Breast Cancer Awareness Month
We’re nearing the midway point of October and, if you haven’t noticed by now, the planet is draped in pink. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and pink is the color worn by everyone who shows his or her support to rally for a cure. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women, and working toward finding a cure could save the lives of an estimated 190,000 women (and men) each year. Yes, I said men! While breast cancer is a disease that more commonly targets women, it does not discriminate by gender, and about one percent of men are at risk as well.
Showing your support to find a cure for breast cancer is simple, and you can take a cue from Hollywood stars, major sports stars, and probably any one of a number of people driving near you with a pink ribbon magnet stuck to their car! The first step is to get the facts. Breast cancer is the number-one cancer found in women, and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women (after lung cancer). About one in 13 women will suffer from breast cancer during their lives, and the fight against breast cancer begins with awareness. The more knowledge one can have about the disease, and the more done to check for early warning signs, the better chance for survival and overall wellness. The next step is to become educated about the risk factors of breast cancer. Anything and everything should be scrutinized, including age, personal and familial health histories, diet, and fitness. The following step is mammogram screening, and finally, if necessary, treatment options.
Medical advances in recent years in research, prevention, and the treatments of breast cancer have revolutionized the fight to save lives. We know so much more today than we ever before, including the revelation that researchers and doctors now recognize that breast cancer is in fact several diseases, and that the treatment of breast cancer is different for each person. Breakthroughs in surgical procedures have also become less traumatic on patients, and recovery time has also improved.
So, now I bet you’re asking yourself how you can help? Here’s how: wear pink! If a big NFL linebacker can look good in pink, you can, too! Making a donation to organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure, or to any number of area hospitals or organizations is a great first step to get involved. Every dollar raised by these groups goes straight to research for a cure. After that, show off your support with pink. The universal symbol that you are supporting the cause is by wearing a pink ribbon. There are all kinds, too. There are magnets for cars in the shape of pink ribbons, lapel pins, and well of course, a ribbon! I’ll be wearing pink every day I can, if not in my wardrobe, then at least a pink ribbon lapel pin to symbolize I am in support for a cure. And I actually keep a pink ribbon magnet on my car year round… while October is breast cancer awareness month, breast cancer doesn’t wait around. Showing your support day in and day out will help the cause by injecting awareness throughout the community. Everyone needs to know about how they can get involved to find a cure.
I hope what I’ve shared today has inspired you to become involved. Of course, while I gave out a lot of information, there is a lot more that you need to know to be fully informed. To get more educated, get on the Internet and start reading. To get you started I’ve included a few informative website links:
Thanks for reading about this very, very important issue. And remember, while October is awareness month, your support is needed every day.
Take care, Lexi
