I christen thee, The Colored Ribbon

My inaugural post for The Colored Ribbon. I feel like I should post something deep and profound. Instead, I'll post the note I wrote (back in September) that was my inspiration for this blog. I hope you enjoy. I don't guarantee how often I'll be able to write here but I'll do my best.

By now, we've probably all seen the "Breast cancer awareness" games that involve seemingly random statuses such as a bra color, where you like your purse to be, or faking pregnancy. Aside from the obvious question of "What exactly does this do to promote breast cancer awareness", the issues of "Well, men get breast cancer too so why are we keeping the game a secret from them instead of including them", "Breast cancer is already known about widely so why are we devoting time to spreading the word instead of promoting funding for research", and "Hey, you know, pretending pregnancy can be hurtful and disrespectful to those who struggle with infertility and/or miscarriages and can be very hurtful to those who get excited thinking there's a baby on the way only to find out it was a joke", there's another issue that Alex and Sophie (aka Jamie) brought to my attention: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, September is the awareness month for several other types of cancer that, IMHO, are in FAR more need of having awareness spread because they don't get nearly the press and attention as breast cancer. This is my attempt to spread some awareness.

Copying and pasting from http://www.cancer-services.com/awareness_det.asp?service-id=913800057 :

Childhood Cancer Awareness 

Childhood cancers are cancers that primarily affect children, teens and young adults. When cancer strikes children and young people, it affects them differently than it does adults. For example, young patients often have a more advanced stage of cancer when first diagnosed.  Childhood cancers are mostly those of the white blood cells (leukemia's), brain, bone, the lymphatic system and tumors of the muscles, kidneys and nervous system.

During the month of September there are activities happening around the world to raise awareness about childhood cancers, and celebrate surviorship.

Cancer Awareness Ribbon Color: Gold

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation

www.candlelighters.org/septchildhoodcancermonth.stm

National Childhood Cancer Foundation

www.nccf.org/childhoodcancer/different.asp

 

Gynecologic Cancer Awareness

Each year over 82,000 women are diagnosed with gynecologic cancers. Gynecologic cancers affect the reproductive organs including the cervix, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina and vulva. Some symptoms of gynecologic cancers are feeling of fullness or pressure in the pelvis, abnormal bleeding, excessive discharge, itching, a sore that does not heal, changes in bowel or bladder habits, persistent indigestion and a thickening or lump that causes pain or can be felt or seen.  Screenings and self-examinations conducted early can result in the detection of certain types of gynecologic cancers.

Gynecologic Cancer Foundation

www.wcn.org/gcf/pubs/order_gcam.htm

Please visit our Resources page to download a Fact Sheet about Gynecological Cancers.

Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness

Every five minutes, someone in the United States learns that he or she has leukemia, Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma or myeloma – more than 300 people a day.  Leukemia and lymphoma, also known as blood cancers, originate in the bone marrow or lymphatic tissues.  The diseases result from a genetic injury to the DNA of a single cell. 

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is dedicated to finding cures for blood-related cancers. It also provides support for those who suffer from them. 

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

www.leukemia-lymphoma.org

Ovarian Cancer Awareness 

Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.  Some symptoms of ovarian cancer are feeling of fullness or bloating, digestive problems, changes in bowel/bladder patterns, abnormal bleeding from the vagina, fatigue, pain during intercourse or weight loss/gain.

This month our Conversations On Cancer Ovarian Support Group is discussing "Managing the Side Effects of Treatment" with Sandi Hill, R.N. Gynecology Coordinator from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Join us at Cancer Services on September 3 at 12 p.m.! For more information contact Nedra at (336) 760-9983. 

Cancer Awareness Ribbon Color: Teal

Also visit the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition website for more resources.

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

http://www.ovarian.org 

Please visit our Resources page to download a Fact Sheet about Ovarian Cancer.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Week (September 18-24)

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men.  African Americans and men with a family history of prostate cancer have a greater chance of developing the disease.  There are two annual screening tests for prostate cancer.  They are the digital rectal examination and the prostate-specific antigen or PSA test.

Forsyth Regional Cancer Center hosts Conversations On Cancer Us Too! For Prostate Cancer Support Group. This month's meeting is September 9th at 7 p.m. Call (336) 718-8577 for more information.

Cancer Awareness Ribbon Color: Blue

Also visit the Nationa Prostate Cancer Coalition website for schedule for events nationwide

National Prostate Cancer Coalition

www.fightprostatecancer.org

Please visit our Resources page to download a Fact Sheet about Prostate Cancer.

National Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month

Each year over 19,000 people are diagnosed with thyroid cancer.  Symptoms of thyroid cancer are a lump or nodule in the font of the neck, hoarseness or difficulty speaking, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty swallowing or breathing or pain in the throat or neck.

This week is dedicated to educating the community on early detection and providing information to survivors about the treatment and available resources. 

Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association http://www.thyca.org/awareness.htm 

My mother-in-law had Thyroid Cancer. My Pawpaw had Prostate cancer. My best friend growing up died from brain cancer as a child. I had an abnormal pap smear and colposcapy (the biopsy was benign) after I had Elizabeth and was terrified that I might have cervical cancer. I dedicate my awareness efforts this month to Mom Dale, Pawpaw, Tiffy, their families and friends, all those who have battled these types of cancer, whether they survived or passed away, and their family, friends and loved ones who went through it with them.

This month, let's make a difference. Let's get some equality going. If you must make a game out of cancer awareness, make it awareness for those cancers that affect just as many people as breast cancer but, for whatever reason, don't get NEARLY the amount of publicity and press. And if you want to focus on breast cancer, recognize that breast cancer is very known about and consider donating to fund research to find a cure instead. But most of all, don't be shocked and upset and cry foul if people point out the things that I have.