News Summary
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with events across the Tampa Bay Area including Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks. These walks aim to raise funds for research and support for those affected by breast cancer. Healthcare professionals emphasize the critical role of timely screenings, while advancements in technology offer new hope for patients. Stories of survival and advocacy highlight the community’s commitment to fighting breast cancer and improving outcomes.
Tampa, FL – October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an initiative aimed at raising awareness and funds to support individuals affected by breast cancer. This year, significant events are scheduled across the Tampa Bay Area, including two Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks, organized in partnership with the American Cancer Society and FOX 13.
The walks are set to take place on October 25 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa and Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. Registration details for those wishing to participate can be accessed through FOX 13. Proceeds from these walks will fund vital research and various programs designed to assist patients, caregivers, and families impacted by breast cancer.
Recent findings from a 2024 survey published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveal that nearly 40% of women may delay mammograms due to concerns regarding potential risks and benefits associated with the procedure. This issue has been highlighted by the experiences of various women, including Tina Knowles, mother of pop star Beyoncé, who was diagnosed with stage-one breast cancer in 2024 after missing a routine exam during the pandemic. Similarly, MTV VJ Ananda Lewis recently passed away after battling stage-four breast cancer, a delay in screenings being a factor in her diagnosis.
Healthcare professionals, like Dr. Kyle Bowers, a surgical oncologist at AdventHealth Tampa, stress the importance of timely mammogram screenings. He points out that the fear associated with mammograms often surpasses the discomfort of the procedure itself, which is considered “very tolerable”. Educating patients about the importance of screenings is crucial as it can lead to earlier diagnoses and improve treatment outcomes.
Dr. Bowers reassures patients that the radiation exposure from mammograms is minimal and comparable to that of X-rays commonly administered to infants. He advocates for a collaborative approach to treatment, encouraging the use of both conventional and alternative methods when appropriate and urging patients to actively discuss their risks and benefits with their healthcare providers.
Advancements in technology have significantly improved the ability to detect cancer early through screenings. One notable innovation is the development of a new experimental breast cancer vaccine at Moffitt Cancer Center, spearheaded by Jasmine Cherry, an Air Force Reservist. This personalized vaccine has played a crucial role in the recovery of Tiffany Archibong, a patient diagnosed with Stage 2 HER2+ breast cancer in March 2024. After participating in the trial, Archibong saw her tumors shrink and subsequently underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy. By September of the same year, she celebrated becoming cancer-free.
Archibong commemorated her remission by ringing a bell at Moffitt, a celebrated tradition for patients concluding their treatment. After achieving remission, she has became an advocate for breast cancer awareness, actively participating in a fundraiser fashion show to support the cause. Her connection with Jasmine Cherry was made stronger at a Moffitt event at Busch Gardens, showcasing the collaborative efforts in the fight against breast cancer.
As the Tampa Bay Area prepares for these significant events, the focus remains on fostering awareness, encouraging regular screenings, and supporting individuals currently battling breast cancer. With ongoing research and community efforts, the hope is to continue improving outcomes for patients and creating a future free of breast cancer.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tampa Hosts Important Cancer Symposium Focused on Rural Healthcare Disparities
Additional Resources
- FOX 13: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks
- Wikipedia: Breast cancer
- FOX 13: Women Delaying Mammograms
- Google Search: Breast cancer screening
- FOX 13: Experimental Breast Cancer Vaccine
- Google Scholar: Breast cancer vaccination
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
