The Pink Ribbon, The Union Against Breast Cancer

Today, the risk of breast cancer is estimated to be 1 in 8 women. In fact, currently around two million cases are diagnosed a year in the world. It is a sad and bleak reality.

Regardless of the statistics, there are many people who have been closely affected by this problem in one way or another. Obviously, this is an indication that something is wrong with our world.

Perhaps the causes are in environmental pollutants, the excessive amount of hormones in the food we eat and in our lifestyle. Whatever the origin of the high incidence of this pathology, it is the responsibility of each one of us to examine our breasts.

A little story about breast cancer

A man in his 50s discreetly entered a cafeteria and sat at an unoccupied table. Before placing his order, he noticed a group of younger men sitting at a nearby table. They were laughing.

It was obvious to him that they were laughing and making fun of him. It didn’t take long to realize that the reason for the laugh was the little pink bow on the lapel of his jacket. At first, he ignored them, but the laughter was beginning to irritate him. He looked at one of them, pointed to his bow and asked:

“Is this funny to you?”

The men looked at each other, puzzled. Still trying to contain his laughter, one of them replied: “Don’t take it the wrong way, we were just commenting on how cute your pink bow is with that blue jacket.” With a friendly gesture, the gentleman invited the joker to sit at his table. Uncomfortable as he was, the young man accepted, not quite sure why. In a very calm voice, the man explained: 

“I’m wearing this pink ribbon to alert everyone to breast cancer.” I wear it in honor of my mother.

–Sir, forgive me. Did your mother die of breast cancer?

“No, she is not dead.” Fortunately she is alive and very well. But, her breasts fed me when I was a baby. And it was on her breasts that I rested my head when I was scared or sad when I was a little boy. I am very grateful for my mother’s breasts and for the health she is enjoying today.

“Hmm, sure!” –Answered the young man. 

“I also wear this pink bow in honor of my wife,” continued the lord. 

-It’s okay? – he asked the boy. 

-Yes; she is perfect. And, with her breasts she fed and nurtured our beautiful daughter 23 years ago. I am very grateful for my wife’s breasts and for her health.

-I understand. So I guess you’re wearing it in honor of your daughter, too.

“No, I can no longer wear it in honor of my daughter.” For that, it is late. She passed away from breast cancer a month ago.

You thought you were too young to have breast cancer. So when a lump happened to be noticed, he ignored it. She thought that since it was painless, there was nothing to worry about.

Then, dejected and ashamed, the young man said: 

-Oh sir, how sorry …

“That is why, in memory of my daughter, I also wear this little pink bow.” It allows me to give others an opportunity that I no longer have. So now go and talk this over with your wife and your daughter, your mother and your sister. Also, with your friends.

“And here…” The man reached into his pocket and took out another small pink bow and handed it to the young man. 

The boy looked at the bow and, raising his head, asked the lord:

“Can you help me put it on?”

Examine your breasts, save your life

We have to take special care in monitoring our breasts. Unfortunately, cancer sometimes behaves like a silent, fatal disease if we don’t pay attention to it at the right time. Therefore, we must carefully self-examine our breasts every month, have mammograms and go to the gynecological check-up every so often.

Lie down and extend the arm corresponding to the breast you are going to examine above your head. Perhaps at first it will be difficult for you to get used to the new sensations. For this reason, feel your breasts with the flats of your fingers in different directions.

Later, and when you start to feel better, do it with the yolks, as they will allow you to be much more exhaustive. Imagine dividing the breast into four quadrants. This way, it will be easier for you. It is recommended that this self-examination also be performed standing up.

We have to overcome fear of what we may find. The only thing that behaviors like these lead us to is that it is too late to tackle the problems that may arise.

Commit to your body and accept that your breasts are a valuable and vital part. Be kind to yourself, love yourself, take care of yourself, exploit yourself and lose the fear of your body. Remember: Detecting breast cancer early is in your hands. Better safe than sorry. Act on time.