October…
What do you think of when you think of October? Halloween? Pumpkins? Cranberry Harvesting? As soon as the calendar flips to October, I think of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Apparently, preventative health is ingrained in my psyche.
It’s amazing how for one month there is an influx of hot pink infused into our everyday lives, whether it’s NFL teams donning hot pink wristbands and cleats or pink office products or virtually any product you might ever want emblazoned with a pink ribbon.
Sometimes the message gets lost, but let me remind you of the reason for the pink merchandise overload:
Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.
That statistic is staggering – ONE in EIGHT women will develop breast cancer at some point. Think of your Mom, sisters, daughters, nieces, grandmothers, girlfriends – all the females in your life – then imagine at least one of them developing breast cancer. Men aren’t excluded from this disease; 1 in 1,000 will develop it, according to the American Cancer Society.
As I turn the big 4-0 this week, I will earn the designation of ‘over the hill’ and will be forever included in the distinguished group of women who should get regular mammograms. The ‘smush’ is unpleasant, but it’s a whole lot better than breast cancer! Schedule your mammograms ladies! Wear your hot pink! And check out this article on how diet can help your preventative efforts. Southcoast Health Care is offering free mammograms for those who are uninsured this month, so you really have NO excuse.
Comments or thoughts? Email me at [email protected].
