Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease. This commemorative month has been a part of the American culture for quite a while now, since 1985. Many of us have participated in a run or a walk in the past. We all know the pink ribbon symbol and we truly appreciate it as a valuable reminder to get tested, for early detection saves lives.
Back in AMS history, in 2010, the company and employees donated their time creating gift bags for the Cedars Sinai Medical Center “Run for Her.” It was a very large charitable event, so large in fact, that 5,000 gift bags for participants were assembled. AMS offered the gift bag fulfillment and participated in the event in honor of a beloved co-worker, Jean Meyer, who lost her battle with breast cancer.
What is happening in 2021 is different, as are most things since the pandemic began. There are runs and walks taking place this year, but not in the same way we have seen in the past. The Susan G. Koman “More Than Pink Walk” took place on the 25th of September as a virtual event, with people connecting on Facebook and walking on their own, virtually in the company of others.
As anyone who has gone to a clinic or hospital in recent months knows, the pandemic is changing how healthcare is delivered. On the website Breastcancer.org we find information on how COVID 19 has affected treatment over the past nearly two years.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has affected just about every aspect of life, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for breast cancer. People who’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer and people who are at high risk for breast cancer have found themselves in a uniquely difficult and sometimes frightening position since the coronavirus crisis began. Many of you are wondering if it’s safe to go to certain medical appointments or if you should postpone treatments or screening. Others have had their treatments delayed or changed.
“In this Special Report from breastcancer.org, we have gathered the most important information you need to know about the impact the coronavirus has had on breast cancer care, including why currently being treated for breast cancer can raise the risk of serious COVID-19 complications, what healthcare facilities are doing to minimize your exposure to the virus when seeking medical care, and how to get the best care possible even if your treatment plan changes.”
AMS Fulfillment recognizes that our employees, both women and men, have experience with breast cancer among family and friends. We encourage our readers to visit breastcancer.org and check out the report as well as another excellent source of information on prevention in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month at preventcancer.org.
Another great resource is found at the CDC website: the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) provides several resources. For readers seeking free or low-cost screening, please check out this CDC listing as well.
Let the pink ribbon remind us that early detection saves lives!!