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Women Who Have Advanced Breast Cancer Awareness Through the Years

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Over the past 50 years, breast cancer activism has revolutionized prevention and treatment, allowing women to participate in their care decisions. Previously, women often faced mastectomies without consultation, as secrecy and stigma surrounded the disease. Activists fought against this lack of choice and transparency, helping to bring breast cancer into public discussion.

Famous women like Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low and environmentalist Rachel Carson faced the disease in silence due to social pressures. But courageous advocates challenged these norms, leading to significant advancements in care. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we honor those who transformed how breast cancer is treated and discussed.

1. Betty Ford - First Lady of the United States

As First Lady, Betty Ford's openness about her mastectomy in 1974 led to a 15% increase in women getting mammograms, known as the "Betty Ford Blip."

2. Babette Rosmond - American Author

Author Babette Rosmond fought for alternative treatments to radical mastectomies, advocating for patient choice.

3. Shirley Temple Black - Childhood Movie Star & UN Diplomat

Shirley Temple Black went public with her mastectomy in 1972, encouraging women to seek treatment early and eliminate stigma.

4. Margaret (Happy) Rockefeller - Second Lady of the United States & Philanthropist

Her public discussion about early detection, inspired by Betty Ford, helped normalize self-examinations.

5. Betty Rollin - News Correspondent & Author Journalist

Betty Rollin's book First, You Cry candidly discussed her breast cancer journey, making humor a part of the healing process.

6. Nancy Brinker - Founder & Chair of Global Strategy of Susan G. Komen

Nancy Brinker founded Susan G. Komen for the Cure in memory of her sister, which became a global leader in breast cancer advocacy.

7. Nancy Reagan - First Lady of the United States

First Lady Nancy Reagan’s public disclosure of her breast cancer diagnosis in 1987 helped destigmatize mammograms.

8. Charlotte Haley - Breast Cancer Activist

Her grassroots campaign with peach-colored ribbons inspired the iconic pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness.

9. Audre Lorde - American Writer and Professor Audre

Lorde’s The Cancer Journals shared her experiences with breast cancer, advocating for open discussions about the disease.

10. Dr. Marisa C. Weiss - Radiation Oncologist and Founder of Living Beyond Breast Cancer

Founder of Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Dr. Weiss created a community offering support and resources for those affected by breast cancer.

11. Joan Lunden - American Journalist and Author

Journalist Joan Lunden shared her battle with triple-negative breast cancer, raising awareness about the risks of dense breast tissue.

Schedule a Breast Cancer Appointment With SouthCoast Health

It is our hope to continue advancing care and conversation about breast cancer by offering the most advanced detection and treatment options in the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire region. Our doors are always open to anyone facing breast cancer, and we are always open to discuss all treatment options. Learn more about how you can experience the future of Advanced Breast Care, today.


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