I am not a pink person. Never have been. I was vaguely conscious of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the pink ribbons that everyone from cosmetic companies to the National Football League sported in October. But it was all pretty far off my radar screen. Until now. Sort of like when you're pregnant and it seems that every other woman on the planet is as well.
So in honor of the month, I present these 10 "PINK" facts. Read them, remember them, share them.
1. The world's first documented case of breast cancer was in Egypt, 1500 B.C.
Breast tumors were cauterized with an instrument called "the fire drill" - ouch! - but there was no treatment for the disease.
2. The high frequency of breast cancer in nuns produced an 18th century hypotheses that the disease was due to lack of sex.
Without regular sexual activity, it was thought reproductive organs, including the breast, decayed and cancer was the result.
3. It was once a disease that women felt ashamed to discuss. But First Lady Betty Ford brought breast cancer to the headlines when she underwent a mastectomy in 1974, six weeks after her husband became president.
4. The biggest contribution to the fight against breast cancer has been awareness.
Thanks to a woman fulfilling a promise to her sister, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was formed in 1982, today bringing 1.5 million people together for annual fund raising.
5. After bills are paid, 75% of proceeds from Komen for the Cure fund raisers remain in local communities.
They pay for programs for breast cancer support, treatment and education. The other 25% goes to the national organization for research grants.
6. For every 100 women diagnosed with breast cancer, a man is as well.
That translates to more than 2,000 this year alone.
7. According to a major study, mammography reveals only 50% of all breast cancers.
The other half are found through self exams. Make yourself as familiar with your breast landscape as you are of your own back yard. A 30 second self exam every month is a must.
8. 50% of women with insurance don't get mammograms.
They don't have time, they don't want to know, they've been told it hurts. Make the time. Find out sooner rather than later. Put on your big girl panties and go. A few seconds of discomfort is way better than the alternative.
9. No insurance? EVERY state (and nearly every community) has programs for screenings for those who are un- or under-insured. A quick internet search could save a life.
10. Be courageous!
Sometimes being healthy (and encouraging your loved ones to do so) is difficult. It's time consuming. It takes energy. It costs money. So don't do everything all at once. Take one small step each week and drag your loved ones along with you. The payoff at the end is huge - guaranteed!
