Awareness, Schmawareness

Don't get me wrong, I definitely think that there is a place for "awareness" in this disease.  AND, I am very supportive and proud of my friends who are involved in raising money and participating in the various breast cancer fundraisers out there (although I am glad I left the American Cancer Society before the pink bra concept started for Strides!)

BUT, does just painting something pink count as awareness?  I am sure you can guess what I think. We know that if women catch breast cancer early through mammograms and self breast exams, that they are more likely to treat it and survive, but does just seeing a bunch of pink stuff in the grocery store or a pink ice hockey rink (thanks Joe Stewart for the catch) really make women more aware of anything other than simply existence of a disease?

And, even if it does, is that really what this disease needs?  My mom was a Certified Nurse Midwife.  She gave clinical breast exams on a daily basis.  She received regular mammograms, in fact, had had one just a few months before she found her OWN breast cancer.  She had all the awareness in the world, implemented it and still ended up fighting a losing battle for 11 years.

What this disease needs, just like every disease, is money.  It is expensive to research and expensive to treat.  We also need to get real about words like "cure", but I'll get to that one, later.  In the meantime, if you are so inclined, put on your pink bra and get out there and raise some money, because that is what breast cancer really needs.