Pink! Pink! Pink! It’s all around us this October, everywhere you turn. Major clothing brands, laundry detergent campaigns, races, 300 pound linebackers, even the pens your write with? Everyone is supporting the PINK cause.
Breast cancer is a devastating cancer that affects many in one way or another. Both men and women suffer the effects from breast cancer; it is not limited to a race, sex or age. At some point in time almost every person will have been personally affected by breast cancer; whether it be the physical suffering or emotional turmoil, whether it’s a friend, family member or co-worker.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer death rates have declined steadily since 1990. Through campaigns raising awareness, many now know how important early detection is. However, an estimated 230,480 women will be diagnosed with some form of invasive breast cancer and nearly 40,000 will die from it in 2011 alone. Breast cancer accounts for nearly 1 in 3 cancers diagnosed in women; but don’t forget men can get breast cancer too. The male breast cancer rate accounts for only 1% of breast cancer cases in the United States, but should not be overlooked.
If you find that the pink representation is everywhere or even a bit overwhelming, please keep in mind that as of January 2008, approximately 2.6 million women living in the U.S. had a history of breast cancer. Most of these survivors are cancer-free. However, there are many others who are still fighting the disease thankfully with support systems in their community like Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure.
In the mindset of thinking pink and seeing pink everywhere, it serves as a constant reminder to us of our loved ones that have suffered, our friends and family who have survived, and our children and parents that are at risk. It is a reminder not only to think of others but to do what we can to help with awareness and support. It’s our way to show compassion, support and how committed we are to ending the disease.
Each week this month we will have articles dedicated to all aspects of Breast Cancer. We will discuss the impact of the NFL and the pink sensation, breast cancer facts, breast cancer in men, and how to think pink while living green.
So remember to check yourself, check your spouse, remind your friends and loved ones to do the same.
Think Pink! Show your support and wear your touch of PINK proudly in October!