The fall equinox has come and gone. While Sept. 23 marked the first day of fall, driving through Moose Mountain this past weekend it was never more evident to me that fall is officially here. The trees are a beautiful assortment of colours spanning from red to yellow in the color chart. Fall foliage is upon us and all of the beauty that comes with it.
But as I write this in a little coffee shop far removed from the beauty of the season, all I can think of is the colour pink. October marks the start of a month of fundraising money for a disease that affects the lives of many. It is a month full of events that celebrate the survival of those diagnosed with an illness that will change their lives forever. It is a month of information and awareness campaigns to learn how to cope with a disease the impacts women, men, children and people from all races, backgrounds and ethnicities.
October is breast cancer month.
Looking at my upcoming events for the month, it is clear that this disease is one that has impacted the lives of many in our communities. People from throughout the region host events such as the upcoming Creative Tables for Cancer or the summertime Drive for a Cure. Community members are taking part in CIBC's Run For The Cure or offering fitness classes to raise funds for breast cancer organizations. Many are doing their part in some capacity.
And it is clear as to why. In 2011, Canada-wide statistics show a whopping 23,400 estimated new breast cancer cases in women. In Saskatchewan alone, 660 women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Six hundred and sixty women! One of those women could be your mother. One of those women could be your wife. One of those women could be your daughter, or sister, or friend, or grandmother. One of those women could mean something to you. One of those women could be you.
A woman's chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer increases with age. According to Breast Cancer Action Saskatchewan, of those women aged 30 to 39, one in 227 will be diagnosed with breast cancer. For those aged 60 to 70, one in 26 can expect to be diagnosed.
While some may disregard the month of October as just another in a long list of fundraising efforts, take a look at the stats. Chances are that you will be affected. Unless you live a life with no family or no friends, chances are, you will hear those dreaded words at one point during your life. "I have something to tell you... I have cancer..."
Thankfully, we have people in the world that have recognized this. Thankfully, we have people that are proactively raising funds even though they have not been affected. Thankfully, we have people that are acting and not just talking.
So, what can you do? Whether you choose to show your support by wearing pink in October or growing your moustache for 'Mo'vember in support of prostate cancer, pick one (or both!) and make a point of supporting it. There is no question about it; cancer is the leading cause of all deaths throughout Canada. In 2007, cancer accounted for 30 percent of deaths. The sooner we find a cure, the better.
So strap on your running or walking shoes and hit the road for the Walk for The Cure or treat yourself to a supper out at Creative Tables for Cancer. Add a pink ribbon to your jacket to wear in honour of those fighting cancer or write a letter to a company still using BPA (a cancer-linked toxin) in their packaging. Participate in Dress for the Cause on Oct. 28 or give a call to a friend or family member that has been diagnosed.
And while fundraising efforts can go a long way, be proactive in terms of your own health and the health of those close to you. Take your mother or grandmother to have a screening mammogram performed by the Saskatchewan Screening Program for Breast Cancer which provides screening to Saskatchewan women aged 50 years and older. For those younger, send out an email to all of your family and friends to remind them to perform their own self-examination. Or set your calendar to remind yourself to perform an examination once a month. Be proactive! Because the only thing worse than knowing... is not knowing.
The Breast Cancer Society of Canada will celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2011. They have made their mark. When are you going to make yours?
