In a heartfelt moment during this year's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, stories of resilience and empowerment came alive at the Paint the Lake Pink Walk in Lake Zurich, Illinois. This annual event, celebrated with love and solidarity, aims not only to honor survivors but also to actively raise awareness about breast cancer risks, particularly the impact of breast density on early detection.

Susanne DePaepe stands out as a symbol of strength and courage. As she navigates the emotional terrain of supporting her sister, Patty, who is courageously battling the final stages of breast cancer after a harrowing 30-year fight, Susanne draws on cherished family memories. “She’s my second oldest sister, and she took care of me since I was a baby. I always try to bring things to make her laugh, like my little polar bear jammies,” she shared, reflecting on their deep bond.

In a twist of fate, Susanne herself is a breast cancer survivor, having had her diagnosis caught early earlier this year. Both sisters grappled with the reality that they have dense breasts—a condition that complicates early detection. The mammogram, an essential tool in cancer screening, struggles to differentiate between dense breast tissue and cancer, as both appear white on the imaging.

“Just the other day, she said to me, ‘I don’t know how to die. Why am I still here?’ and I couldn’t answer her. It saddens me to think that perhaps if we had been more aware of our breast density earlier, her cancer could have been caught before it progressed,” Susanne lamented.

Before heading to Patty’s side, Susanne participated in the Paint the Lake Pink Walk where she honored her sister by filling out a walk bib and passing it to fellow survivor Caryn Skomer Hammond. Just a year ago, Caryn couldn’t have imagined being on that walk, but today, she celebrates victory over breast cancer. “This terrible disease needs more attention and research. Events like this will help others, like Patty, fight this battle,” she emphasized.

A fundamental part of the walk is the initiative "My Density Matters," which educates women about breast density and underscores the importance of early detection. Dr. Barry Rosen, a champion of breast health, stressed, “No one is immune to the risks of breast cancer. If you are a woman aged 40 or older, it’s crucial to schedule your annual mammogram. Additionally, if your results indicate dense breast tissue, you should seek supplementary imaging beyond the mammogram.”

Understanding breast density is essential for every woman. Breast density is categorized into four levels: A, B, C, and D, with D representing the highest density level. Being aware of your breast density is now more critical than ever; recent FDA regulations mandate that mammogram reports must include a breast density assessment to inform patients and encourage proactive health strategies.

As the community unites to advocate for awareness and research, sisters like Susanne and Patty remind us of the strength found in solidarity. Their story is a clarion call for women everywhere to understand their bodies, prioritize regular screenings, and ensure that early detection becomes a pivotal part of their health routine.

Don't wait—take charge of your health today!