhere in the world, a woman hears the words, “You have breast cancer.” That adds up to an estimated 2.3 million women diagnosed in 2025, making it the most common cancer for the female sex. The average cost of treating breast cancer is over $150,000, causing almost half of affected families to experience financial toxicity or debt, not to mention the physical and emotional toll it takes.
The month of October recognizes those who have been impacted by this debilitating disease, including individuals in the LHS and Sioux Falls communities. While one’s risk of breast cancer is increased with its development in relatives, around 80-85% of new cases come without family history. A rapid diagnosis process begins when a malignant or cancerous tumor is found through a mammogram or physical exam, usually in one’s milk-producing ducts. First, biopsies and other extensive tests are performed on the patient to identify the type, stage and spread of the cancer. From there, medical specialists evaluate the situation and curate a treatment plan specific to the patient, striving for the best outcomes. This could include surgical tumor removal, chemotherapy, hormonal or radiation therapy.
Behind every statistic and diagnosis for this disease, there is a story.
“My mom had it while I was in 7th grade, and she had to stay home a lot and [it] put a lot of stress on me and my other family members,” said LHS sophomore Claire Pliska.
Seeing a loved one be weakened by breast cancer is beyond difficult, and a heavy weight to carry.
“It was very rough watching my teacher go through that life change. She was a big part of my life, and it hurt to watch her struggle,” said LHS junior Izzy Huffman.
Experiences like these highlight the fact that there are always others fighting this illness, and no individual or family should face the battle alone.
A popular event in Sioux Falls that advocates breast and general cancer awareness is the Avera Race Against Cancer. Every spring, a five-kilometer walk, as well as five and 10-kilometer runs take place, raising funds for cancer treatment and research locally. This year, the 37th race took place in May with a record-breaking attendance of 7,747 people, raising $765,000 to support cancer patients in the upper Midwest. In addition to participating in events, personal donations to national and global non-profit organizations such as the Edith Sanford Breast Center in Sioux Falls and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) are crucial in the battle against breast cancer. The fight for a breast-cancer-free future seems incessant, but every step towards consciousness, action and discovery is one step closer to a world of healing.
