We all recognize the warm, jewel tones of Fall. Even when we decorate our offices for the season, the gold, the red, and the bronze hues of the changing leaves provide the the traditional autumn palette of colors. All of this changed when October became National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pink has became one of the established colors of the Season.
The color might not match autumn leaves, harvest moons, or Halloween, but it is the undeniably feminine color that raises awareness. Because we see pink in the Fall, we become more focused on the importance of breast cancer issues.
Hundreds of local, state, national, and global organizations, companies, clubs and families promote national campaigns at this time of year. They stress screening and early detection of breast cancer. Other issues include advocacy, research, charity, and survival support for breast cancer patients.
In America, about 1 in 8 women born today “will get breast cancer at some point during her life.” Surpassed in deadly statistics only by skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common kind of cancer in women. Today, many women are saved from breast cancer by early detection.
- Sad Fact: 200,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, this year.
- Sad Fact: 40,000 of them will die.
- Sad Fact: 50,000 non invasive cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed.
- Sad Fact: 2,000 American men will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
- Sad Fact: 400 of them will die.
- Happy Fact: There are 2.5 million breast cancer survivors alive this year!
Why are there so many survivors? Detection has improved. Treatments have evolved. Pink public awareness works.
Experts with thousands of pages of data have told us, “In recent years, perhaps coinciding with the decline in prescriptive hormone replacement therapy after menopause, we have seen a gradual reduction in female breast cancer incidence rates among women aged 50 and older.”
They have crunched the numbers, and concluded, “Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990, in part to better due to screening and early detection, increased awareness, and continually improving treatment options.”
You can become involved in Pink October at any age, and remember, the disease effects men as well as women. All over the world people of every age, occupation, and nation are embracing the hope and encouragement of the movement. At Orlando Cosmetic Surgery we hope you will be part of the movement for breast cancer awareness.
You do not have to run foot races or give a fortune to help make a difference. Just take a look at the young supporters on the image at the right. You might have guessed; these young men are the sons of our own Dr. Orlando Cicilioni, from the family album. Their warm smiles reflect the pride they have in supporting this worthy cause.
You do not even have to shop pink, although many promotional products will tempt you. You can be “pink” without even wearing the traditional ribbon; just ask one female friend or relative if they have taken their mammogram for 2013.
As always, we thank you for reading our blog and wish you a happy, pink October.
