Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Are you wondering why gobs of buildings are illuminated pink…and why there is a proliferation of pink ribbons every (f-bomb) where? Well, it is because October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Again. I wrote about this topic last year and feel like it would be helpful to share it with you again this year.
Prior to my personal experience with FBC (f-bomb breast cancer for new readers), I knew about National Breast Cancer Awareness Month only from the illuminated buildings and omnipresent ad campaigns…then it became personal when on October 15, 2010, I was diagnosed with FBC.
Even though I’m not much of an awareness campaign person (and have a gag reflex when I see a pink ribbon – sorry, but it’s true!), I recognize the value of them.
The truth of the matter is that when it comes to influencing consumer behavior, the more times a message is heard, the more likely it is to have an impact. The same is true when it comes to influencing health behavior. That’s why public health agencies and non-profit organizations often work together to support monthly health awareness campaigns.
So, that’s why there is and will continue to be a whole lotta pink this month.
To begin the month, first please allow me to say that I’m so, so, so sorry if you or a loved one has been touched (knocked out is probably a better description) by this f-bomb disease. Secondly, finding information about it can be, well, daunting (to say the least). So, I thought I’d take this opportunity to share some of my favorite sources for information:
- American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): www.acog.org
- American College of Radiology (ACR): www.acr.org
- The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): www.asco.org
- The American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA): www.amwa-doc.org
- AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation: www.astrazeneca-us.com/foundation
- BREASTCANCER.org: http://www.breastcancer.org/
- CancerCare: www.cancercare.org
- Men Against Breast Cancer: www.menagainstbreastcancer.org
- National Medical Association (NMA): www.nmanet.org
- The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS): www.ons.org
- Prevent Cancer Foundation: www.preventcancer.org
- Susan G. Komen for the Cure: www.komen.org
When you go to these sites, I know that there is soooooooo much information. Even as a nurse, when I was sick, I found myself overwhelmed on a daily, if not hourly basis. Come to think of it, I was overwhelmed with the thought of making (and then eating!) a piece of toast. Trying to navigate a site with so much can be very challenging.
Please know that if you ever have questions…or need gentle guidance, I’m here to help (to the best of my ability). The Silver Pen community continues to inspire me ever single day which is one of the (many) Silver Linings in my life. I am so grateful to you, dear readers, for your support, encouragement, questions and input. I look so forward to hearing from you!
I was diagnosed yesterday with HER2/neu breast cancer…. Can't even believe it as those words tumble out do my mouth. Now the journey begins in earnest starting with a breast specialist tomorrow at 4. All I can think us take this out of me…NOW!!!! How odd that it came on the Eve of Breast Cancer Awareness month. A friend guided me to your website, now I'll become an avid participant.
Oh Patti, I'm so sorry to hear that you have joined the club to which NO ONE wants membership. I couldn't believe the words when I heard them either. Please let me know how I can support you during your experience. Sending all of my best wishes. Please keep breathing! Hollye
Oh Patti….I too am truly sorry to read this. I have gone through the whole experience just a couple of years ago. Although I am not happy about the whole experience, I do believe it made me a much stronger person. Hopefully, it was caught in early stages and soon you will be on your road to recovery. If ever there is an ear you need to listen to you or share any experiences (while each circumstance is different), please know that I am here.
Sending hugs,
Donna
Thank you so much for sharing, Donna.
Thank you, you provide a wealth of information as well as being inspirational. I do not have cancer, but lost my Mom to ovarian cancer 3 years ago. Thanks again for all your hard work to provide awareness to all of us!! Enjoy your day.
Absolutely, Cindy. Thank yo uso much for your comments!
Thank you for all your information and inspiration. I do not have cancer, but lost my Mom to ovarian cancer 3 years ago. Your kindness and gentle way exudes through your posts. Thanks again
Thank you so much for your kind words, Cindy. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. Sending my support and best wishes to you. Take good care, Hollye
Spooky. I was dx'd on 10/15/08.
Really?!?! Wow.
Paint the town pink in October! If that is what it takes to keep breast cancer awareness and research and funding and support for the cause going, so be it.
There is just so much FBC these days. You cannot be a part of any group and not have a percent present who have, or have had, FBC. So for all the cancer runs for the cure, survivors luncheons, events, and galas I say "Hooray".
I always have my mammogram every October, (coming up), and hopefully I will make it eleven years cancer free. 🙂
It's so true, Carolee. My oh my. It seems as if FBC is absolutely everywhere. Best wishes during your mammogram this month!