Besides October being Domestic Violence Awareness and National Book Club month, October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Breast Cancer is the most common form of cancer among women, and there are currently over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.
According to Freedictionary.com breast cancer is not just one disease, but it is a large group of close to 100 diseases.
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the cell walls of the breast. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that can grow into surrounding tissue and spread, it is also called metastasize.
Breast cancer cells begin by entering the lymphatic vessels of the breast and begin to grow in the lymph nodes. Benign, meaning the inability to spread, breast tumors are abnormal growths also, but they are not cancerous and will not spread outside the breast.
According to The National Cancer Institute, from 2005-2009 breast cancer has been found in 1.8 percent of women ages 20-34, and the trend is rising.
Besides genetics and heredity, other risk factors for developing breast cancer include: Smoking tobacco, drinking, aging, and a person’s lifestyle and diet.
Although breast cancer is a cruel and vicious bully of a disease, survivors and the supporters of the survivors are not backing down, instead they are taking a stand against it, and you can help!
Michael’s Cantina, in Norfolk, is going Pink all month long by having Pink Margaritas and donating 50 cents from every margarita purchase, to the “For The Girls” local charity.
Also, Skini’s Tattoo and Piercing of Norfolk is having a month-long fundraiser: For every Breast Cancer Awareness Tattoo, Skini’s will donate 50% to “For The Girls” charity.
The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Center of Siouxland will be hosting a plethora of events in October to raise awareness of breast cancer.
On October 18th, 2012 the Sioux City Museum will be hosting its annual Boxers and Bras for the Cause night. Tickets to this event will be sold at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center and will cost 25 dollars. More information about this event is available at www.nylencancer.com.
For Musketeers and hockey fans of all ages, the fifth annual Pink in the Rink game will also be held this year on Saturday 0ctober 27th 2012. Tickets and more information on this event can be picked up at the Floyd Pump and Pack, St.Lukes Homecare, and the Hy-Vee Drug Store.
Also, all of the JC Penny’s Salons across America will be giving free haircuts to breast cancer survivors the whole month of October as well! All the survivors have to do is call their local JC Penny’s salon and schedule an appointment.
Sports teams nation wide are also stepping up and supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. These include high school, college, and professional teams.
NASCAR’s Charlotte Motor Speedway has added a pink line, as well as other pink “touches” throughout the track, including pink cars. They will also feature a “Ring of Survivors” at the race to recognize breast cancer survivors.
The NFL and NFL Players Association are working to support the fight against breast cancer. Their campaign “A Crucial Catch”, in partnership with the American Cancer Society, is focused on the importance of annual screenings. Throughout the month of October, NFL games will feature pink apparel, gloves, shoes, towels, coins, and on-field pink ribbon stencils. Special game balls and pink coins will even be auctioned off, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society’s Community Health Advocates National Grants for Empowerment (CHANGE) program.
I encourage you to get involved and help those fighting against breast cancer. All you have to do is go to any one of these events and show your support.