Shirk

Youve seen them on the lapels of celebrities at awards shows. Youve seen them as jewelry, as magnets, as pictures on grocery items. Theyre those little ribbons that show the wearer is a supporter of the cause the ribbon represents.

It all started with the red ribbons in support of the fight against aids. Now weve got yellow ribbons and blue ribbons and purple ribbons. Today, we will talk about pink ribbons those that show your support in the effort to find a cure for breast cancer.

The breast cancer ribbon is a favorite among women. This is because this disease has hit home to almost everyone. If you dont have a family member affected by breast cancer, you have a friend or co-worker who has. Youd be hard pressed to find anyone in America who doesnt know someone who has had breast cancer. Unfortunately, its almost as hard to find someone in America who hasnt known someone who DIED from breast cancer. Breast cancer occurs in more people than any other cancer except skin.

This is especially difficult, because we know that early detection might very well have saved our loved ones. This is what the pink ribbon is really all about. Yes, maybe weve lost someone. Maybe we just had a close call. Maybe were concerned for someone or ourselves right now. But the point is, wearing the ribbon might just remind another woman to get that mammogram shes been putting off. If just one woman did a self examination because she saw a pink ribbon pin on a co-worker that day, it was the most successful clothing choice ever made!

Wearing a pink ribbon might just save a life.

The pink ribbon is an international symbol for breast cancer awareness. You can wear your pink ribbon in any country; it has universal meaning. No one or no company owns the rights to the pink ribbon. In fact, companies who use this symbol each add their own flair. Avons pink ribbon doesnt look exactly like Estee Lauders. But theyre both recognizable as symbols of support for breast cancer issues, treatment and especially for finding a cure. And portions of the sale of each go to breast cancer research.

National breast cancer awareness month is October. Pink Ribbon Day is always on the fourth Monday. This is the culmination of the month and is the biggest day of activities, education and fundraising, all in support of breast cancer research. You can help by wearing your own pink ribbon. Let your community know you care. When people ask, tell them all about the great work that is being done to cure breast cancer, the second biggest killer of women. Make sure they know that they can do their part in this great cause just by buying a pink ribbon of their own.

So this October, buy a pink ribbon or make a pink ribbon. Wear it proudly as you contribute to this very worthy cause. Stamp out breast cancer in our lifetime and do it with a pretty pink ribbon!

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Breast Cancer