We’re all aware of the pink ribbon… when it shows up, we’re going to talk about early detection of breast cancer. According to Google, more than 360 thousand people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024. Breast cancer can be survived, and when caught early, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. Like prostate cancer, breast cancer is a subject worth talking about.
At AMS we have supported the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life Event for many years through our Signature Sponsorship. Additionally, our Activity Committee engages in employee luminaria fundraising, lighting up our community and honoring every life touched by cancer. Employees make a small donation to dedicate a Luminaria to a loved one lost, someone currently battling, or anyone who has overcome cancer by decorating their Luminaria to make it a completely personal experience. At the event, our Activities Committee sets up a fundraising booth to raise additional funds, and our valued clients will donate their inventory to the cancer survivors. Together, making a difference.
Wear Pink on October 18th
In October, during Breast Cancer Awareness month, one of the ways the public is reminded and encouraged to get involved is through the “Wear It Pink” day. The day is October 18th this year. The idea is covered in the Awareness Days website as follows [LINK]:
“Wear It Pink 2024 is an annual event that invites people to wear pink clothing or accessories to show their support for breast cancer awareness and research. This vibrant and positive campaign aims to raise awareness about breast cancer, encourage early detection, and raise funds for breast cancer research and support services. Wear It Pink is an opportunity for individuals, schools, workplaces, and communities to unite in a colorful display of solidarity and commitment to ending breast cancer.”
At breastcancer dot org, we learn a bit more about the history of the awareness efforts.
“The event began in 1985 as a week-long awareness campaign by the American Cancer Society, in partnership with Imperial Chemical Industries, a British company that made tamoxifen. The campaign eventually grew into a month-long event. In 1992, the pink ribbon came into play after Alexandra Penney, SELF magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, partnered with Evelyn Lauder, Estée Lauder’s Senior Corporate Vice President and a breast cancer survivor, to distribute pink ribbons after the magazine’s second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month issue. Other variations of the pink ribbon have emerged in recent years to raise awareness that all people with breast cancer are not the same. These include ribbons for raising awareness about metastatic breast cancer, men with breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer, and more.”
Types of Breast Cancer
We went to Google with our question as to the types of breast cancer, and we found that there are many types, including:
#Ductal carcinoma: The most common type of breast cancer, starting in the milk ducts.
#Lobular carcinoma: Starts in the milk lobules and is often found in both breasts.
#Inflammatory breast cancer: A rare, aggressive, and fast-growing type that occurs when cancer cells block lymph vessels in the breast skin. The breast becomes red, swollen, and warm.
#Paget’s disease of the breast: A rare type that affects the skin of the nipple and the darker skin around it.
#Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): A non-invasive pre-cancer that starts in the milk duct lining.
#Invasive breast cancer: Any type of breast cancer that has spread into the surrounding breast tissue.
#Metastatic breast cancer: Also known as Stage 4 breast cancer.
Breast cancer can also be classified as hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-negative, depending on whether the cancer cells have estrogen or progesterone receptors. HER2-positive breast cancers have high levels of the HER2 protein, which can make them grow faster.
How to do a Self-Exam
Doing a self-exam is simple, calling upon common sense and observation. It’s recommended to do the exam 4-7 days after menstruation. You can do it standing or laying down. If the choice is to lay down, put your hand behind your head and a pillow under the shoulder. You will use your fingertips to search for lumps, thick spots or other changes. Examine also the skin texture, taking note of any dimpling, indentations, puckering or texture that looks like orange peel.
Check the armpit, above the breast up to the collarbone and check for nipple discharge. Of course… if you notice anything concerning get to your doctor. Do the exam monthly, starting around age 20 forward. The self-exam is something you do in addition to the mammogram. Follow your doctor’s recommended schedule for mammograms. If you do both the self-exam on schedule and the mammogram, you are likely to catch any issues at an early stage.
Remember the 18th
If breast cancer awareness is close to your heart, go ahead and wear pink on the 18th and participate in the cause. It is also a good time to donate to a breast cancer charity or give a gift to a survivor. People are encouraged to use social media to talk about early detection and regular screenings. More than a few of us have experience with breast or prostate cancer, whether ourselves, a loved one, family member or friend. We want a cure for this disease, and we want support for those who are going through treatment. So, go ahead and find that pink shirt!!!
