Velvet Case

Reporter

The month of October was declared National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 1985 in order to increase awareness about this topic.

This is a time when national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies join forces to encourage the public’s awareness of breast cancer. These groups also inform the public about the disease and offer easier access for women to receive help.

Women are encouraged to check their bodies for signs of breast cancer on a regular basis. This helps women catch any problems early. Doctors can then be consulted to check out the problem and do something about it right away.

In 1991 Janelle Hail, a breast cancer survivor, founded the National Breast Cancer Foundation. In 1980 when Hail was diagnosed, very little was known about the disease or how to cure it. She had limited options from which to choose. After making it through her treatment, she was determined to help other women around the world by publicizing the importance of early detection.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation’s mission is, “To save lives by increasing awareness of breast cancer through education and by providing mammograms for women in need.”

The Rethink Breast Cancer organization has reached out in particular to younger women about the topic. They launched a line of T-shirts in 2001 with large target symbols on them. They also created an informative video using attractive, muscular male spokespersons in hopes that more women would stop and watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsyE2rCW71o

Some may wonder why a pink ribbon is used as the symbol for breast cancer awareness. It all started when the Susan G. Komen Foundation passed out pink ribbons to those participating in its New York City race for breast cancer survivors. The idea for the ribbons was spurred by the popularity of red ribbons used by AIDS awareness groups.

People all over have special ways of showing support to raise awareness, especially during October. Some children wear pink to school. Some business offices decorate with pink. You can be creative and show your support as well. The simple task of wearing a pink shirt or putting a pink ribbon on your car could result in a woman’s life being saved.