By GAIL MIYASAKI
Rafu Craft Editor
Pretty in pink are baby girls.
Pink is a R&B singer-songwriter and Pink’s Hot Dogs in West Hollywood is a legend. Who can forget those “Pink Panther” movies and the bumbling Inspector Clouseau?
Real men do wear pink, in all shades, especially on the football field. The NFL downplayed Pinktober this year as issues of domestic violence took the spotlight.
My pens are pink! As a proud breast cancer survivor, I support the cause to find a cure and get the word out!
October is designated Breast Cancer (BC) Awareness Month. Whatever your style—shout it from the rooftops, whisper it softly, text an emoticon, leave a voice message, simply wear pink.
Tell all the gals that you know—be it your wife, lover, mom, daughter, sis, aunt, co-worker, friend, even foe, to get their boobs screened. Mammography screening and a clinical breast exam matter. It may save a precious life.
Did you know that BC is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.? Lung cancer tops the list. One in eight gals will hear the doctor say, “You have BC!”
One in 36 may die from it.
On a more positive note, death rates are actually decreasing. Awareness and earlier detection plus medical advances in treatments and the development of new drugs through research and clinical trials make a difference.
The definitive age to start getting mammograms has evolved in recent years. Dr. Carol Nishikubo of Santa Monica Hematology-Oncology Consultants stated: “Screening mammograms are recommended by all of the major professional societies after age 50. There is not clear data for annual screening of asymptomatic women without a family history between 40 and 50.”
“What about daughters of moms who have had BC?” I asked.
“For women with a family history in a first-degree relative (mother, sister) and is BRCA negative, annual mammograms are recommended starting at age 35-40, depending on the extent of the family history and any personal history of prior breast biopsies,” she said.
“Prior to that, breast exams by her physician with mammogram, ultrasound and possibly MRI, if there is a questionable finding on exam or higher risk status would be appropriate.
“For those under 40 with no family history and no findings on physical exam, mammograms are of limited utility as screening exams because the breast tissue in younger women tends to be dense. Therefore, mammograms are not as sensitive in detecting unsuspected abnormalities.”
If a woman has a known BCRA mutation, annual breast MRI screening is appropriate at age 25 with the addition of annual mammograms at age 30 . . . She should have a breast exam by her physician once to twice a year starting at age 25.”
Actress Angelina Jolie made the headlines last year when she had a preventive double mastectomy after testing positive for the BRCA1 mutation. It was reported that she had an 87 percent chance of developing BC. Her mom died of BC at age 56.
With an open mind, you are encouraged to check out “The SCAR Project/Breast Cancer Is Not a Pink Ribbon.”
Captured vividly by fashion photographer David Jay, large-scale portraits of young BC survivors, ages 18 to 35, are raw, real and revealing.
A traveling exhibition, book and DVD are dedicated to the more than 10,000 gals under the age of 40 who will be diagnosed this year.
“For these young women, having their portrait taken seems to represent their personal victory over this terrifying disease. It helps them regain their femininity, their sexuality, identity and power after having been robbed of such an important part of it,” said Jay.
Take a moment to read and hear heartfelt, inspirational stories from the newly diagnosed to survivors of all ages and colors at The BC Site. Watch videos of creative supporters promoting awareness and fundraising. Shop for products that help BC in various ways.
Supporting businesses across the nation continue to raise the bar.
Think sweet at Magnolia Bakery with pink decorated cupcakes and other enticing delights! Their West Coast shop supports BC Angels, a local non-profit that helps provide ancillary needs for those currently undergoing BC treatment.
Enjoy signature pink ribbon bagels at Panera Bread to help out the Young Women’s BC Awareness Foundation.
P. F. Chang’s is donating $1 when you post a selfie shot by their painted pretty-in-pink warrior horses in October, and for each spicy tuna and/or Cali roll ordered. $100,000 is their goal.
Fashion designer Tadashi Shoji’s mermaid-inspired scarf favors the Sam Waxman Research Foundation. A pink Kaleidoscope of Hope scarf from Ford’s Warrior in Pink lets you donate to one of four charities: Susan G. Komen, Act With Love, YSC or The Pink Fund.
The Estee Lauder Companies have partnered with the BC Research Foundation and their campaign has raised more than $53 million. The pink ribbon symbol was launched in 1992 by the late daughter-in-law, Evelyn Lauder, to represent hope for BC survivors and continues to serve as a universal emblem of sisterhood and compassion.
Support this cause because you CARE! Be a sponsor . . . donate, walk, run, pedal, climb, dance, swing, swim, inform, host an event.
“Pink isn’t just a color. It’s an attitude!” commented outspoken Miley Cyrus.
Keep that thought in mind as you shop at the Asian arts and crafts shows in the coming months.
Arts/Crafts Show Kalendar
Sunday, Oct. 26, 10-4
Krafty Delites Fall Boutique #1
Carson Community Center
801 E. Carson St., Carson
310-329-5874, Stephanie Nakayama
Sunday, Nov. 2, 10-3
Kiku Crafts and Food Fair
East San Gabriel Valley JCC
Sponsor: West Covina Buddhist Church
1203 W. Puente Ave., West Covina
hskoga@gmail.com, Hisako Koga
Friday to Sunday, Nov. 7- 9, 14-16, 9-4
Touch of Nature Home & Holiday Show
Diamond Bar, call for location
909-594-5964, Lily Saito
Saturday, Nov. 8, 10-4
Japantown Winter Boutique
Japanese American Museum of San Jose
San Jose Buddhist Church Gym
640 N. 5th St., San Jose
warren.hayashi@mac.com, Warren Hayashi
Saturday, Nov. 15, 10-3
Ayame Kai Holiday Craft Fair
Blaine Memorial Methodist Church
3001 24th Avenue So., Seattle, WA
425-747-5141, Janice Divina