Miranda McKeon, a New York-based lifestyle influencer, has turned her personal battle with breast cancer into a platform for advocacy with her newly launched initiative, Pink 365. After her diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer at the age of 19, McKeon underwent extensive treatment, including a double mastectomy and chemotherapy, before entering remission in 2022. Now 24, she is dedicating herself to raising awareness about women’s health, particularly beyond the confines of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
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McKeon’s journey through cancer has profoundly shaped her outlook on health and advocacy. Despite being declared cancer-free, she shares that her experience with the disease is far from over. Last week, she candidly addressed her followers about the emotional challenges that arise after treatment, dubbing the phenomenon “scanxiety” – a term for the anxiety that accompanies medical scans and awaiting results. McKeon posted a video where she related her recent discovery of a lump in her breast, in the same area where her cancer was first detected.
“Many women reach out to me with their concerns about what to do when they find something concerning or are facing the anxiety of waiting for results,” she explained. She went on to advise her audience to consult a doctor, acknowledging that the tumult of emotions is difficult to navigate. Fortunately, her latest scans revealed no signs of cancer, but the experience has reinforced her belief that the road to recovery is filled with ongoing challenges.
Speaking with PEOPLE, McKeon stressed the importance of acknowledging the extended journey many women face post-treatment. “For numerous women, the end of active treatment marks the start of a new and often overwhelming chapter in life,” she remarked. The emotional and logistical complications can be significant. Many still grapple with mental health issues, while others navigate ongoing medical treatment and insurance battles well after their active cancer care concludes.
“You may also be facing uncertainty surrounding fertility if you are young and haven’t had children yet or were in the process of trying to conceive when diagnosed. It’s a recalibration that requires navigating a substantial new normal,” McKeon added. She highlighted the physical changes that accompany surgeries and treatments, such as adjusting to body image shifts following a mastectomy.
In response to the need for ongoing support and education, McKeon established Pink 365, which aims to provide women’s health advocacy and education throughout the entire year instead of just during October. The initiative officially launched on 21st October, with a celebration attended by friends, advocates, and industry leaders.
McKeon articulated her frustrations surrounding the limited focus on women’s health outside of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “I often feel energised to discuss these topics in October, but the remaining eleven months see a drop in attention and funding. It’s as if there’s a 30-day window of focus,” she remarked, emphasising the importance of continuous conversation and support.
While she sometimes wishes her role in awareness could be different, McKeon considers her position a privilege, describing a strong motivation to expand discussions related to breast cancer and women’s health issues. “I feel a deep need for these conversations to happen outside of designated time frames. Health concerns do not stop, and the complexities of being a woman are ongoing,” she asserted.
Her experience on social media allows McKeon to stay connected with others who are undergoing similar transitions post-remission. “I have a keen understanding of the issues that arise, especially from a branding perspective,” she shared. As she continues to advocate for others, she hopes to gather expert opinions and support that can assist not only herself but also numerous women navigating these paths.
McKeon’s Pink 365 initiative stands as a testament to her commitment to ensuring that women’s health topics receive attention year-round, fostering a community where open dialogue about the complexities of illness, recovery, and health can thrive continuously.