Sangamon Sun

State Senator Sally Turner raised awareness of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, stating, "Early detection saves livesac, so make your health a priority this month," in an October 1 Facebook post.

"October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month," said Turner, according to Facebook. "Join us in spreading awareness and supporting those affected by breast cancer. Early detection saves livesac, so make your health a priority this month."

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States and accounts for one in three new cancer diagnoses for women each year. It is frequently diagnosed in women aged 62 or younger. A woman has a 13% risk of developing breast cancer during her lifetime, with a 2.5% chance of dying from it. The ACS estimates that there will be 310,270 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women in 2024, with an estimated 42,250 fatalities.

Screenshot of State Senator Sally Turner's Oct. 1 Facebook post | State Senator Sally Turner's Facebook page

BreastCancer.org states that Breast Cancer Awareness Month originated in 1985 as a week-long campaign by the ACS, in collaboration with Imperial Chemical Industries, a British company manufacturing tamoxifen. The pink ribbon symbol was created in 1982 when Alexandre Penney, Editor-in-Chief of SELF Magazine, partnered with Evelyn Lauder, Senior Corporate Vice President of Estee Lauder, to distribute the ribbons. However, some argue that the ribbon and its associated celebrations detract from the need for more research to improve treatments and outcomes and better understand breast cancer as a disease.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is described as a non-invasive cancer where cells are confined to the lining of the breast milk duct; invasive ductal carcinoma occurs when cancer spreads beyond these ducts into other parts of the breast tissue. Lobular carcinoma in situ involves abnormal cells within the lobules of the breast without spreading. Invasive lobular breast cancer begins in milk glands and extends to surrounding tissue. Triple-negative breast cancer lacks three common hormone receptors found in tumors. Inflammatory breast cancer involves spread into skin and lymph vessels of the breast. Metastatic breast cancer indicates that it has spread beyond the breast to other body areas.

Turner has served as a senator for Illinois' 44th Senate District since 2021. She holds a degree in legal studies from the University of Illinois and has experience as a juvenile probation officer and paralegal at Logan County State’s Attorney’s Office. She was elected Logan County Clerk in 1994 and maintained this position through five consecutive re-elections according to her official biography.