October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but with COVID-19 on the rise, people have shifted their focus. An estimated 1.3 million people around the world are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, making its universal popularity a deadly one.
COVID-19 has undoubtedly shaken up 2020 in the worst way possible, and many people are paying the price. As the economy takes a plunge, people are out of jobs. They can’t keep up with their demanding finances, and they’re trying to hold on to survival both mentally and physically.
This unparalleled challenge placed on non-profit organizations (NPO) has forced foundations to step up and take action the best they can to help those in need.
The Struggle for Funds
NPOs all over the country struggle to get funds during the rise of COVID-19.
Many non-profits heavily rely on events and public fundraisers to meet their yearly goals but the pandemic has prevented those to occur this year due to its lethal effects.
Since COVID-19 is a new virus, it makes anyone exposed to it susceptible to catching it. People with cancer or had cancer are at a higher risk of contracting it due to a lowered immune system.
This, unfortunately, has forced many organizations to readjust their operations and mission delivery.
Jessica Wiley, development manager, for Susan G. Komen Upstate New York says how their mission to end breast cancer forever continues but with some new adjustments.
“As part of a nationwide consolidation effort, Komen’s affiliate network across the country is being integrated into one national organization. Furthermore, Susan G Komen is focusing on supporting their current research portfolio and investing more in direct patient support.”
Wiley also mentions how “Komen will no longer offer community grant-making in the post-corona-virus era.”
Unstable Planning for the Fight Against Breast Cancer
The pandemic carries a lot of uncertainty and unknown parallels for the future. Due to the tragic changes seen around the world in regards to politics, public health, and the economy, planning for the future is difficult. Anticipated annual income is lower than average this year, but the numbers of those affected by this deadly disease are not.
Statistics show that in 2020, in the U.S there will be 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women and 2,620 in men. Resulting in an estimate of over 40,000 deaths due to this horrible disease.
Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world. This October, it still needs to be discussed and studied so that people remain proactive and aware.
Even though events have been canceled and put on hold, breast cancer still remains active. 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
“Funding to provide the necessary support for those diagnosed with breast cancer is just as important as it has ever been, if not more. Many individuals are facing financial instability due to the impact of COVID-19 on the US economy,” said Wiley.
Wiley also states that “We also cannot continue to overlook the fact that breast cancer mortality is 40% higher for Black women in the US than for white women. That is why Susan G Komen is working towards health equity by using the patient voice through public policy.”
The funding may be low, but the lives that this cancer affects remain enormous. Stay healthy and aware this breast cancer season.
