Fall has finally arrived and with it will be beautiful shades of orange, brown, green and red that we associate with the changing of the leaves. The color pink may not be on your mind when you think of this time of year, but we at Natchez Regional encourage you to think pink during the month of October as we recognize National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

According to statistics from the American Cancer Society, an estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women in the United States this year. An estimated 40,170 women are expected to die from the disease in 2009, and there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States.

Increasing awareness about the importance of early detection through self breast exams, regular physician check-ups and routine mammogram screenings is vital to the fight against breast cancer. Since National Breast Cancer Awareness began in 1985, mammography rates have more than doubled for women age 50 and older and breast cancer deaths have declined. Knowledge is powerful in this fight. If you are worried about developing breast cancer, or if you know someone who has been diagnosed with the disease, one way to deal with your concerns is to get as much information as possible.

I want to invite you to be a part of our Think Pink Luncheon at noon Tuesday at Natchez Regional.

We will be meeting in the Magnolia Classroom, located on the first floor. A light lunch will be served, and Kappi Rushing, a certified family nurse practitioner, will be discussing breast health awareness and sharing vital information on early detection of breast cancer, as well as other common breast health issues. Please make your reservation by calling 601-443-2534. The seminar is free, but seating is limited so call to reserve your seat. We will be thinking pink, drinking pink (lemonade), dressing in pink and giving away pink; so please don’t miss this fun and informative event.

I’ll leave you with a poem that is recognized and used often in promoting the color pink as the universal symbol for breast cancer awareness. And remember, the best protection is early detection.

People who choose to wear the color pink are saying much more than you might think.

The message is simple, the mission is sure; United for women to help find a cure.

Pink means courage when times are rough. Pink gives faith when believing gets tough.

Pink offers hope that a cure is in sight. Pink equals strength to stand up and fight.

So choose to wear pink and join the team. Help make a difference for you, for her, for me.

Theresa Cole is the Women’s Center educator and marketing coordinator at Natchez Regional Medical Center.