I realize we all want to be supportive of breast cancer and those dealing with it in some way since, to quote a friend, "we all either have Tatas or like Tatas." But there is so much more to it than that - and leave it up to me to inform you.
Cancer is a term used for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and are able to invade other tissues. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems.
-National Cancer Institute
Facts
It all began with Susan G. Komen - and if you've never heard that name before I'll be the first to welcome you back to the real world and out from under the rock where you've been hiding. According to the website (ww5.komen.org), it all began with a sisterly promise and has grown to have such amazing reach - an immensely motivational narrative for women everywhere. Started in 1982, it is one of the most widely recognized health awareness movements. Funded by this non-profit organization are research, community awareness, treatment and support programs. There are varied ways to participate or donate, including an assortment of products for purchase to show your support. Almost every company, in almost every market, has donated, sponsored and/or is otherwise allied with breast cancer and makes it known for 31 days per year. I must admit that before Breast Cancer Awareness, October was only known for Halloween. The tatas have given this lengthy and rather unnoticed month a new life.
Awareness
The power behind the pink is so strong that you're almost afraid to not participate, as if that will make you somehow seem unsupportive. I'm sure staunch followers of the movement, if they read this, will be agitated as if I'm speaking against it in some way...which I am NOT. There are just so many other forms of the disease that fall through the cracks. The following is printed on the National Cancer Institute's website:
Cancer is not just one disease but many diseases. There are more than 100 different types of cancer. Most cancers are named for the organ or type of cell in which they start - for example, cancer that begins in the colon is called colon cancer; cancer that begins in melanocytes of the skin is called melanoma.
More than 100 types of cancer and so much concentration on just one. We only have 12 months but thanks to Crayola we have enough colors for all the ribbons. Sure we know that each of us makes a difference and that someone can galvanize 100 different programs, but is that really feasible, necessary or even effective. I'm not trying to take anything away from what's been done, I'm only thinking of ways it could be expanded. Alas, I'm no world-changing activist; I'm a writer -- with a lot of questions. But I'm not the only one who feels that Breast Cancer Awareness is all pink and no punch - just read the article by Elisabeth Dale.
I'd love to have a Cancer Awareness Month. Though the power of the Tatas proves so much more important than any of us. So yes, during October I'll dig out my pink ribbon pin to show my support and I'll read the articles and cry a bit and it will be genuine. And the rest of the year, I'll think of others who survived or succumbed to the many other cancers that exist.
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