There are over 100 types of cancer that can start anywhere in the human body and spread uncontrollably. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so this wholesome thread is not only bringing hope and motivating others to stay strong, but is raising awareness and education about prevention and early cancer detection, which might save many lives around the world.

Cancer death rates have been continuously declining since the early 1990s, but cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, in 2018, there were 18.1 million new cases and 9.5 million cancer-related deaths worldwide. In 20 years, these numbers are expected to rise significantly with an estimated 29.5 million new cancer cases and 16.4 million cancer-related deaths per year. The American Cancer Society states that cancer is the second most common cause of death in the US, exceeded only by heart disease, and is expected to take the lives of 606,520 Americans in 2020.

Cancer is a burden on our society and although the mortality rates are higher in low- and middle-income countries, no one is safe from the scary diagnosis. In a perfect world, a magical pill would cure cancer, but in reality, the only way to try and minimize the risk of it is something you've heard many times before. Cancer can be prevented by giving up unhealthy behaviors and lifestyles such as smoking, alcohol consumption, excess body weight, lack of physical activity, excessive exposure to the sun, etc. and getting regular checkups.

It's also a great way to connect with people, letting them feel a little bit less alone.

"It’s good to connect with people who have gone through the same thing as you. Or someone who is currently going through the same thing, and they are able to know that they are not alone."

This cancer survivor took us back to when they were diagnosed with cancer: "I found out I had cancer in a very weird way. I was 18 and in college. All of the doctors were telling me I was pregnant. I knew I wasn’t and I finally went home to a doctor there and they thought I had an ectopic pregnancy. I had some tests done and they found a 13-pound tumor. A week later, I had surgery to remove it and found out it was cancerous. I went through 3 rounds of chemo. They were intense and it was a very long 4 months. I was upbeat and positive through it all."

"It has changed how I view life. I say yes a lot more to things. And always remember that everyone is fighting a battle that you are not aware of. This mindset allows me to never judge anyone and give them the benefit of the doubt."

The survivor says they are currently in a great state: "I have had to go through three fertility treatments. My body has changed so much after treatment. There is a saying called 'new normal.' You adjust to your new normal. The main thing physically is that I’ve developed asthma."

We asked them what advice would they give to someone who is still battling or has their battle ahead of them, to which they said: "The best advice I’ve received is to take advantage of your good days. You are going to have good days and bad. On the bad days, you will not want to move from your bed. So take advantage of the good, and go out and do something fun! Live life to the fullest."

Cancer death rates have been continuously declining since the early 1990s, but cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, in 2018, there were 18.1 million new cases and 9.5 million cancer-related deaths worldwide. In 20 years, these numbers are expected to rise significantly with an estimated 29.5 million new cancer cases and 16.4 million cancer-related deaths per year. The American Cancer Society states that cancer is the second most common cause of death in the US, exceeded only by heart disease, and is expected to take the lives of 606,520 Americans in 2020.

Cancer is a burden on our society and although the mortality rates are higher in low- and middle-income countries, no one is safe from the scary diagnosis. In a perfect world, a magical pill would cure cancer, but in reality, the only way to try and minimize the risk of it is something you've heard many times before. Cancer can be prevented by giving up unhealthy behaviors and lifestyles such as smoking, alcohol consumption, excess body weight, lack of physical activity, excessive exposure to the sun, etc. and getting regular checkups.