Every October, pink ribbons bloom across Missouri. They’re on lapels, storefronts, football fields and social media feeds, spreading awareness of a disease that is already so devastatingly prevalent that it affects 1 in every 8 women.
It’s a symbol of solidarity, a badge of honor, a memorial for the sisters, daughters, mothers and grandmothers we love. But when I see a pink ribbon in October, I see a brighter message of hope and an urgent call to move away from awareness and into action. A breast cancer diagnosis caught early has a 5-year survival rate of more than 90% — but only with timely screenings and follow-up care.
As a physician and resident in Southwest Missouri, I am too familiar with the barriers that hold women back from seeking care for their breast health. When the thought of addressing your health needs arise, if you’re flooded with questions such as “How will I afford it?” or “Where should I go?” you are not alone. Many of us face long drives for appointments, weekslong waits for mammograms, and the uncertainty of how we’ll afford care. These obstacles aren’t abstract — they’re deeply personal.
Over the many years I’ve spent caring for patients, I’ve come across so many resources that help women overcome these challenges. One of the best places to start is Gateway to Hope, a Missouri-based organization operating in our community. They can alleviate those fears, provide financial assistance and gas cards, and walk with you through every stage of a breast health journey with patience and reassurance.
Even if you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, Gateway to Hope will help make sure you survive and thrive beyond it with their comprehensive services. Gateway to Hope’s mission is to make sure that no woman has to choose between lifesaving care and putting food on the table. They understand the pressures, fears and barriers — and go above and beyond to support women.
I know it’s not always ideal or comfortable to ask for help, but I assure you it’s a better alternative to skipping your lifesaving screenings or battling breast cancer without support. You can start by reaching out to Gateway to Hope at mobreasthealth.org, and from there, someone from Gateway to Hope will connect you to local appointments that work best for you.
I’d encourage you to embrace the pink ribbon reminders this October and prompt your sisters, coworkers and neighbors to do the same. Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate, and it certainly doesn’t wait, so neither should we.
DR. AMANDA HARRELL is a primary care physician who has served the Joplin community since 2016. She is the medical director at Cornerstone Medical Clinic and a supporter of Gateway to Hope, a nonprofit organization helping women access breast cancer care and support at every stage, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and recovery.
This op-ed was originally published in the Joplin Globe—online on October 30 and in the print edition on October 31.
