By now you know what color bra all of your friends, family members, and business associates are wearing -- saw them posted this week as Facebook status updates, right?
Women were encouraged to post the color of said undergarment in the name of breast cancer awareness.
Much has been written about the merits of this social media phenomenon, like "Great Facebook Bra Debate: Success or Slactivism?"
I'm not going to decry the whole thing -- it's fine, really. Tell the world what color bra you wear. Maybe it will remind someone to schedule her yearly mammogram or do a self-check. That would be nice.
Breast cancer is a dreadful disease. As are all cancers. In my seven years raising money for the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center (and being the wife, niece, and daughter of people who've had cancer) I know it pretty well.
That said, there's much more that can be done. A few things to keep in mind:
- Educate yourself about when you and your loved ones should get screened. Remember that these are only guidelines and you should always talk with your physician about family history or specific concerns. Check out the American Cancer Society's Cancer Screening Guidelines here.
- Many, many people live fantastic and long lives with cancer. If a loved one is diagnosed find a comprehensive cancer center. This designation, given by the National Cancer Institute, recognizes hospitals with excellent treatment and research programs. Even if you don't decide to get treatment at a comprehensive cancer center, they are important resources for second opinions.
- Ask questions before you give to a cancer non-profit. What percentage of monies raised are used for research or patient assistance? Does money stay in your area or go to a national organization? If you're buying a product with packaging touting "a portion of proceeds goes to cancer research" read the fine print. It's easy to print a pink ribbon on marketing materials and give very little to charity. Check out "Think Before You Pink"
My personal favorite when it comes to raising money for breast cancer research? The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama, which gives 100% of its proceeds to scientists at UAB.
There are many others. So change your status, but do some looking -- the ways to make a difference extend far beyond our status updates.
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