Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Access, Advocacy, and the Fight for Equity

Each October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us that awareness is only the beginning. Access, equity, and advocacy are what make true progress possible.

At the American Association of Disability Justice (AADJ), we stand with survivors, caregivers, and communities impacted by breast cancer. We honor the lives of those we have lost, celebrate the resilience of those continuing treatment, and call for a future where no one is left behind because of barriers to care, income, or disability.

Understanding the Intersection of Cancer and Disability

A breast cancer diagnosis can change nearly every aspect of a person’s life: physical, emotional, financial, and social. For many, it also means facing temporary or long-term disability during treatment and recovery.

Understanding your rights and available resources is critical. Programs such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) exist to provide financial support for individuals whose medical conditions prevent them from working. However, navigating these systems while managing a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming without guidance and advocacy.

That is where education and connection make the difference. AADJ works to empower individuals and professionals to understand the benefits process, improve access to qualified representation, and reduce disparities in outcomes for people with disabilities, including those affected by cancer.

Awareness Beyond the Pink Ribbon

While pink ribbons have become the global symbol of breast cancer awareness, awareness alone is not enough.

Many women, especially those in marginalized, rural, or lower-income communities, continue to face diagnostic delays, limited treatment options, and systemic inequities in healthcare access. For others, financial insecurity or job loss during treatment can deepen these disparities.

At AADJ, we advocate for a broader understanding of awareness that includes:

• Accessible healthcare and screenings for all women, regardless of income or insurance status

• Inclusive workplace accommodations for those undergoing treatment or living with chronic fatigue or pain

• Education for employers and policymakers about cancer-related disability rights

• Support for family caregivers balancing employment and care responsibilities

Navigating Benefits and Resources

For individuals unable to work due to breast cancer, applying for SSDI or SSI can be an important step toward financial stability. Eligibility typically depends on factors such as the severity of the condition, duration of treatment, and impact on daily functioning.

While AADJ does not offer direct legal representation, we provide educational tools and connections to help you find qualified disability advocates who understand both the medical and procedural complexities of cancer-related disability claims.

We also encourage individuals to explore state-level and nonprofit assistance programs, including:

• Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov/disability

• American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/

• Susan G. Komen Foundation: https://www.komen.org/

• Breast Cancer Research Foundation: https://www.bcrf.org/

• CancerCare: https://www.cancercare.org/ 

• Local health departments offering free or low-cost screenings

These organizations offer vital support, from transportation and medication grants to peer groups and wellness resources.

Promoting Awareness and Compassion

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time for unity, remembrance, and education. It is a chance to share stories, encourage screenings, and uplift those in treatment.

By spreading awareness and promoting access to care, we can help more people receive early detection, effective treatment, and the support they deserve.

Together, we can move closer to a world where awareness leads to action, and every person affected by breast cancer receives the care, respect, and dignity they need to thrive