A Breast Cancer Ribbon Is More Than A Symbol

We've all seen red, white and blue ribbons and instinctively understand their meaning, but the pink ribbons that are popping up all over the place might be a little lesser known. If their supporters have any say in the matter, the official breast cancer ribbon will become an unnecessary symbol. Right now, however, the pink ribbons serve not only as a symbol to remind people of this horrible disease that strikes thousands of women each year, but also as a focal point in battling the disease.

The breast cancer ribbon is meant to not only to encourage people to support cancer-fighting causes, but also to raise awareness about this particular affliction. The fact is, breast cancer strikes more than 200,000 victims in America alone each year, and many of those victims can and do survive if the cancer is caught early. By serving as a rallying point, these ribbons embody the spirit that is driving extensive campaigns to educate the populace about this disease and also to encourage women to remember to take the steps necessary to detect and defeat this disease.

In all honesty, the breast cancer ribbon is one that can and does serve a lot of purposes. The idea is for people to look at one of these ribbons and to remember those who have fought the battle and lost, to honor those who have fought and won, and to remind those who need it to take the necessary steps to protect themselves from this disease's ravaging effects to do so. In the process, the ribbons also serve as a symbol to remind people a cure is still needed and that support is always welcomed by the thousands who are currently battling the condition.

The breast cancer ribbon is fast becoming a universal symbol of the many organizations that work toward improving awareness, advancing treatments and finding a cure. Anyone that spots the symbol on a cancer event flier, for example, can quickly tell some of the proceeds will benefit efforts to fight breast cancer or help victims themselves. The symbol is also worn by those who are fighting, have fought or have known or loved someone who has had the disease. In this fashion, it's sort of a show of unity.

The breast cancer ribbon is one that many supporters hope will no longer be needed some day down the road. As survival rates get better and awareness about the importance of monthly self-examinations and yearly medical exams increases, the death toll this disease is taking is quickly being brought down. A cure, however, has yet to be found, so the need for a rallying point remains.

While there's still much work to be done before the breast cancer ribbon is instantly recognizable and understood by the masses, this little pink symbol is quickly becoming much more than that. As it's used more and more by agencies, it's becoming a rallying point in the battle against this disease. Until such a time as it's no longer needed, the breast cancer ribbon will continue to serve as an all-purpose symbol for those who have fought and those who shouldn’t have to.

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