Whether or not you like the color pink, it is a pretty big deal during the month of October. Pink is the official color of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM), a time dedicated to increasing awareness of this prevalent disease. NBCAM was founded in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries, the maker of several anti-breast cancer drugs. Their goal was to promote the most effective weapon against breast cancer – getting regular mammograms and clinical breast exams. According to the American Cancer Society, about one in eight women in the U.S. will hear the words “you have breast cancer” at some point in her life. Almost all of us know someone – a family member, co-worker, friend or acquaintance – who has been diagnosed with this awful disease. Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among American women. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Yes, those statistics are sobering and awful, but there is some really good news as well. Death rates from breast cancer have steadily declined since 1989 with larger decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment. At this time, there are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. To keep that number on the rise, many public service organizations, professional medical associations and government agencies are working together to promote awareness of breast cancer issues and fundraise to help support continued medical research. I’m sure you’ve seen little pink ribbon – the symbol of NBCAM. In the fall of 1991, the Susan G. Komen Foundation handed out pink ribbons to participants in its New York City race for breast cancer survivors. The idea was sparked by the popularity of the red ribbon of AIDS awareness. Then in 1993, Evelyn Lauder, breast cancer survivor and Senior Corporate Vice President of the Estée Lauder Companies and Alexandra Penney, editor-in-chief of the women's health magazine Self, founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and established the pink ribbon as its symbol. The ribbon was distributed it in stores throughout New York City, on the strength of the Estée Lauder makeup brand, cementing its status as the symbol of support for breast cancer awareness. Wearing the pink ribbon to help raise awareness is just one way you can help in the fight against breast cancer. Many organizations have opportunities for you to become involved including but not limited to fund raiser organization and implementation, donation of time, talent or money, survivor support and simply spreading the word. Visit www.nbam.org for a list of organizations you can get involved in. Please join me this October in the fight against breast cancer. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of women everywhere. -30-
Rep. Crouch (R-Evansville) represents portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.
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