Wearing pink can lead to talking about breast cancer. Talking about breast cancer can lead to action. Action can lead to early detection or support for patients, families and survivors or funding for research.
Pink is very much a part of fashion these days. Many people have several pink items in their closets that they have on regular rotation. There are lots of fashionable reasons to don the color, but what about wearing pink intentionally every day for a month? And for the sole purpose of starting conversations on the importance of prevention, screening and fundraising to help fight breast cancer? Thousands of around the country are doing just this for the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer programs each October.
“I like your tie.”
Why is This Conversation Important?
1 in 8 women have a lifetime risk of getting breast cancer. A lot of progress has been made in the detection and treatment of breast cancer over the decades, but it is still the 2nd leading cause of cancer death. Wearing pink can lead to talking about breast cancer. Talking about breast cancer can lead to action. Action can lead to early detection or support for patients, families and survivors or funding for research. Action can save lives and pink might just have been the catalyst for that important conversation.
“That color suits you.”
Why Pink?
There is no doubt that the breast cancer movement is something that should unite all of us. Wearing pink is a way to outwardly represent that we stand in solidary to do all we can to save lives from breast cancer.
Wearing pink isn’t just about fashion and it certainly isn’t about being gimmicky. It is a genuine and thoughtful way to provide support and raise awareness and funds. Breast cancer is serious. Please check your closets and join the conversation.
How is the Making Strides movement different from other breast cancer walks? Simple: we’re fundraising for more than just research. We’re raising money to help breast cancer patients, survivors, thrivers, and caregivers through every step of their experience – whether that means giving a patient a ride to chemo or being available to answer a caregiver’s question at 2 a.m. As they say, it takes a village. We hope you’ll be part of ours.
Visit Makingstrideswalk.org/Cleveland to support the American Cancer Society’s mission to end cancer and for more details on how to participate in your local campaigns.
10 Facts the American Cancer Society Wants you to Know about Breast Cancer:
1.Women who have a close blood relative with breast cancer have a higher risk.
2. A woman with cancer in one breast has a higher risk of developing new cancer in the other breast or in another part of the same breast.
3. About 5% to 10% of breast cancer cases are thought to be hereditary, caused by gene changes (mutations) inherited from a parent.
4. Inherited mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 are the most common cause of hereditary breast cancer.
5. In women under age 45, breast cancer is more common in African American women.
6. Obesity or being overweight raises the risk of having breast cancer, especially for women after menopause.
7. Breast cancer occurs mainly in women, but men can get it, too.
8. Breast cancer starts when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control. These cells usually form a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray.
9. Breast cancer can spread when the cancer cells get into the blood or lymph system and are carried to other parts of the body.
10. The American Cancer Society dedicates all of its efforts each year to funding research, providing free support services to patients in need, and educating communities around the world about breast cancer awareness.
If you’re interested in donating to the cause please click HERE. Every little bit helps.