THE hottest color for fall or at least for October will be pink. This year, don’t wear it mindlessly.  Make a commitment that for every little pink ribbon you see/wear, for every pink t-shirt you don you will be AWARE.  For many years now we talk boldly about Breast Cancer Awareness month, but it is time to be completely sure we all understand what we want to be AWARE of.  Be Aware that the best way to fight breast cancer is to have a plan that helps detect the disease in its’ early stages.   Be Aware that you must start your Early Detection Plan today.  Be Aware that you must be consistent with your plan.

Early detection
One of the earliest signs of breast cancer can be an abnormality that shows up on a mammogram before it can be felt. The most common signs of breast cancer are a lump in the breast; abnormal thickening of the breast; or a change in the shape or color of the breast. Finding a lump or change in your breast does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Additional changes that may also be signs of breast cancer include:
•  Any new, hard lump or thickening in any part of the breast    •  Change in breast size or shape
•  Swelling, redness or warmth that does not go away    •  Pulling in of the nipple
•  Pain in one spot that does not vary with your monthly cycle    •  Clinical Breast Exams
•  An itchy, sore or scaling area on one nipple    •  Self Breast – Exams
•  Dimpling or puckering of the skin    •  Mammograms
•  Nipple discharge that starts suddenly and appears only in one breast

According to the National Cancer Institute, nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.  One in eight women will be diagnosed during their lifetime.  Over 30% of women are diagnosed after breast cancer has spread beyond the localized stage.  When detected early (localized stage), the 5-year survival rate is 98%.  All breast cancer success rates have soared; early detection increases all the successes. You have probably heard all or most of this before, but now it is time to make a decision today to become a statistic…be one of the women who take charge of their breast awareness plan and be a positive statistic.

Be sure to read the Headrush Salon article on page 29!  The Salon is hosting a hair show to benefit the Susan G Komen foundation.  The finale is a drawing for a new Sea Doo Jet Boat donated by Jerry Whittle Boats.  Kudos to Headrush the Salon and Jerry Whittle Boats for being community leaders in the Breast Cancer Fight.