Although deaths due to cancer related illnesses are on a decrease, breast cancer diagnoses for stages I and II breast cancer are up. Fortunately, early detection increases treatment options and decreases mortality. Interestingly, while breast cancer is usually thought of as only affecting women, men may also fall victim to this disease!
Each day we learn more about this insidious illness. We garner new information about treatment options, cures, life expectancy, causes, and also prevention. We learn that genes play a vital role in the development of breast cancer; we also learn that the odds of developing breast cancer without a corresponding family history are just as likely. The items that have been blamed as being a causing agents are many: environmental waste, such as exposure to jet fuel or heavy traffic emissions, radiation (especially exposure during a child's developmental years), and even household chemicals. Fortunately, this information has become available because of the fundraising efforts using breast cancer pins, and a host of other specifically designed gifts for breast cancer awareness.
Naturally, breast cancer pins alone do not make for a cure. Yet by extension, they may be credited for supplying the much needed funds that fueled the research efforts which today give us the information that breast cancer may actually be avoided with exercise, for example. It is true! One hour daily of enthusiastic working out has shown to greatly decrease the circulating levels of free estradiols in a woman's bloods, which is directly related to her chances of preventing the development of breast cancer.
On the other side of the equation, the funds raised by breast cancer pins and the other gifts for breast cancer awareness made available all over the Internet and even in stores, have debunked a number of myths that have sprung up about this illness. We have found that there is no direct link between the development of breast cancer and the use of underarm deodorant, for example, or the uses of lipstick, hairspray, or visits to the swimming pool.
Breast cancer pins, just like other items such as holiday cards, pink ribbon wrist bands, polo shirts or tote bags, increase overall awareness of this silent killer while raising funds to do more research, more community outreach programs, and also introduce more legislation that will do away with harmful cancer causing agents in our food, overall environment, and even personal beauty products.
Yet what is it about the well-known, pink breast cancer pins that makes them so unique? For one, the little pink ribbon has become the universally recognized symbol for breast cancer awareness. Men and women alike wear it in a variety of ways to show support for breast cancer victims and survivors. It also demonstrates the necessity of increased research to allow for early prevention and treatment programs that will save lives. Breast cancer survivors proudly wear this ribbon as a symbol of overcoming and beating this illness. So does it make a difference? You bet! Become part of the solution and purchase yours today!