Pinktober month

ONCE again October is upon us which brings out the colour pink— and all things pumpkin spice. All month is breast cancer awareness month, which by this point we should all be aware of.

Together we can advocate and use our voices for something more than pink that encompasses many facets of living with breast cancer. October is a big month for those living in the breast cancer realm. In my opinion, there are a few share-worthy causes and notable happenings.

Breast cancer was a disease spoken about behind closed doors, not something one would acknowledge in public. Men and women had little support, and there was little understanding or acknowledgement of the emotional ramifications of suffering from the disease, or the emotional trauma of losing one or both breasts. Many women suffered in silence with a deadly disease they considered shameful.

Men and women today feel more empowered to take control of their health, and not ashamed to seek help. And, to this day, these organisations dedicated to breast cancer awareness give women with breast cancer (and their loved ones) a feeling of community and support.

It’s about living to see another October through research and new discoveries. It’s about getting the message out that “Pink is not a cure”. October to me is so much more than awareness. October is the time to promote these organisations trying to make a difference and give hope to those with breast cancer while remembering those who have gone before us.

But for now, let’s put the pinkwashing aside, and focus on the goals of breast cancer awareness month.

Give generously with a cheerful heart to support worthy cause. Eat healthy, exercise regularly and stay healthy.

NEELZ SINGH

Lami