October, over the last several years has been observed as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout not only the United States but worldwide. The purpose of this observance is to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and a cure. Information and support are also offered to those affected by breast cancer.
Increased awareness and education of symptoms are the best preventive measures anyone, female or male, can have in the fight against breast cancer. Breast Cancer Month supporters hope that an increased knowledge will lead to earlier detection of the disease which in turn will increase the long-term survival rate and that money raised for breast cancer will produce a reliable, permanent cure for the disease.
Fundraisers are sponsored and held throughout the month in the Moberly area to help raise funds for mammograms and other options of detection as well as for treatment of the disease. Fundraising events include foot races, walk-a-thons, bicycle rides, and many more.
The pink ribbon is a symbol of breast cancer awareness. It may be worn to honor those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, or to identify products that the manufacturer would like to sell to consumers that are interested in breast cancer. Pink ribbons, which can be made inexpensively, are sometimes sold as fundraisers, much like poppies on Remembrance Day. The pink ribbon is associated with individual generosity, faith in scientific progress and a "can-do" attitude. It encourages consumers to focus on the emotionally appealing ultimate vision o a cure for breast cancer, rather than on the fraught path between current knowledge and any future cures.
Throughout the years breast cancer awareness campaigns have been highly effective in getting attention for the disease. Breast cancer receives significantly more media coverage than other prevalent cancers, such as prostate cancer. People are now talking about the 'fight' against breast cancer. The awareness campaign is about raising people's awareness to increase the chance of early detection and thus decrease the fatality rate of breast cancer.
The Moberly Monitor-Index is sponsoring special "Pink Pages" on each Thursday in October to help raise awareness and to share survivor stories with readers. Check out today's page 9 for information on Breast Cancer Awareness Month.