Cupcakes with Coffee - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October isn’t just about sweater weather, falling leaves, or deciding how many times is too many to wear that oversized cardigan that says 'Pumpkin Spice' on it before someone notices. It’s also Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

It is the time to spotlight something far more important than your pumpkin spice latte foam art: your health. Yes, we’re talking about the girls. The dynamic duo. Your built-in shelf. Whatever you call them, it’s time to take care of them. 

A recent visit for me resulted in a need for additional tests. I really didn't panic—usually not one to fully freak out until necessary. After an ultrasound and more scans with a radiologist, it was confirmed the small cyst from the previous mammogram (5 weeks prior) went away. I hadn't realized this is VERY common. There is an ebb and flow (no pun intended) to it. I was told breast tissue is very sensitive to hormones especially during your period and for me, when you move through menopause. I just reached the post-menopausal stage (woo-hoo) and it's part of the adjustment. So, all good until next year!

LET'S GET REAL

Breast cancer doesn’t care how busy you are. It doesn’t wait for the holidays to be over or for your schedule to 'calm down'. It shows up uninvited and doesn’t RSVP which is exactly why regular check-ups, mammograms, and self-exams are NOT optional—they’re essential.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about power. About knowing your body, owning your health, and refusing to let silence or procrastination or lack of health insurance* make decisions for you! 

*Women WITHOUT insurance can find free or low-cost mammograms through programs like the CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), national foundations such as Susan G. Komen and the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and local resources like health departments, YWCAs, Planned Parenthood centers, and Federally Qualified Health Centers. Other options include hospital-hosted screening events, mobile mammography units, and contacting the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER for assistance. 

YOUR BODY, YOUR BUSINESS - SO HANDLE IT

If you’re due for a mammogram or haven’t seen your doctor in a while, make the appointment. Not 'someday'. Not 'when I have time'. NOW.

Self-exams? Add them to your monthly routine. Right after paying bills or right before binge-watching your latest Netflix obsession. It takes five minutes. That’s less time than it takes to argue with yourself about what to wear.

AWARENESS IS GREAT BUT ACTION IS BETTER

Sure, the pink ribbons are everywhere. And yes, awareness campaigns are important. But awareness without action is like cupcakes without frosting—what’s the point?

Talk to your friends.

Share reminders.

Donate if you can.

Support someone going through it.

Rock the pink sweatshirt and show off your pink coffee tumbler if it makes you feel powerful. 

But above all—do the thing. Make the call. Get checked.

AND IF YOU'RE NERVOUS?

That’s normal. But being scared of a test result won’t change it—it just delays your chance to fight smarter, sooner, and with support. You owe yourself that much.

BOTTOM LINE?

You don’t have to love mammograms. You don’t have to enjoy the awkward gown (I never know which way to put it on) or the cold exam room. But you do have to show up for yourself. Because strength isn’t always loud—it’s often found in the quiet, brave act of making the damn appointment.

October is a reminder: love your body enough to check in on it. Pink is cute, but peace of mind? That’s powerful. And while you’re at it… Tell your mom. Text your sister. Bug your friends. Make it a group chat moment. Everyone needs encouragement.

Final Word?

Your boobs are fabulous. Keep them that way. Awareness is cute. Action is queen. Now go check your girls! 

DO. IT. ANYWAY.

Love, Kate

Now, onto those cupcakes.

Cupcakes with Coffee Style:

Cupcakes are tiny acts of joy—soft, sweet reminders that life doesn’t have to be big or perfect to be worth celebrating. They’re the reward after a hard day (mid-day, if necessary), the comfort during a messy one, and pure bliss in edible form. Paired with a good cup of coffee, they’re not just dessert—they’re a moment of pause, a little cheer, and sometimes, the reason you keep going.

For this coffee pairing, I searched for something unique, and this recipe far exceeded my expectations. It's a layered coffee drink with strong brewed coffee, honey and a very special PINK milk foam.

Reminds me of Nestle Quik PINK Strawberry Drink from my childhood.

There is also an instructional video of the recipe as well.

A little tidbit:

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) began in October 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries (now part of AstraZeneca). The initiative was designed to promote mammography as a vital tool in the fight against breast cancer. Notably, Betty Ford, a breast cancer survivor and the wife of former U.S. President Gerald Ford, played a significant role in launching the campaign, using her public platform to raise awareness about the disease.

In 1991: The Susan G. Komen Foundation popularized the PINK ribbon as a symbol of breast cancer awareness during a race for breast cancer survivors in New York City. This ribbon became synonymous with the awareness campaign and is now widely recognized. 

PSA: Self-Checks Aren’t Optional!

Touch your boobs. In the shower, in front of the mirror, lying down—whatever works. Know what’s normal so you know when something’s off. It's not weird. It's smart. And honestly, your boobs deserve more attention than your inbox.

And again, mammograms are not fun but so very necessary. GO and do it anyway! 

Then reward yourself with cupcakes, coffee, and a new PINK bra. XOXO.