There are perhaps no other three words more stunning to any of us than “you have cancer.” Nearly 13 million Americans alive today, have heard those words from their doctor at some point in time.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities across the globe to raise both awareness and funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer.
All across the country we see the positive signs of this major initiative at every turn. Women who formerly turned up their noses at football, find themselves continually amused to see the hulking figures of NFL fame draped in pink sneakers, armbands, headbands and patches to pay tribute to the victims and the survivors of breast cancer. We buy products bearing the pink ribbon that brands breast cancer.
Experts estimate that in the United States, breast cancer will claim nearly 40,000 lives in 2012. Although the number seems staggering as an isolated figure, it is encouraging when weighed against the same statistic from years past.
The decrease in those numbers is most probably attributable to the fact that increased awareness in this country and throughout the world has brought about earlier detection and treatment. Right now, according to the American Cancer Society, there are almost 3 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is about 1 in 8. The chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 36.
We encourage our readers to take part in any number of activities planned throughout the month whether through direct participation or just distant observation, avail yourself to those resources which are readily available.
We also encourage donations, of any amount, to a reputable charity research outlet. It is these donations for research that are at the forefront of the domain which is responsible for the steady decline in the number of deaths from this dreaded disease which remains the second largest killer of women from cancer, just behind lung cancer.
The prevalence of the disease suggests that all of us, at some time, will be touched by breast cancer. Be it a mother, daughter, sister, friend or co-worker, odds are we will know first-hand the pain and devastation that can be levied on anyone diagnosed with this disease.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month generates millions of dollars in research funding every year through a vast array of events including walks, runs, mini-marathons and innovative activities designed not only with financial goals in mind but with the intention of making everyone aware of the benefits of early detection. Learning about any cancer in its early stages is one of the, if not the single most important factor in outcome, and this is especially true of breast cancer.
When some breast cancers are caught early and treated, survival rates can be near 100 percent. However, ongoing research is vital.
Please take some time this month to learn at least the basics of combatting breast cancer. To begin with, control your weight and exercise. Know your family history of breast cancer and if you have a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer, talk to your doctor about your personal risk and how you can lower it. Find out the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy and limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Please remember in your thoughts and prayers all the women who lost their brave battles against this formidable opponent. In addition to remembering those lost, let us offer our support and confidence to the survivors of breast cancer, past and present. They are a breed of warriors unlike any other. This month is to pay tribute to them and to ensure that with our help, they continue to grow in number. Join us in looking forward to the day when October becomes a month when our nation and the world recognizes a cure for breast cancer. Together we can make that day happen. So please think pink.
