Reflecting on this years Breast Cancer Awareness Month I realized that I did not post my article till the month was nearly over. However, this year was substantially different in terms of how I understand cancer.
First, having the constant reminder of my own ghost I am asking more questions and reflecting deeply about what cancer is and means to each individual. Secondly, this year for BCA instead of writing an article and saying that I participated in the awareness, I did substantially more.
While I wish that I could give more towards Komen’s efforts to reduce breast cancer by 50% through research in the near future. I found that our local town painted pink everywhere and each time I saw it I felt much more than I have in years before. Pink means hope for our future women, men, and daughters, and sons.
According to Mayo Clinics website “After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it’s far more common in women.” This year I taught my children about what pink meant. I painted my daughters nails, and we talked about all things health. I did not simply observe for a few moments an awareness campaign and then move one with an overly busy life.
This year I slowed down.
As in years before I’ve posted a pink board from pinterest with pins in all shades of pink. However, this year I was able to find so many fantastic pins that are made for this soul purpose. Some pins are sad reminders, and some pins are built to encourage and motivate. No matter the phase an individual is in there is beautiful hope and support in a growing understanding and community. My son even appreciated the football teams that sported pink shoes, gloves, and assorted gear as his understanding grew this year also.
Few people have not been in some way touched by breast cancer. We have personally felt it, or had a close family member, friend, or an acquaintance help us to understand the tragedy that these little cells cause.
There is a wealth of information available to help individuals learn about better health when it comes to protecting their bodies. However sometimes we cannot stop the storms that are in our genes. One thing is for certain, early detection is something we have all read and been preached for years. If you aren’t one to switch your deodorant, and detox your body, that is fine, but please consider the importance of those monthly checks.
Please consider the beauty of talking to your children. Although mine had to take small amounts at a time, they are going to need to be prepared to take care of their precious bodies when they are older, they need to be confident in doing so. We’ve become a society that depends on technology and medicine to hold our hand, but there are some things that we must remember to do as a gift to ourselves.