KEARNEY — The Forever Pink Foundation placed over 42,000 flags in Kearney to honor those who are fighting breast cancer.
Forever Pink Foundation members and volunteers placed the flags in the shape of a large ribbon between 3rd Ave and 2nd Ave. east of Titan Machinery on Sunday, Sept. 29.
This was the third annual ribbon presentation that the foundation has put on.
“In October we stand strong for all of the warriors who have fought or are fighting the battle, and remember those who have fallen,” the Forever Pink Foundation stated, “over 42,000 flags placed in the ribbon today represent how many will not win their battle this year alone. Let’s change this, please get checked.”
“Our mission is to positively impact Kearney and the surrounding communities by providing focus, support and resources to financially and emotionally assist those battling breast cancer,” the Forever Pink Foundation states online.
Learn more about the Forever Pink Foundation at www.foreverpinkne.com
“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign that’s held every October. The month aims to promote screening and prevention of the disease, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. Known best for its pink theme color, the month features a number of campaigns and programs — conducted by groups ranging from breast cancer advocacy organizations to local community organizations to major retailers,” according to BreastCancer.org.
Breast cancer is not one single disease, but a family of diseases, which makes finding a cure difficult. Cancer is caused by mutation in cells when they reproduce. These can either be benign or malignant tumors. If it is malignant then the cancer can spread to other parts of the body, and breast cancer can form in any part of the breast tissue.
Breast cancer is diagnosed in five states, the earlier it is found the better for the patient.
The cause for this mutation in cells is still unknown. There are several risk factors for breast cancer. Being female may seem obvious, but men can suffer from breast cancer as well and can pass the mutation along to their children. All women are at risk for breast cancer and the risk gets worse as one gets older.
If breast cancer is present on either side of a family, that individual is at greater risk. The recommendation is to learn about one’s family medical history and see if they are at higher risk.
Getting screened is a crucial way in spotting breast cancer in its early stages. Woman should start undergoing mammograms around the time they are 40.