The pink breast cancer ribbon is in much the same vein as the red
Aids awareness ribbon in that it seeks to lend solidarity to those who
are suffering from breast cancer as well as raise awareness of the
prevalence and prevention of this often fatal disease. However, the
last five to six years has seen a virtual explosion in breast cancer
ribbon merchandise and this obvious increase I believe also indicates a
much larger awareness and number of women committed to eradicating
breast cancer for good.
According to the National Cancer
Institute, the increase in annual breast cancer rates from the 1940’s
to the 1980’s was approx a 1 percent increase per year. However, the
onset of the 1980’s saw an exponential increase in new cases per year,
leveling off in the 1990’s. The breast cancer ribbon was a symbol of
the increasing number of breast cancer cases as well as a sign of
support to those women battling breast cancer and those who had lost
their lives. However, I believe that a marked shift in the meaning of
the breast cancer ribbon has occurred over the last several years.
With
ongoing research and new information being constantly uncovered, it is
quite obvious that early detection of breast cancer is the most likely
path to remission and survival. Therefore, regular screenings and
being mindful of added risk factors such as family history is crucial
to stopping the spread of breast cancer and lessening the resulting
fatalities. Due to this new mindset, the breast cancer ribbon seems to
now apply to the woman’s community as a whole. No longer aimed solely
at women already suffering from breast cancer, it is also a reminder to
all women to perform self examinations, undergo regular mammograms and
be proactive in their overall health care. And some progress is
evident; since 2003 the medical community has seen a steep decline on
the number of new breast cancer cases. This decrease can be explained
partly through preventative care and early detection of abnormal cells
made possible through awareness.