Breast Cancer And The Pink Ribbon

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TJ Nelson

A web publisher for the past 4 years. TJ Nelson shares his findings and knowledge in real estate, business and health related issues.

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Once upon a time the color pink in a ribbon did not have a significant meaning attached. It was something one wore in the hair or perhaps as a lovely necklace. Today, thanks to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, women and men from around the world pay tribute and homage to those who have lost the fight against breast cancer.

Breast cancer control is not an easy battle. Susan G. Komen lost her battle but has become an inspiration to women everywhere that all are sisters in the fight against cancer. Her plight became one where all women began to take awareness that hope is not lost when it comes to breast cancer control and prevention.

Disease prevention is not always possible. Women with a history of cancer are more likely to have a reoccurrence or come out of remission and must be diligent in breast and cervical cancer control because the disease can spread rapidly to other organs of the body. Once that happens it becomes a much tougher battle.

Thanks to the media and a growing number of grassroot organizations individuals are learning about the risk factors inherent to breast cancer. Once a diagnosis of cancer is made, it sometimes becomes a maze of terror and confusion for the patient. A diagnosis of breast cancer does not mean it is a death sentence.

The first step in breast cancer control is a biopsy. A biopsy is where a small piece of the tissue is removed and studied to determine if the lump is benign or malignant. If there are cancer cells present then the options in treatment begin.

A common procedure is a mastectomy. This is when the breast and the surrounding tissue are removed. While it can be shocking for the woman, research has found that it often helps prevent reoccurrences. There is also a partial mastectomy where only the lump is removed and then the remaining tissues undergo radiation therapy to destroy the diseased cells.

Research in breast cancer control is ongoing. Many new treatment options are now available. One such option is through the use of hormones or targeted therapies. Pharmaceutical companies are also fighting the war against breast cancer and disease prevention through their own research into drugs that can perhaps one day prevent cancer, or allow for control that is less invasive and harmful to the rest of the body.

The most important thing to remember is that breast cancer can strike at any age. Though it is rare for a woman to be diagnosed early in her life, it is possible. Diligence, a healthy lifestyle and knowing family medical history can make all the difference. The pink ribbon is a reminder to all that humanity is joined in the fight and that it will be eventually won.