Pink Ribbons Serve As Checkup Reminders

9/29/2005

Approximately 6,300 North Carolina women this year – 420 in Wake County alone – will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Some of those deaths might have been avoided if the breast cancer had been found early. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States.

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 Governor Mike Easley has proclaimed October 2-8, 2005, 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 feature educational displays at six Wake County buildings:

Tuesday, October 4:
Wake County Office Building
337 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh

Whitaker Mill Center
401 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Raleigh

Wednesday, October 5:
Human Services-Swinburne
220 Swinburne St., Raleigh

Southern Regional Center
130 N. Judd Parkway NE, Fuquay-Varina

Thursday, October 6:
Human Services-Sunnybrook
10 Sunnybrook Road, Raleigh

Eastern Regional Center
1002 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon

Human Services will also participate with Lee Denim Day on Friday, October 7. The culminating activity will be the Pink Ribbon Festival – a fair that will focus on breast cancer awareness and women's health issues. This FREE event will take place Saturday, October 8, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Human Services-Sunnybrook and will offer exhibitors, screenings, door prizes and more.

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.

For more information about Pink Ribbon Week, contact Sonya Reid at 919-250-4553.

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