Think Pink This October

If you’re seeing a lot more pink this October, it is because National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) is now upon us. Though October is the official month for breast cancer awareness, NBCAM.org reminds us that their website is a year round resource for patients, care-givers, survivors, and the general public. There is a wealth of information available on the site dealing with anything from symptoms of the disease to quick and easy recipes designed for breast cancer patients.

All around the world this month, there will be events taking place to raise awareness and funding for breast cancer. The White House honored breast cancer awareness earlier this month by flipping a switch and turning pink. It was part of a worldwide campaign where more that 200 landmarks agreed to light their structures in pink to represent the color of the cause. During the lighting ceremony first lady Laura Bush said, “May our lights tonight shine as beacons around the world, a signal of the United States’ commitment to saving lives for breast cancer.”

And it’s not just our landmarks going pink this October. People are of course donning their pink ribbons in support, popular websites are lighting up in pink, and many retail products like Brita water filters and Hershey’s have joined National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and are offering pink merchandise.

No matter how you raise awareness this October, the most important thing is that you spread the word about how important it is that women get their mammograms and perform self-examinations often. Early detection is always best. NBCAM.org lists these symptoms as possible signs that you could have breast cancer and need to be checked by a doctor:

Any new, hard lump or thickening in any part of the breast
Change in breast size or shape
Dimpling or puckering of the skin
Swelling, redness or warmth that does not go away
Pain in one spot that does not vary with your monthly cycle
Pulling in of the nipple
Nipple discharge that starts suddenly and appears only in one breast
An itchy, sore, or scaling area on one nipple

To find more information on the topic of breast cancer you can visit www.nbcam.org

What do you think of the different events taking place this month to raise awareness of breast cancer?

How will you help raise awareness about breast cancer this October?

By RadioGirl87
10.15.08

I'm a Zeta Tau Alpha and our philanthropy is Breast Cancer Education and Awareness, so this has a very special place in my heart. It is such an important cause! This month we're doing different events: handing out pink ribbons and shower cards around campus and also doing Dine Out for Zeta where a portion of the profits from local restaurants will be donated to the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation. We will also be present at these restaurants giving out ribbons to make people more aware. I think it's great that landmarks lit up in pink lights to show their support. It's important for women everywhere to be aware!
By nanners520
10.15.08

The pink has definitely caught my attention! I think it is so great that more and more people are becomming aware of cancer and how they can do simple things to help. This is such an important cause as it affects nearly everyone at some point in life!

In the past, I have walked to cure various cancers and diseases and raised money to help find a cure. I think that spreading the word and inviting others to help find a cure is a great way to raise awareness of this disease.
By headed2hollywood
10.15.08

It's great that everyone becomes aware of breast cancer during the month of October, however this is something men and women need to be aware of everyday.

I've been wearing pink almost everyday this month. I've also purchased items that I know a portion will go for breast cancer research. I've sent cards to friends/family to remind them to do self breast exams.
By TraceyS
10.18.08

My grandmother recently lost her second breast due to breast cancer (the first was removed almost 30 years ago!). So of course I am all for anything and everything that will raise breast cancer awareness. I do have one issue with the "pink products" though- a lot of them dont specify exactly how much (if any) of the sales go to research. I think if a company is going to go pink for breast cancer then they need to make sure to let the consumer know EXACTLY whats being donated. otherwise they are just taking advantage of "free publicity".
By Cropperhopper
10.18.08

My mother has been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. It is metastic stage 3. She had a lumpectomy, and she is now undergoing chemo, and she will start radiation shortly. I am crocheting and knitting chemo caps for the women at her cancer center where we live. I buy every thing that I come across that supports breast cancer awareness. Everything from water bottles to jewelry and clothes. I proudly display these items for everyone to be more aware. I also log onto a website where I click on a button to provide free mammograms to underpriviledged women.
By TraceyS
10.18.08

pynoblem- Can you list that website for the free mammograms please? I think thats a very worthwhile cause to support.
By Steelersfan
10.20.08

I love the picture. I had not seen it before.

Here is the link to the website to click on the button to provide free mammograms http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2.

I am a team captian every year for Relay for Life in honor of several of my friends that are survivors and in memory of my friend Wendy and my Aunt Betty.
By TraceyS
10.20.08

Thank you Connie!
By kkandshellsmommy00
10.21.08

I think that we need to be aware of breast cancer all year round and always supporting it not just during october
By msfriendly
10.21.08

Thank God this is getting the attention we deserve!

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