I had a reality check recently. For this issue, we were looking for all the great pink merchandise that promotes breast cancer awareness and supports those who are going through treatment. We wanted to share a smattering of what’s out there and where readers can find things for yourself or your loved ones. And guess what? Most retailers only stock those things in October. Which, on one hand, is great — anything to open people’s eyes to the prevalence of breast cancer and the importance of testing. But on the other hand, breast cancer doesn’t only happen in October!
Of course, there’s the issue of shelf space in stores, and I get that. But if someone is diagnosed in April, and all her friends and family want to show up in pink-ribbon t-shirts the next day to boost her spirits, well — that might be difficult to pull off.
And the reality is that we will all know someone (or will be someone) who gets diagnosed. Breast cancer affects one in eight women at some point in their lives. That’s at least one person in your bunco group, tennis team, book club, church group, mahjong group or office. So what can you do?
First, please learn as much as you can. Get tested early and often. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors. Know your body and do self-checks regularly. The more you know, the more you can help yourself or someone else in the face of a diagnosis.
Second, bug your friends and family to do the same. Over and over, I’ve heard stories from friends about only going for a test because someone nudged them to do it and then catching cancer early enough that treatment was fairly easy and 100% successful.
It’s our honor to share this issue with you, full of helpful information and inspiring stories of survivors. Let this be a loving reminder to take care of yourself and all the women you know.
— Lisa Player
