Expanding the Conversation: Breast Cancer Awareness for Everyone
As Co-Lead of Asana Women EMEA, I’m proud to see how we’ve embraced Breast Cancer Awareness Month to extend our values of heartitude and mindfulness. Breast Cancer Awareness isn’t just about one group—it’s about making sure that every individual, no matter their gender identity, feels seen, heard, and supported. At Asana, we’re committed to broadening the conversation around breast cancer, recognizing that it can affect anyone.
Breaking the Gender Stereotype: Breast Cancer and Men
Breast cancer is often viewed as a "women's issue," leaving many unaware of the risks. This needs to change. At Asana, we’re empowering everyone, regardless of gender, to take their health seriously. By talking openly about how breast cancer can affect anyone of any gender, we aim to encourage early detection and reduce the stigma.
To support this, we’ve integrated gender-inclusive wellness resources into our programs. These include educational materials that emphasize self-exams for all, and health talks where experts discuss prevention and symptoms without bias. Our goal is to create a culture where no one hesitates to prioritize their health because everyone deserves to be informed and supported.
Bringing the LGBTQ+ Community into the Conversation
The LGBTQ+ community faces distinct challenges when it comes to breast cancer awareness. Transgender men, non-binary individuals, and transgender women may have different risk factors and healthcare needs. We’re committed to recognizing these diverse experiences and ensuring our approach reflects them.
For transgender men and non-binary people, it’s crucial to understand that the risk of breast cancer doesn’t disappear, even after undergoing gender-affirming surgeries or hormone treatments. We actively share information on how breast tissue changes can impact screening needs and advocate for regular check-ups.
For transgender women, we recognize the potential increased risk from hormone therapy. It’s not just about providing resources—it’s about ensuring those resources are relevant and helpful.
At Asana, inclusion isn’t just a checkbox—it’s an ongoing practice that evolves with our community’s needs.
Building a Truly Inclusive Breast Cancer Awareness Culture
Creating an inclusive workplace isn’t about one-size-fits-all solutions. It’s about meeting people where they are and understanding that everyone’s experience with health is different. At Asana, we’re committed to making our awareness efforts truly reflect our diverse team.
Awareness Leads to Early Detection: We know early detection saves lives. By broadening our campaigns to include all genders, we empower more people to understand their risks and take proactive steps.
Reducing Stigma with Compassion: When conversations include everyone, we help break down the stigma that can deter people from seeking help. At Asana, we’re building a culture of empathy where employees feel safe discussing health concerns.
A Workplace Where Everyone Feels Supported: Our internal campaigns resonate with the diverse experiences within our team. Through sharing personal stories, hosting inclusive webinars, or offering wellness programs, we make every employee feel valued.
How Asana is Leading the Way in Inclusive Breast Cancer Awareness
Our commitment to inclusivity extends beyond this month—it’s embedded in our approach to health year-round:
Educational Resources for All: We provide accessible content addressing risks for men, transgender, and non-binary individuals. Everyone deserves to understand their health risks, and we’re making sure they have the information they need.
Fostering a Supportive Environment: At Asana, it’s about more than offering resources—it’s about creating a space where people feel safe to speak up. We encourage our team to take time for appointments and provide mental health support.
Hosting Events that Reflect Our Values: Our health talks were designed to be inclusive and relevant for all genders.
A Call to Action: Let’s Expand the Conversation Together
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I invite you to join us in expanding the conversation to ensure no one is left out. At Asana, we’re building a culture where everyone’s health matters. Let’s broaden our efforts and support each other in taking steps toward prevention and early detection.
It’s not just about sharing information—it’s about challenging the norms that have left some groups out of the conversation. Together, we can ensure that our initiatives reflect the full diversity of human experiences, fostering a workplace where everyone feels included and cared for.
Final Thoughts
As Co-Lead of Asana Women EMEA, I’m proud of the strides we’re making to ensure inclusivity isn’t just a goal—it’s a practice we live every day. Expanding breast cancer awareness is part of our commitment to health equity and well-being. Let’s champion this cause together, ensuring our initiatives resonate with the diverse voices that make up our community.
About the Author
Christiane Bicakcioglu has spent the past 2.5 years as the Workplace Lead in Munich, Paris, and Warsaw. For the last year, Christiane has also served as Co-Lead of Asana Women EMEA, championing equality and inclusivity every day. Passionate about creating workplaces where everyone feels they belong, she is an avid traveler and a devoted dog lover.
