Pumpkins, scarves and Halloween – these are all items that are typically thought of when one thinks of October. As we start bundling up to combat the powerful Oswego winds, the leaves drift poetically down from the trees in hues of reds, yellows and oranges. Fall conjures up scenes of warm colors and toasty rooms to sit inside while watching Netflix. During these months we get to witness the days getting shorter and the nights growing longer.
One color that isn’t typically associated with fall is pink, which is a fatal flaw on our parts, as October also happens to be National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, in this past year alone 232,570 to 232,670 women have already been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Of these diagnosed women, an astonishing 62,570 cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be found. One in eight women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime and approximately 2,360 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be found in men this year.
A woman’s risk of developing breast cancer increases as she gets older, as most cases occur in women over 50. She could be your mother, your sister or your best friend. It is strongly recommended for all of your loved ones to undergo a routine mammogram and perform self breast exams to look for any abnormalities, which can include:
- Lumps
- A change in appearance of nipples or discharge
- Redness or swelling
- Change in breast shape
- Pain in/on any part of the breast
Your risk of cancer increased anywhere from five to 10 percent if any of your direct family members have been diagnosed. However, 85 percent of breast cancer diagnoses occur in women who have no family history. With that being said, listen to your body and take care of it! It’s time we associate October with pink and stand up to fight for our bodies as women. Don’t ask for a cure – demand one! The survival rates for women diagnosed with breast cancer are 89 percent after a five-year diagnosis, 83 percent after 10 years and 78 percent after 15 years. Though those numbers are eons greater than what they were in the past, the fight won’t end until there is a 100 percent survival rate.
So how can you get involved in raising awareness and supporting the search for a cure? Support local breast cancer groups or start one yourself! You can donate to a nationally recognized breast cancer foundation, such as the Susan G. Komen or the American Cancer Society. SUNY Oswego also has its own chapter of CAC (Colleges Against Cancer) that you can join. In addition, sign up to participate in the 5th Annual Human Pink Ribbon Ceremony hosted by Oswego County Opportunities on Oct. 25, and be sure to spread the facts about breast cancer. The more people who know, the better! Professional sporting franchises are even getting involved in spreading awareness and contributing to the search for a cure. Our own Oswego Laker hockey teams host the annual “Pink the Rink” game! You could even pull a “Mean Girls” and make Wednesday’s throughout October a day to wear pink to support the women who are putting on their war paint and fighting to the bell.
To all of you lovely ladies out there who have been diagnosed or know someone who has, thank you for being brave and don’t ever give up! Remember, you are beautiful and strong, and you’re not alone. The word is spreading and support is ever-growing! Good luck my pink ladies– or should I say pink warriors!
For more information about breast cancer, its symptoms, treatments and information on local screening centers, please visit the following:
- http://www.oco.org/health-services/cancer-services
- http://ww5.komen.org/
- http://www.breastcancer.org/
- http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/index?gclid=CjwKEAjw5NihBRCZmdLkuuTHyWYSJACtCY0JEitY-d9XK949ZzqWZUuYeSDDk4KAKRX8QOMj7ELgzxoCHHjw_wcB