Breast Cancer Survivor Launches Advocacy Platform, Urgent Walk This Saturday
URGENT UPDATE: Claudia De Pasquale, a 41-year-old breast cancer survivor from Benicia, has launched a powerful advocacy platform, “My Cancer Diaries,” to educate women about breast cancer and the significance of dense breast tissue. This comes just days before the Iscah Uzza Foundation hosts its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on October 14, 2023, at 8 a.m. at Saint Patrick’s St. Vincent High School in Solano County.
De Pasquale’s journey from diagnosis to advocacy is both inspiring and urgent. After receiving an all-clear from a routine mammogram, she faced the devastating news of breast cancer just a year later. Now, three years cancer-free, De Pasquale is committed to transforming her experience into a resource for others, especially young women facing similar challenges.
“Every challenge I have experienced in my life has prepared me for being a breast cancer advocate,” De Pasquale states. Through her blogs and social media, she shares vital insights about survivorship, motherhood, and the often-overlooked realities of cancer treatment.
Statistics reveal that 50 percent of women under 50 have dense breast tissue, which can obscure tumors on mammograms. De Pasquale learned this the hard way when her lobular breast cancer went undetected until a secondary screening. “I didn’t really know what dense breast tissue meant at that time,” she recalls, highlighting the urgent need for better education on this issue.
In 2023, the FDA implemented new requirements mandating that mammogram reports include breast density information. However, De Pasquale emphasizes that this conversation often ends prematurely. She advocates for women to seek supplementary screenings and become informed about their breast health.
Following her diagnosis, De Pasquale faced a whirlwind of medical appointments and tough decisions about treatment. “I had pretty much a thousand questions,” she explains, stressing the importance of seeking second opinions. “Find that doctor that you align with. It can change your whole outcome,” she advises.
Her advocacy extends beyond personal experience. Through “My Cancer Diaries,” De Pasquale provides practical resources, clean-living tips, and emotional support for women navigating their own cancer journeys. Her Instagram platform mirrors this mission, offering a safe space for candid discussions about the realities of living as a cancer survivor and mother.
As the Iscah Uzza Foundation prepares for its Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, De Pasquale’s story resonates deeply within the community. The event aims to unite survivors, families, and supporters while raising awareness for breast cancer experiences in Solano County.
De Pasquale lives by the mantra that she is not just a cancer survivor but a “thriver.” With her advocacy, she hopes to empower women with the knowledge to take control of their health, not just in October, but year-round. “I want to push this conversation further,” she insists.
As De Pasquale continues her mission, her message is clear: awareness and education can save lives. Join her this Saturday at the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk to support her cause and learn more about the importance of breast health.
