It’s October why so much pink. Here’s a little history about the origins and roots of the pink month. Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns began in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemicals Industries (ICI.) Even since then, every October, we see pink.
I must note that ICI Industries later became Zeneca and then Astra Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, my employer, for nearly 25 years.
For the past 36 years, It seems that many understand the goal of Breast Cancer Awareness, to educate about breast cancer and early detection tests. By now, we get the message mammograms and self-exams.
What about the pink ribbon? Estee Lauder cosmetics utilized the first pink ribbon as the premier visual reminder of Breast Cancer Awareness in 1992.
But did you realize that steps you take every day and every month can lower the chances of getting breast cancer?
🎀 Daily
Watch for changes to your breasts. Be alert for things that weren’t there before. Call your doctor when there’s a lump, discharge, swelling, skin irritation, dimpling, or nipple problems like pain, redness, flaking, or turning inwards.
🎀 Weekly
◊ Limit alcohol. The more you drink, the more you risk.
♥ Exercise. Four or more hours of activity a week lowers your risk, especially if you’re premenopausal and normal or low-weight.
◊ Eat right. Being overweight or obese is a known risk factor for breast cancer, so choose fruits and veggies, and cut down on foods high in fat and added sugars.
🎀 Monthly
Do a self-exam. Statistics show 70 percent of women under 50 years old found something unusual themselves. In women over 50, half, it’s half of all cases. Breast self-awareness lets you know what is normal for your body.
🎀 Yearly and Beyond
♦ Donate to charities and health institutions; your donations fund research, prevention, and treat breast cancer.
◊ Get a wellness check. Why visit your healthcare provider? This visit is a habit that can increase the early detection of disease or chronic conditions.
♥ Talk to your doctor about screening mammograms.
♣ Please note under the Affordable Care Act/Obama Care, women’s preventative health care, such as mammograms, screenings for cervical cancer, and prenatal care, offers free yearly coverage. Until you sign up for Medicare, then it’s every two years.
◊ During menopause, limit hormonal therapy. Talk to your doctor about non-hormonal ways to slow those hot flashes. The exception: Estrogen-only therapy after hysterectomy might reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer affects all women of all shapes, sizes, and colors. However, Black Breast Cancer is a fatal disease for Black women.
Sarah Flint partnered with Touch, the Black Breast Cancer Alliance, for a 20% donation throughout October for Natalie, the newest flat in light pink snake-embossed Nappa.
As a Sarah Flint Ambassador, I can offer you $50.00 in savings on first-time purchases using my code: SARAHFLINT-BATHEAGEOFGRACE.
As always, thank you for reading.
