Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Making Strides in Women’s Health and Wellness


By Inessa Ruffman, JonesTrading
2024 WIF Vice Chair

As we near the end of the month, you have likely seen announcements, fundraisers, and more throughout October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many of us have someone in our lives who has been impacted by breast cancer – while we recognize the symbolic pink ribbon almost anywhere, it’s crucial for us to take a step back and recognize how initatives like Breast Cancer Awareness Month push us to be agents of change for the advancement of women worldwide.

While women’s cancer research has seen remarkable strides in recent years, there are still disparities in care and access across the U.S. and abroad among women of different races and economic status. Factors that can inhibit equal care include lack of clinical trial infrastructure and technology, limited access to affordable high-quality healthcare, and insurance prices.

In light of these challenges, medical professionals and research communities continue to unveil remarkable findings for women’s cancer research. A study recently conducted in the UK revealed certain treatments for cervical cancer can cut the chance of death by roughly 40%, the most notable breakthrough in almost two decades. Additionally, the FDA recently approved a drug typically prescribed to late-stage breast cancer patients for early-stage breast cancer patients as well, with studies showing the drug can reduce the return of cancer by 25%. These medical breakthroughs remind us of the importance of tailored, dedicated research to address the unique needs of women.

The STA WIF community is fortunate enough to be comprised of women from a wide array of backgrounds and experiences, all of whom share a common drive to advocate for women in our industry and beyond. When one of our colleagues, friends, or family members succeeds, we all succeed. Movements like Breast Cancer Awareness Month help keep us united as both women and members of a larger, close-knit community to support the advancement of women’s mental and physical health.

Self-examinations for women of all ages and mammograms, particularly for women over 40, are crucial to detecting and treating breast cancer. Read more about scheduling mammograms and preventative breast cancer screenings here.

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