A lifetime of fighting cancer Published Nov. 5, 2013 By 1st Lt. Joseph Andersen Air Force Mortuary Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- As the month of October wrapped up I was told one last time, "Happy Breast Cancer Awareness Month." At that point, I came to a simple conclusion, I am aware of cancer. I am aware that cancer is a horrible disease. I am aware of breast cancer. I am aware that pink is the universal color for breast cancer. I am aware of cancer. However, no one has informed me how to stop cancer or even help a person with cancer. In the month of October I have seen the National Football League plaster their company with pink, the White House turn pink, and have been given hand sanitizer in a pink case. These few awareness tools are just some of hundreds of thousands of ploys to help people become aware of cancer. How many times in the month of October did anyone say anything that tells me how or where to donate, volunteer, or help? Twice- during Major League Baseball's Stand up to Cancer campaign and CrossFit's Barbell for Boobs fundraiser. The National Breast Cancer Foundation's website states that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women. Every year there are an estimated 220,000 women who will be diagnosed and 40,000 will die. Did you know that although rare, men can be diagnosed with breast cancer and an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed each year and 410 of them will die? Is "Fight Like a Girl" still the best catchphrase? Those 2,150 men may not agree. Many people do not know that since 1990 breast cancer rates have been declining due to early screening and detection and improving treatment options. By providing mammograms for women who are uninsured or unable to afford them, breast cancer can be stopped. When people plan to detect the disease early using mobile mammography vans and self-checkups, breast cancer can be potentially beaten. That is breast cancer awareness. This is why October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. That is why people wear pink through October. It is not because pink is a good color that is loud. It is not because people need to know when the month of October happens. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month because cancer is a horrible, disgusting disease that affects thousands of women and men, but cancer is preventable and can be detected. What can you do? The Combined Federal Campaign is running now. Pledge to any of the breast cancer charities such as Susan G. Komen (#54663), the National Breast Cancer Foundation (#10072), or the Breast Cancer Coalition (#12193). But cancer is not just isolated to breasts, there are other cancers. Be aware of them and make sure that breast cancer is not the only fight being fought. Fight for skin cancer with the Skin Cancer Foundation (#10942), Children's Cancer with St. Jude (#10560), prostate cancer with the Prostate Cancer Research Institute (#10941), lung cancer with Uniting Against Lung Cancer (#42372), or fight cancer with Stand Up To Cancer (#99563) Volunteer with the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, a local charity with a focus on breast cancer. Sit with a person diagnosed with cancer during chemotherapy. Give a person a blanket as they sit through their treatment. Work with the Mobile Mammography Van. Tell your family and loved ones to self check and get them resources to do it properly. Do something other than wearing pink and being against breast cancer. The color pink and awareness is only words and a color unless there is something to back it up. I am aware of cancer, all forms of cancer, and I'm dedicated to fighting cancer and standing up for those who are unable to stand. My awareness is not one month; it is a lifetime of fighting. I am going to fight the battle all year even when the color pink fades. For more information on the items in this article: Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition: www.debreastcancer.org Barbells for Boobs: www.barbellsforboobs.org National Breast Cancer Foundation: www.nationalbreastcancer.org Stand up to Cancer: www.standup2cancer.org Combined Federal Campaign Giving: www.cbacfc.org or talk to your local unit rep