Breast Cancer Awareness
by
Tonya Washington-Nash,MSN, RN, PLNC,
PhD Nursing Candidate
Every year, people across the nation recognize and observe October as Breast Cancer Awareness month. During this time, it is common to see the pink ribbon as a symbol of awareness in almost every direction. From interstate billboards, car magnets, and pendants, the pink ribbon will emerge as the center of attention. Church congregants will wear the color pink on any given Sunday during October. Ornaments, jewelry designs, and clothing with the pink ribbon designed as an ensemble will make a graceful stance. Oh, let us not forget about the community 5K events that occur nationwide, including the largest of them all – The Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for a cure. Nonprofit and civic organizations of all kinds from sororities and fraternities, youth groups, and church organizations will race for the cure. NFL professional athletes will score touchdowns in uniforms designed specifically for the awareness campaign, while sports commentators compete on-air for the best pink suit.
With flair and style, the entire nation will take notice of the importance of breast cancer awareness. Yet, promoting awareness is not enough. Thousands of women are still in need of a cure. According to the National Institute of Health, breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women, and kills more women in America second to lung cancer. Unknown are the reasons why breast cancer develops. However, women can take charge of their health, educate their respective communities, and use the risk factors associated with the disease as preventive measures. Certainly, no woman can control her age, born-gender, or genetics. And, she absolutely cannot control the wrath of Mother Nature that wrestles her down with monthly menstrual periods, nor the valley of the shadow of menopause. But, every woman can use every healthy tactic to work against those high risk factors linked to causing breast cancer like obesity, drinking alcohol, and hormone therapy for menopause. A study conducted by the Women’s Health Initiative, brisk walking from 1 to 2.5 hours per week helps to reduce a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer by 18 percent.
Now, here is the reality of it all: Risk factors that may cause one woman to develop breast cancer may not have the same affect or be a factor for another woman who develops the disease. In fact, some women may go all their lives with these risk factors, and never experience breast cancer. However, being a woman in general puts every woman at risk. Therefore, the questions remain – What can stop this beast of burden?