As most of us already know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Pink Ribbons are everywhere! So…we decided to try and provide a little context to what this whole breast cancer hullabaloo is about. ('cause its not just an excuse to say "boobies" and "tatas" !!)

The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) Organization

The NBCAM  was founded in 1985 by AstraZeneca with the purpose of promoting breast cancer awareness, sharing information on the disease, and providing better access to screening services (mammograms).  They also placed an emphasis on encouraging mammograms as the most valuable tool in the fight against breast cancer. Reason being….early detection is crucial! Their website (www.nbcam.org) has some great resources, including how to find a Mammography Center in your area.

The Pink Ribbon

The most common symbol we see for breast cancer awareness is the Pink Ribbon. They are widely used to demonstrate our support for women (and men) who have Breast Cancer, and were first handed out by the Susan G. Komen Foundation in 1991 at the Race for the Cure in New York City.  The ribbon started to become well known a few years later when editor-in-chief of Self magazine, Alexandra Penney placed the pink ribbon on her NBCAM issue of Self Magazine & enlisted Evelyn Lauder of Estee Lauder to distribute them at Estee Lauder Counters.  Over the years, we have seen this pink ribbon displayed in all shapes and styles:

Breast Cancer Statistics and Information

According to the National Cancer Institute, there are over 194,000 new cases and 40,000 deaths per year in the U.S. In addition, there are currently over 2.5 million women alive who have had a history of breast cancer. Here are a couple other quick facts:

• 12% of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer some time in their life
• 60% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed while the cancer is still confined to the primary site (localized stage)
• From 2002-2006, the median age at diagnosis for cancer of the breast was 61 years of age
• The overall 5-year relative survival rate is about 90%

Breast Cancer Video: Show your Support

There are many things you can do to get involved and show your support such as donating money, wearing a pink ribbon or volunteering your time at a local fundraising event.  Check out this video of The Johns Hopkins Hospital and how they are showing their support:

Breast Cancer Resources

National Cancer Institute Breast Cancer .org Wikipedia Web MD American Cancer Society Mayo Clinic Susan G. Komen National Breast Cancer Foundation You can also read more about the Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer as well as information on the Diagnosis and Staging of Breast Cancer and the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Drugs

Abraxane (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension) Adriamycin (doxorubicin) Adrucil Androxy Aredia (generic name, pamidronate disodium) Arimidex (anastrozole) Aromasin (exemestane) Avastin Chemotherapy Regimens Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) Ellence (epirubicin) Estratab Evista (raloxifene) Fareston (toremifene) Femara (letrozole) Faslodex Gemzar Herceptin (trastuzumab) Halotestin Herceptin Ixempra Megace (megestrol) Menest Nolvadex Tamoxifen Taxol (paclitaxel) Taxotere (docetaxel) Trexall Tykerb Velban Xeloda (capecitabine) Zoladex (goserelin acetate) Zometa (generic name, zoledronic acid)

How You can Help

Breast Cancer Awareness is not just for people with cancer, its not just for women, and its not all done in one month. The prevalence of this disease is so abundant that almost everyone is affected. We would like to encourage everyone to go get screened, or at least to pass along the message to someone who should.You can browse our directory to find a Cancer Imaging and Screening facility near you. Also, we would love to hear about what you are doing this month…be it running, walking or skydiving for a cure. Please drop some comments below and let us know how you are making a difference!