It’s pretty safe to say that most of us recognize October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). But how did the designation come to be and what does it all really mean?
NBCAM was established in 1985 as a collaboration between pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca’s Healthcare Foundation and public health, government, and professional medical organizations. According to AstraZeneca’s website, NBCAM’s mission is to “promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide great access to services”. But NBCAM has been criticized by some for not doing enough to move us closer to a cure.
Sure, we can all feel good about spotting the ubiquitous pink ribbon on our favorite products or services, knowing that at least some percentage of our dollars this month will be allocated for research and support. But just how much are we actually donating, and is it really doing any good? What if we want to do more?
Enter Dr. Susan Love and her Army of Women. Dr. Love is a world-renowned breast surgeon and “Chief Visionary Officer” of the Susan Love Research Foundation, which strives to connect “women and men, with or without breast cancer, to researchers committed to solving important breast cancer questions”. And here’s where you come in: at www.armyofwomen.org, you can register to participate in studies and surveys that help scientists collect important data that is translated into evidence-based knowledge and treatment. Registrants choose the amount of time and information they want to provide. Since 2008, more than 145 studies have focused on everything from microbiomes to the discovery of new breast cancer genes.
Registration is simple, and participation is always optional. There’s even an app to make things easy.
We are hopeful for the day that the pink ribbon is effectively retired for once and for all!
At Maze, we offer a number of hormone-free treatment options which are suited for cancer survivors who cannot use estrogen. Such as MonaLisa Touch for menopausal vaginal dryness. Contact us for a few phone consultation.