Breast Cancer Awareness: Heads Up, Guys!

It’s October, and it’s Breast Cancer Awareness month. And, at Love-Love Tennis, we’re thinking pink. What about you?

What do you think of when you see the pink ribbons and pink products each October, or maybe a better question is who do you think of when you see all of the pink?

I always remember a former IBM coworker of mine. Her name was Jan, and she was so kind. Back then, in the early 1990s, she thought that she had beaten the disease. But sadly, her breast cancer returned, and she ended up losing her battle. I’ve never forgotten how her life was cut short when she was in her prime. Her passing left a definite “carpe diem” impression on my younger self as well as an enhanced awareness of the disease.

No doubt breast cancer has taken the lives of many “Jan Does” to date, but, what about the “Jim Does?” Do you think of men and males who are fighting the war against breast cancer when you see the October pink online and all around?

In case your answer is no, we’d like to remind you that men can get breast cancer, too. For example, are you aware that 1 in every 833 men will get breast cancer? And, do you know that most men discover their breast cancers at a later stage of the disease?

If you’re a male who is reading this blog, or if you’re a female who is reading this blog and who has a male friend, loved one or family member, then don’t miss checking out these four online resources to learn more about the specific impacts of breast cancer on men:
Real Men Wear Pink
Breast Cancer.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

Being based in North Carolina, we especially appreciate the work of N.C.-based Going Beyond the Pink in raising awareness about male breast cancer. Don’t miss watching their recent video spotlight of Tom Kennedy’s inspiring story.

Until a cure is found, each year in October, we will pause to remember all of the women and men affected by breast cancer with the fervent hope that breast cancer will be aced and eradicated in the U.S. and around the globe. Guys and gals, please join us in giving a heads up to this important cause!