Take time to ‘think pink’ this month

Support is key in battling one of most prevalent diseases.

I always choose to take the opportunity in October to give time in this column to those fighting breast cancer. After all, this month is designated nationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month with hundreds of company endorsements and a lot of pink being worn.
    Just look at our favorite sports teams this month, whether it’s the pink socks on some football players or the pink uniform patches. Many companies have special promotions that include the color pink, all aimed at supporting those who are dealing with breast cancer and those survivors who are now strong spokespersons for fighting the disease.
    We are fortunate that we can take part in local events here that support cancer survivors. A few weeks ago, Chase County Community Hospital  sponsored its annual Cancer Walk on a cold Saturday morning. Despite the conditions, 65 people participated in the walk and more than $10,000 was raised from several events to support local residents who are battling cancer of all types.
    All of us likely have people in our families or friends who have dealt with cancer. While this month is designated to encourage support for breast cancer patients and survivors, as well as to help fund research with our donations, it’s also a time to take preventative measures to help avoid the disease if possible.
    When you consider that more than 249,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer every year, and nearly 41,000 die from the disease, prevention should be top priority. In the U.S. alone, approximately one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life. Regular breast cancer screenings raise your chances of catching it early, before it has spread beyond the breast.
    Those are frightening statistics and should be even more reason to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month and those brave people dealing with the disease. Think pink!

 

The Imperial Republican

308-882-4453 (Phone)

622 Broadway St

PO Box 727

Imperial, NE 69033