Pink Ribbon Week

Approximately 1,100 North Carolina families this year will experience the loss of a woman they love because of breast cancer. Some of those deaths might have been avoided if the breast cancer had been found early. In 2002, more than 1,200 North Carolina women died from breast cancer; 49 of them lived in Wake County. Women and family members need to be aware of the need to find cancer early, which can only be done through regular examinations.

Wake County Human Services' Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Program is sponsoring a countywide Pink Ribbon campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Wake County Board of Commissioners has joined Governor Mike Easley in proclaiming October 5-11, 2003, as Pink Ribbon Week. All North Carolinians are urged to wear pink ribbons in recognition of breast cancer awareness and in honor of women who are now courageously fighting the battle with breast cancer.

During Pink Ribbon Week, places of worship, workplaces, community groups and other organizations will be passing out pink ribbons. Human Services will sponsor some special events in conjunction with Pink Ribbon Week, including:

• The Rex Hospital Mammography Mobile Unit will be at the Wake County Southern Regional Center, 130 N. Judd Parkway in Fuquay-Varina, on Thursday, October 2, and at Human Services Center—Sunnybrook, 10 Sunnybrook Road in Raleigh, on Monday, October 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at each site., to perform screening mammograms by appointment. Human Services will staff a breast health education and information display on-site throughout the day.
• Human Services employees will be given the opportunity to wear jeans to work on Friday, October 10, National Denim Day, for a $5 contribution to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
• Human Services will partner with Elevation Baptist Church to host a tea party for breast cancer survivors. The party begins at 4 p.m. at the church, 4729 New Bern Ave. in Raleigh. Participants will wear festive hats to commemorate the occasion. Those wishing to participate in this event are asked to contact Sonya Reid, health educator with the Health Promotion/Disease Prevention program, at 919-250-4553.

"The wearing of a pink ribbon by a person can remind the women whom he/she cares about of their need to get regular breast checkups," said Denise Hicks, coordinator of the Wake County Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP). "This is especially important for women over 50 since, in addition to being female, getting older is the greatest risk factor for breast cancer. We hope everyone in the community will be wearing pink ribbons during Pink Ribbon Week!"

The pink ribbon has become a symbol of hope for a cure of breast cancer and a reminder that breast cancer does not have to be fatal. More than 90 percent of women whose cancer is found in its earliest stages survive breast cancer and go on to lead full and productive lives. Unfortunately, too many women are not getting the regular breast checkups needed for early detection. These checkups include clinical breast examination, mammography and monthly breast self-examination.