The Impact of Numbers, Metrics, and Value

We spend our whole life being assessed with numbers, metrics, and value. At birth, we are measured for weight and height and then metrically placed in a category of very low, low, average, or high birth weight. A value is placed on this measure since babies who are born small or very large are also more likely to have complications or risks as they begin their journey into this world. In the following years, our lives are measured by milestones such as birthdays, education progression, anniversaries, and “first” events…first tooth, first step, first date, and so forth. These personal metrics are usually value-added but can have a negative meaning with first car wreck, first broken limb, or surviving a loss, such as first divorce or first loved one with cancer.

According to the US Census Bureau, there are 168.6 million women in the United States—50.5% of the US population. As the current risk of being diagnosed with cancer for females in the United States is 1 in 3, it is estimated that 56.2 million women will hear the words, “You have cancer” at some point in their life. A visual of this number is women lined up side by side at the Earth’s equator and going around the world 1⅓ times. This is a powerful illustration of numbers. One can also look around and think 1 in 3 women in this room may hear those words.

Even though survival rates vary by cancer type and stage at diagnosis, the overall 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is 91.0%. Many of these survivors give back by mentoring and reaching out to newly diagnosed individuals to create empowerment, knowledge, and camaraderie during the cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Along with the survivor mentors are other caring individuals who have a desire to make a positive impact on the world around them by volunteering to help support those facing a cancer diagnosis.

It is my hope that in 2025, each of you can become a volunteer and add value that has a significant impact in the life of someone on a cancer journey.