Think Pink!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Most communities will host many activities related to breast cancer, from information seminars to fund-raising events. Whether you are a woman, man or child, there will be an activity which will appeal to you. Women, it's important to get yourself into the habit of doing monthly breast-self exams. Promise yourself that if you are age 40 or older, you will have an annual mammogram. Do a friend a favor, and have her make an appointment also. For the younger women, make sure you know how to do a proper self-exam. Many high schools and colleges have seminars to teach you the proper way to do a BSE. While there is still no known cause for breast cancer nor a cure, research is important and spreading the word about breast health is important.

You, one little solitary individual, can make a difference. Like the great outdoors? Participate in many of the walk/run events held throughout the country almost monthly. Crafty? There is "Sew for the Cure". Good at public speaking? Contact your local breast center and volunteer to staff an information booth. Independently wealthy? There are many organizations which can use your funding, ranging from local breast clinics to national research and screening programs. Contact your local hospital, a chapter of the American Cancer Society, the Komen Foundation, the National Breast Cancer Coalition, to name a few.

In light of the recent tragedy at the World Trade Center, we all have been donating to the relief fund. That's important, but we also must realize that the health organizations that depend on our generosity still need our support. Women are still dying of breast cancer; there still is no cure.

Please vow in this month of October, the month of breast cancer awareness, to be your own health advocate and take care of your health needs. Also vow to do one thing, however small, to eradicate this disease. If each one of us did one chore, either donating $1, or walking one mile for breast cancer, or convincing one female relative to be screened, we could make a huge impact on this disease.

Think pink. You might think that pink ribbons and assorted breast cancer pins, buttons are silly, but they are internationally recognized. Let's remember breast cancer every month, when we do self-exams and spread the word. Cancer doesn't only appear in the month of October. Do what you can.

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