Health News
The Debate on Breast Cancer Campaigns
by Deb Kirkland, RN, BSN, MPH
Nurse Navigator, Herman & Walter Samuelson Breast Care Center
?Save Second Base? and ?Save the Ta Tas? are common slogans used today in creating breast cancer awareness. Recently, there has been some controversy over the latest public service announcement, ?Save the Boobs?* for breast cancer awareness month. One thing everyone would agree on, this video made an impact! If that was the purpose, it was accomplished. Some state it was too provocative and seemed more like a beer commercial. Others agree it served a purpose and created an impact, one that most of us will not forget.
Breast cancer was once considered an older woman?s disease; today we are changing the face of breast cancer, as it is being seen more in younger women. Awareness campaigns have become more creative in attempts of targeting younger audiences. These slogans target younger women, as well as younger men. In breast cancer, due to ineffective diagnostic screening tools in this younger population, breast self awareness (BSA) is the best tool we currently have. In women under 40 diagnosed with breast cancer, 80 percent of these lumps are detected by younger women themselves or by their significant other. While some may find this PSA inappropriate, it can also be taken as creative and targeting young men, making them aware. It is a sensitive topic and if educational statistics are provided in a dry manner, people may not always remember. In a flashy commercial?they do not forget! I personally like ?Feel Your Boobies?. The slogans are trendy and catchy, as they are targeting younger women. It may seem more fun wearing one of these slogans, instead of the standard pink ribbon.
If you are participating in the local Komen MD race this Sunday, you can view their local campaign, ?Support Your Local Breasts? (where you will see my picture) on their Web site to promote their Race for the Cure.
I think we have come a long way, as traditionally people did not talk about breast cancer. Today it is out of the closet and awareness campaigns are everywhere, from clothes, milk cartons, to golf clubs year round. The key to remember is the message behind all of it.
*Please note the video is only allowed for users 18 and older.
-
Join The Army Of Women
By Deb Kirkland, RN, BSN, MPH Nurse Navigator, Herman & Walter Samuelson Breast Center at Northwest Hospital October marked the 25th anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM), when First Lady Betty Ford courageously spoke openly...
-
Lifebridge Health Goes Pink
If you?ve been to Northwest Hospital after dark the last few weeks, you may have noticed a rosy glow cast over the main entrance. That?s because pink lights have been installed to mark October?s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It sounds simple,...
-
Breast Cancer Is A Global Issue
By Deb Kirkland, RN, BSN, MPH Nurse Navigator, Herman & Walter Samuelson Breast Center at Northwest Hospital Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women around the globe. In 2002, there were 1.2 million cases globally, and over 400,000 deaths....
-
Breast Cancer Screening Offered
If you're a woman, mark your calender for Wednesday, October 7. That's when we're inviting you to join us for an evening of frank and honest discussion about women?s breast health hosted by WJZ-TV 13 news anchor Mary Bubala. Clinical breast...
-
Nurse Navigator Begins At Northwest
By Deb Kirkland, RN, BSN, MPH Nurse Navigator, Herman & Walter Samuelson Breast Center at Northwest Hospital The role of navigation in cancer centers has evolved due to the need in assisting patients through their cancer journey. Being diagnosed with...
Health News