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You may have noticed a theme in today’s edition of The Democrat – and it’s one we’re proud to share.

This “Think Pink Edition” is part of our community’s efforts to promote Breast Cancer Awareness month. From a Paint the Town Pink celebration on the Bluff to fundraisers at the Natchez Festival of Music, hundreds of people have joined efforts this month to talk about breast cancer, its impact on our lives and ways we can help prevent it.

This annual focus is an important one, because breast cancer remains one of the most pervasive cancers in America. Consider these facts from the National Breast Cancer Foundation:

• One in eight women in America will develop breast cancer in her lifetime – that’s about 13% of the female population.
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers.
• It is estimated that in 2024, approximately 30% of all new female cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer.
• On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States.
• In 2024, an estimated 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S., as well as 56,500 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
• There are currently over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
• An estimated 42,250 U.S. women will die from breast cancer in 2024.
• The 5-year relative survival rate for cancer diagnosed at the localized stage is 99%.
• Approximately 15% of women diagnosed have a family history of breast cancer. Those with a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer are nearly twice as likely to develop breast cancer themselves.

In this edition you’ve read the stories of survivors – those who beat the disease and who are now urging other women to get tested and take care of their bodies. And you’ve heard from medical professionals, who talk of advances in diagnosis and treatment, as well as reiterate the same message – get tested.

It’s a message that bears repeating, not just in October but year-round as breast cancer is one of the most prevalent – and thankfully most treatable – cancers in America.

So take some time to “think pink” about breast cancer: know your risk, get tested, and encourage the women (and men at risk) in your lives to do the same.