When people think of October, they probably picture pumpkin spice lattes or Halloween costumes. However, pink ribbons have also become an October norm as people remember Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many show their support through pink clothing at football games, posts on social media and donations to charities, and these acts can encourage and comfort so many people whose lives have been changed by a diagnosis. However, I sometimes worry that people forget the importance of supporting those with cancer all year long.

I say this as someone who has watched their mom undergo treatment for breast cancer. During the summer before my seventh-grade year, my mom was diagnosed, and our community rallied — particularly during October — to support us through fundraisers and prayers as she started chemotherapy.

As I look back on that time, I am so grateful for the t-shirts and the meal train, for the hat party that my mom’s friends threw to fill mom’s closet with a collection of stylish hats when she lost her hair. However, in the moment, my selfish, confused and scared seventh-grade self found all the public support discomforting. 

I was bothered by the ceremony of it all. Years prior, my mom had received a diagnosis of a rare form of cancer called Medullary thyroid cancer. Since Medullary thyroid cancer does not typically respond well to chemotherapy, my mom did not lose her hair. Because there was no visible sign of her cancer and my family of introverts chose not to tell the world, many people did not even know about it.

So for me, the publicity of the breast cancer diagnosis came as a shock. I suddenly saw my name on t-shirts to support my family as we endured this difficult time of life, but worrying about cancer had been a feature of my life long before the distribution of the t-shirts. 

As I reflect on those feelings I know that, at the time, I questioned the actions of the people around me because I did not want to ask harder questions such as “Why is this happening?” I do not confess these personal feelings to make anyone feel sorry for me. My mom is the strongest woman I know, and I like to think that I inherited just a little bit of her strength. I record all of this to emphasize the importance of having patience with people whose lives have changed because of cancer — to emphasize the need for support all year long in different forms for different people. 

So, wear the pink ribbons proudly during October to respect the many strong people impacted by breast cancer, but be sure to remember those women, their families and those affected during the other 11 months of the year, too. 

Also, do not forget that other people face all sorts of diagnoses and treatment plans. The American Association for Cancer Research lists all the official Cancer Awareness Months. I am ashamed to admit that I did not know many of them. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. February is Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancer Awareness Month, as well as National Cancer Prevention Month.

I want to be more aware of the people who need recognition and encouragement by looking at lists like these. More importantly, though, I want to help people however I can throughout the year, regardless of the designations. I have learned firsthand that little acts of kindness mean so much. 

Cynthia DeMarco wrote for “Cancerwise,” a blog affiliated with MD Anderson Cancer Center, that “remaining hopeful during cancer treatment is as much an art as it is a skill.” I believe people have a responsibility to those struggling around us to help them create that art. Remember to remain hopeful and meet people where they are in October and all year long.