Go Pink! Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Go Pink for a Great Cause

October: Although the trees are smattered in shades of gold and orange, this month is also recognized by another color: Pink. October is Breast Cancer Awareness; I’m dedicating this week’s post to the efforts our various communities make each year to bring awareness to this disease and honor those who are fighters and survivors of its destruction. Let’s become informed citizens and work together to celebrate survivorship and memorialize those who fought a very difficult, personal battle.

The Purpose

National Breast Cancer Awareness month brings families, friends, and survivors together to remind us that prevention is the best cure and that early detection can save a life. I am encouraging all of you – regardless of age or family history – to take this opportunity to educate yourself about breast cancer and participate in local efforts to raise awareness.

Risk Factors include, but are not limited to:

• Being age 50 or older
• Not being physically active
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Having two or more relatives diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer at an early age
• First full-term pregnancy after age 30 or no full-term pregnancies
• Menopause after age 55
• Menstruation before age 12
• Obesity, especially after menopause

Visit the CDC’s website for more information.

The Facts

According to the American Cancer Society: 

• Breast cancer is a malignancy that begins in the cells of the breast. Although most common in women, breast cancer can impact men.
• Approximately 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2016.
• The chances of a woman having breast cancer some time during her life is about 1 in 8.
• The chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 36.
• The risk of developing breast cancer can be lowered through physical activity, avoiding or limiting alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy weight through a lifetime.

Close to Home

Bringing this issue close to home, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be 2,920 new cases and 1,000 deaths in Wyoming in 2016. Fortunately, if detected, diagnosed, and treated early, the chances of beating the disease are very high. Breast cancer is a common concern that women across the nation share and next month we will have the opportunity to come together in support of awareness and prevention.

One such event committed to this effort is The Link: Partners in Pink; an annual run/walk fundraising effort organized and promoted by the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation. All funds are dedicated to supporting cancer diagnostic projects at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Individuals can elect to participate in a 10K run, 5K run/walk or a 1.5 mile walk. This is a fun event that is designed to support a very serious and noteworthy cause. For more information on this event, visit http://www.sheridanhospital.org/foundation/special_events.shtml

I encourage anyone and everyone to support and/or participate in this event. Let’s “links arms” and fight together.