Noticed a lot of people wearing pink lately?
We hope so.
Pink is the colour that signifies this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The disease is the most common form of cancer in females and affects about one out of nine to 13 women who reach age 90.
It is the second most fatal cancer in women after lung cancer and the number of cases has increased significantly since 1970.
It can also strike men.
It seems there’s always a month for this cause or a month for that, but this month’s cause is extremely important.
October is set aside to especially make people aware of the deadly disease and to push for better treatment and support for people affected by breast cancer.
Most of us have known someone who has suffered from breast cancer and many of us have had a breast cancer scare.
The facts about the disease are startling:
It is estimated that each year the disease is diagnosed in more than 1 million women worldwide and is the cause of death in more than 400,000 women.
The good news is that there has been a substantial reduction in breast cancer mortality, which is probably because of improvements in diagnosis and treatment.
Early detection is vital.
That means self examination every month and yearly mammograms if you are a woman who is 40 or older.
But if you are younger than 40, don’t just dismiss breast cancer as an older woman’s disease. Young women are being diagnosed in their teens, 20s and 30s.
The looped pink ribbon, an internationally recognised symbol, represents awareness and hope for those affected by breast cancer and stands for the sisterhood that will help women survive – and conquer – this disease. People wear the ribbon to honour women living with breast cancer, remember those lost to the disease, and support research for a cure.
The Lions Club of Tropical Gardens and the Cayman Islands Cancer Society can supply you with pink ribbons and pins.
There is also a way you can get actively involved in the fight against breast cancer. Join the Lions Club for the Brenda Tibbetts-Lund 5K Memorial Run/Walk on Saturday, 21 October, at 6am on West Bay Road Public Beach. Call 926-3702 for more information.
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