National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

You may notice that the "The Best of Times" is pink this month. That is because I am doing my part in honoring National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

As a member of the male gender, it might seem a little strange to hear me speak of this disease. But in truth, it is hard to find anyone that hasn't been affected, directly, or indirectly, by breast cancer. (It also a little known fact that, because the breast is composed of identical tissues in males and females, breast cancer also occurs in males. But incidences of breast cancer in men are approximately 100 times less common than in women.)

In 2005, breast cancer caused 502,000 deaths worldwide, which was 7% of cancer deaths, and almost 1% of all deaths. While it will impossible to prevent every death until a cure is found, there are still things we can do to bring that number down. Women are much more likely to survive incidences of breast cancer if it is detected early. Every woman, from teenager to senior, should conduct a breast self-exam once a month. An easy-to-follow, printable guide on how to do so can be found at www.komen.org/bse.

Also, do your part to make those around you more aware of breast cancer this month. Douse your website in pink, where a ribbon, or print on pink paper. A great step to prevention, detection, and a cure, is simple awareness.