Oct. 13--EL PASO -- Think pink.
What was started by two people 23 years ago as a one-week way to promote mammography as an effective weapon in the fight against breast cancer has grown into a monthlong international pink-nomenon.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
It's still about promoting mammography and early detection, but it's about so much more these days. Like raising millions for research and education. Like getting the cowboy in the White House to getting the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association involved. And, more important, saving lives.
There are pink products galore -- such as those ubiquitous ribbons and wristbands (which are free while supplies last at Albertsons Sav-On pharmacies), T-shirts, calendars, candy,
mousepads and even a new planner for women who are battling the disease.
With 19 days left in this year's observance, we thought we'd round up some helpful information about breast cancer -- how to detect it, where to turn for help or how to help.
Just the facts, ma'am
--It's the most common form of cancer among women, accounting for about 25 percent of all cancer diagnoses among women, according to the American Cancer Society.
--The American Cancer Society predicts that breast cancer will occur in nearly 183,000 women this year.
--Nearly 41,000 of those women are expected to die from the disease, according to the society.
--Nearly 75 percent of women older than 40 get mammograms, about double the percentage when the breast cancer awareness week was started, according to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
--Early detection is key. "Numerous studies have shown that early detection increases treatment options and can save lives. That is why it is so important for women 40 and older to get an annual mammogram," said Dr. Otis Bawley, American Cancer Society chief medical officer.
--The society recommends clinical breast exams yearly for women 40 and older, every three years for women in their 20s and 30s. Women at high risk (more than 20 percent lifetime risk) should get a mammogram and MRI yearly.
--The five-year survival rate for early detection is 98 percent, according to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, up from 74 percent in 1982, when the organization was founded.
--The Komen organization estimates that 5 million Americans will be diagnosed, and 1 million will die from the disease over the next five years; 25 million diagnosed and 10 million will die around the world over the next quarter of a century.
Check yourself
Susan G. Komen for the Cure recommends two ways to check.
--Lying down: Lie on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder.
Use the pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to check your right breast.
Press with light, medium and firm pressure in a circle without lifting your fingers off the skin.
Follow and up and down pattern.
Feel for changes in your breast, above and below your collarbone and in your armpit.
Repeat on your left breast using your right hand.
--In the mirror: With your top off, hold arms at your side.
Look for changes.
Hold arms over your head.
Press your hands on your hips and tighten chest muscles.
Bend forward with your hands on your hips.
To do list
Among recommendations from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization:
--Know your family history.
--Consult with your doctor.
--Get screened by your doctor.
--Have a mammogram.
--Have a clinical breast exam.
--Know what is normal for you, including lumps, swelling and changes in your breast.
Where to go
Here are some Web sites and phone numbers to use for more information:
--American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.
--National Cancer Information Center, 800-237-2345 (24-hour help).
--National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, http://nbcam.org.
--Susan G. Komen for the Cure, komen.org, 877-GOKOMEN (465-6636).
--Komen El Paso office, http://elpasokomen.org, 533-4433.
--National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov.
--Breast Cancer Research Foundation, http://bcrfcure.org.
Pink products
There are tons of products to promote breast cancer awareness and raise money for the fight.
Here's a rundown of a few that caught our eye.
--Wristbands: You can order the pink "Strength Hope Faith Courage" bands online or buy them in a store, or get them free while supplies last at Sav-On pharmacies in Albertsons stores.
--"The Breast Cancer Journey Planner": A three-ring binder ($29.95) stuffed with helpful information on diagnosis, treatment, emotional issues, breast cancer organizations, financial resources and more, developed by Carrie Sanders, a psychotherapist and 20-year survivor from Bellevue, Wash.
"The binder provides crucial guidance and reveals the smart ways to organize and manage the many tasks that lie before a woman dealing with breast cancer," she said.
Available from theidealcancerorganizer.com (20 percent of October sales will be donated to the Komen organization).
--Candy: The Hershey Co. is wrapping its Hershey's Kisses, Hershey's Nuggets, Hershey's Syrup, York Peppermint Patties and Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures in pink and will donate $300,000 to the Young Survival Coalition, a network of survivors and supported dedicating to helping young women affected by breast cancer.
Go to hersheyspledge.com.
--Save Lids to Save Lives: For every lid from a Yoplait product returned to the company by December, the yogurt maker will donate 10 cents to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization, up to $1.5 million. Go to yourlidmatters.com for details.
--"The Here and After Book": Inspired by Sari Mercedes, who died of breast cancer in January, this is 20-page handbook ($12.95) that provides space for women to write down everything from vital information to the location of important documents to their funeral wishes "just in case," according to a news release. It also comes in Spanish and CD-ROM versions.
Available at hereandafterbook.com, or send $12.95 plus $2.50 postage to L.A. Justice Inc., PO Box 25, Boca Raton, FL 33429.
--Cosmetic bag: Designer Stephanie Johnson created the bag for Energizer (as in the Energizer Bunny). It's pink, with a woven exterior, silver piping and a breast cancer awareness ribbon zipper pull. It's available this month. To get it, you have to send in three Energizer battery pack proof-or-purchase labels. Energizer will donate $1 for every bag redeemed, up to $15,000 total, to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization.
Go to energizer.com/komen for the skinny. FYI: Energizer is donating 50 cents from the sale this month of its Energizer Max AA-8 packs.
For You (Pink) Info
--Every year several of the world's landmarks, from the Tokyo Towers in Japan to the Harbour Bridge in Australia, are bathed in pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Last week, First Lady Laura Bush flipped the switch that bathed the White House in pink lights.
--Monday is the last day to see an exhibit of photographs of local women who have survived or are battling breast cancer at Bassett Place. It will be up during normal business hours and is presented by Power of Pink El Paso.
--Dig for the Cure is a special Komen fundraiser during the University of Texas at El Paso-Marshall University women's volleyball game at 7 p.m. Friday at UTEP's Memorial Gym.
--Registration has begun for the 17th annual Komen Race for the Cure, which will be Feb. 22. The area's largest 5K walk/run moves from Fort Bliss to Cohen Stadium, meaning those pesky parking problems that plagued this year's event shouldn't be gone.
Information: elpsokomen.org.
--Had a sibling with breast cancer? Sister Study Breast Cancer Research is a national effort to locate 50,000 women with sisters who have it. The goal is to find "the environmental and genetic causes for the disease," said spokeswoman Christy Bennett. Wanna know more? Go to sisterstudy.org.
Doug Pullen may be reached at dpullen@elpasotimes.com; 546-6397.
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