North Adams Going Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness
 Pat Lescarbeau, Reach administrative services manager, is hoisted aloft with her ribbons as Mayor John Barrett III and Bob Upton, left, of the wire inspectors office explain how the pink bows will be displayed. |
Volunteers and Laura Baran of the American Cancer Society gathered on Main Street to ceremonially hoist the first ribbon along with Mayor John Barrett III. The mayor has been a strong supporter of cancer awareness efforts and research after losing his wife, Eileen Barrett, to breast cancer nearly two decades ago.
Baran, community executive of income and development for the Berkshire County area, said the ribbons were a reminder to women to "get mammograms and the importance of self-examination" to catch the disease early. It was the first time in a few years that the group had brought the "paint the town pink" concept to the downtown, said, Patricia Mancuso, a cancer survivor and co-chairman of the 2010 Relay for Life.
Breast cancer is the second-most common form of cancer in American women. According to the Blue Cross Blue Shield, there are currently about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States and the rate of breast cancer-related deaths has continued to decline for over 20 years.
Research and advancements in treatment play an important role, but experts also believe the decline is a direct result of earlier detection through screening and an increased focus on prevention.
This is not to minimize the severity of the disease. According to the Cancer Society, in 2009 more than 190,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed. In addition, approximately 40,170 people in the United States will lose their lives to invasive breast cancer.
Some Facts from Blue Cross
Breast cancer overwhelmingly strikes women, although men are not immune; white women are slightly more susceptible and those over age 50. Twenty to 30 percent have a family history of the disease.
Lifestyle andenvironmental factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and exposure to X-rays and secondhand smoke.
Breast cancer is influenced by estrogen production, so women who started menstruating young (before age 12), or began menopause late (after 55), are at slightly higher risk than average
Women who have not given birth, have children after age 30, or did not breast feed
Taking combination hormone replacement after menopause may also increase the risk of developing cancerous breast tumors
"While having one or more risk factors does not determine whether a woman will develop breast cancer, it is important for all women to speak to their doctor to understand and determine ways to manage their personal risk," said Dr. John Fallon, chief physician at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.
A woman's most effective weapon against breast cancer is early detection, he said. "When detected early, breast cancer is more likely to be treated successfully than if it is found at a later stage. The five-year survival rate for early-stage breast cancer is currently 97 percent."
 Cancer survivor and volunteer Donna Bernardi carries a boxful of donated bows. Top photo, Laura Baran, left, Lescarbeau, Patricia Mancuso, Briggs ready their poses. |
New to the area is the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer fundraiser, of which Mancuso is also co-chairman. The walk will take place Sunday, Oct. 18, on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in Adams. Registration begins at 9, the walk at 11.
The Reach for Breast Health Program at North Adams Regional Hospital will mark the month with the "Chain of Caring," decorating downtown North Adams with thousands of personalized pink ribbons linked together.
The pink Tyvek links can be purchased for a $1 each at the North Adams Library, the hospital gift shop, the Women's Exchange in Williamstown or at the Reach for Community Health offices on the hospital campus. Links will also be for sale at a variety of community events in October.
For more information: American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org; Blue Cross breast cancer care at www.ahealthyme.com/topic/breastcancercenter or 1-800-262-BLUE.
Pink ribbons in North Adams were donated by Quadland's Flowers & Gifts and Mount Williams Greenhouses; in Adams, by The Flowers Gallery and Zepka & Sons Florists.
