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:
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?
While Breast Cancer deserves every penny of funding it receives, few are aware that actually, lung cancer kills more women than breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers COMBINED. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
This is nice to see. I was diagnosed in May with stage 2 breast cancer; finished chemo 3 weeks ago, and radiation starts on Monday. I want to check out the site for free mammograms; my Mom needs one and doesn't have insurance. Remember to do your self exams ladies! that's how I found mine.
This has really come a long ways.To honor those who have lost and to those who have won or are winning this battle.God bless all of them.
Research has come so far, and it is because we are all becoming more aware. Keep up the good work!
When women unite, good things happen. :)
I am glad this is happening. I am glad I read this. Thank-you for sharing how this has touched you pynoblem. It is awesome to read what you are doing.
Thank God this is getting the attention we deserve!
I think that we need to be aware of breast cancer all year round and always supporting it not just during october
Thank you Connie!
pynoblem- Can you list that website for the free mammograms please? I think thats a very worthwhile cause to support.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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!