Let’s do the math – it is estimated that 281,550 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. Of these, over 43,600 women will die as a direct result of that diagnosis (ACS, 2021). If that weren’t bad enough, public health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control, state that 5.3 million of women will be victimized by a “loved one” annually as a result of domestic violence.
Both cancer and domestic violence are exacerbated by similar and complex social issues such as financial insecurity, institutional racism, discrimination, and isolation from supportive networks. If we consider the added stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of job loss, caregiving demands, and disrupted access to services, 2021 is not shaping up to be a good year for women.
Women living in violent relationships are at higher risk for delayed screening, advanced-stage cancer, and reduced chance for survival. A history of intimate partner violence (IPV) also impacts optimal cancer care receipt, such as surgery and hormone therapy. We do understand the impact, both emotional and physical, that social relationships have on women’s health. Women in abusive relationships have very limited access to
healthy interventions further complicating early detection and treatments that could be lifesaving.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, yet these two issues are more interconnected than we realize. It is not enough to wear a pink or purple t-shirt. We must advocate for research, education, and policies that remove barriers to women’s health and wellbeing. We must advocate for these two powerful campaigns to join together and combine their resources to save women’s lives.
Sources
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Donna Amtsberg, LCSW is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Houston, Graduate College of Social Work. She is also a Board Member with the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council.
Chiara Acquati, Ph.D., LMSW is an Assistant Professor at the University of Houston, Graduate College of Social Work. She is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Health Disparities Research.
