October in Pink

In the month of October we see more pink than any other time of year. I'm sure everybody knows why. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many organizations nationwide encourage people to wear pink- especially on Fridays in October. Wearing pink spreads awareness about this vicious cancer which will hopefully get more people involved with the fight against it.

Background: There are several parts to a woman's (or man's) breast in which cancer starts. Most cancer begins in the breast ducts and is called Ductal cancer and some others begin lobules and is called lobular cancer. The American Cancer Society's most recent studies show that there are about 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women. About 39,840 of these resulted in deaths.

The Chicago Tribune has a whole section on their website dedicated to Breast Cancer. This section has many stories and real people's faces "getting the word out" about education, treatment, signs of the cancer, and events going on in October (and other months as well) to support Breast Cancer Awareness.

The reason I chose to write about this topic is unfortunately, my family is very familiar with this illness. My mom is a two-time survivor. My grandmother is a survivor, and my aunt is a two-time survivor. I am proud to say that they are all heroines for this. These women take "being strong" to a whole new level. For me, my sister, and my cousin, all we can do is be aware and get checked on a regular basis for this type of cancers and others alike.

One of the "faces" on the Tribune's website said, ""There is light at the end of the tunnel. You have to believe." These are her words of wisdom and inspiration. (Jill Mull, 37)

Be aware! Some of the symptoms are : a lump, either hard or soft.
                                                             skin irritation or dimpling.
                                                             swelling of all or part of the breast.
                                                             nipple pain, or nipple turning inward.
It is important to be aware of your body and what is normal. The sooner these symptoms are addressed, the better! Breast cancer is easier to beat if the signs and symptoms are addressed early on.

Help out to spread the awareness by participating in small donation opportunities. Purchasing clothing or accessories that donate money to the Susan G. Komen foundation. Buy products that are spreading the awareness. The numbers are huge...help them decrease!