Cancer I did not give you the right,
To invade my body and take a bite.
This is my body and with all my might,
I will prevail with one hell of a fight.
To the cancer inside,
I will battle and kill.
For that is my body’s God given will.
To my cancer, these words I do send,
Your life is short and near the end.
-A poem contributed by a visitor of Healing Cancer Naturally

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October since 1985 to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its causes, prevention, and cure.
Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. It is considered a heterogeneous disease since it differs by individual, age group, and even the kinds of cells within the tumor themselves. A breast cancer diagnosis does not always mean an end – it is the beginning of learning how to fight, getting the facts, and finding hope.

AstraZeneca, the drug manufacturer for breast cancer prescriptions founded the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 1985; their aim was to promote that regular mammograms were the most effective weapon to fight against breast cancer.

In the United States, in 2009, there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors. Women in the USA get breast cancer more than any other type except skin cancer. It is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women. Each year it is estimated that nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the USA, and of those 200,000 women, more than 40,000 will die. Approximately 1700 men will also be diagnosed and 450 will die. (Source)

In Canada, in 2009, breast cancer was also the most common cancer among Canadian women (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). An estimated 22,700 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 5400 will die. An estimated 180 men will be diagnosed and 50 will die. On average, 437 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer each week, and 104 women will die every week due to the disease. In Canada, the probability of developing breast cancer is 1 in 9 women, and the probability of dying is 1 in 28. (Source)

In an attempt to significantly decrease these devastating statistics, each October races and walks are organized all over the world to raise money for cancer research. In Canada, “Run for the Cure” is organized in several cities. Sunday October 4, 2009, the “Run for the Cure” was held in the nation’s capital. Volunteer run director, Kelly Fry said the event attracted 8500 people, raising about $1.5 million.

Also throughout the month of October, people host theme parties or “pink days” (where employees wear pink clothing or accessories) to work. The money raised is donated to the organizers’ choice of breast cancer care or research program.

Companies also get involved in the pink ribbon campaign (the international symbol for breast cancer awareness and prevention) by emblazing their products with pink ribbons, the colour pink or otherwise the promise that a portion of the cost is donated to breast cancer awareness and research.

In August of 2008 Bloomex launched a partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society in the fight against cancer. And from that partnership the Give Hope Collection was born. The Give Hope Collection was implemented using 12 of Bloomex’s top-selling products. For each arrangements sold, 10 percent of the proceeds is donated to the Canadian Cancer Society in support of cancer research. Each month there is a featured arrangement, and 15 percent of the proceeds from this product will be donated. Plus each arrangement has a special tag informing the recipient that the sender is a supporter of the Canadian Cancer Society.

The cost of cancer is immeasurable – both in terms of the lives that are affected by the disease and the economic cost of cancer. Bloomex is proud that every dollar donated to the Society through this partnership will help make a difference in the fight against cancer. To date, Bloomex customers have helped raise $35,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Help us find a cure!

For more information:
Canadian Cancer Society
American Cancer Society
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month