Pink is the color of October. Odd you might say since usually, the colors that surround you in nature are more yellows, oranges, olive drabs, and browns this time of year. Pink is, however, just as much a part of the month of October though. Let me explain how. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I am sure you have seen it promoted in a variety of ways. Pizza is being delivered in pink boxes to honor the cause. National sports teams wear pink decals on their helmets, pink wrist bands, pink shoelaces, pink gloves, pink cleats, pink hats, and pink towels to show their support and raise awareness. Organized walks and charitable events raise funds to further research for a cure and to assist those who are being afflicted by this disease. Pink ribbons and attire are worn by both men and women alike in support of some beautiful pink warrior going through treatment or in remembrance of a loved one who lost their battle with breast cancer. So, yes, pink is the color of October, along with all those other fall colors.
Pink is commonly known to represent love and femininity among other things like romance. While breast cancer is recognized to affect mostly women, it is important to note that men can also get breast cancer. They are not immune. Generally, men develop breast cancer less than women but it is no less serious when they do. In either case, early detection saves lives by increasing treatment choices and survival statistics. Women have the advantage of being encouraged to do self-exams and get yearly mammograms on a regular basis while men usually do not. It is a good suggestion for women to look out for the men in their life by becoming this sounding board for them. If found early enough, and the cancer has not spread to any lymph nodes, treatment can be minimal with a long life expectancy for both genders. It is important for a man or woman to have any lump, nipple discharge, or puckering of the breast area checked out as soon as it is discovered to determine the cause. Early detection saves lives. It doesn’t matter if you are male or female. Pink does represent femininity but it also represents love. You look after those you love, so look out for the men in your life, especially if there is a genetic link to breast cancer in his family.
Pink is beautiful! Wear it with passion! Passion to encourage and support breast cancer survivors, caregivers, and family members dealing with this disease. Passion for a cure! Passion to save lives through early detection! Pink passion to educate, inform and one day beat this so no one will ever have to deal with it again! Pink passion is beautiful and not just in the month of October but all year long!
