Cancer Bracelets
Breast cancer is the second cause of cancer death among women, second only to lung cancer. Although the estimated number of new cases in 2007 is relatively lower than the previous years, breast cancer advocates have not ceased. They continue to find ways to increase awareness of the disease, raise funds for its research, and help in any way they can to support the advocacy. One way to do all these is through the breast cancer bracelets. It was Lance Armstrong who popularized the use of bracelets as a means to make a statement. The yellow bracelet that he wore in the Tour de France caused quite a stir and people asked what the wristband was about. As a cancer survivor himself, the words "Live Strong" on the bracelet conveyed a very important message to cancer victims and survivors like him. Since then, the pink rubber cancer bracelets have become popular with breast cancer fund-raising activities such as breast cancer walks and runs. Different colors have different meanings.
Some manufacturers have general awareness bracelets, apart from the standard cancer bracelets, in different colors, each color to signify a specific advocacy, whether medically or politically related. For example, the color red symbolizes AIDS and HIV. Lavender, on the other hand, symbolizes general cancer and epilepsy. For blue, it can mean child abuse or education. Purple can symbolize domestic violence and Alzheimer's disease. Teal can be a color to symbolize ovarian cancer, sexual assault or substance abuse. The color pink was used because of its properties. Aside from being of the same color as the breast cancer ribbon, its bright and lively color brings a positive vibe to cancer patients. It gives them hope that breast cancer can be treated and cured. If we wear the bracelet, it will make us feel our love and support. And more importantly, pink is considered a feminine color, a color that is present in any woman's closet, and this makes the cancer bracelets easy to match and coordinate with a woman's wardrobe and accessories. From the pink rubber cancer bracelets evolved many designs and materials for the new breast cancer bracelet.
It has now become an interesting piece of jewelry. Now we can find bracelets in gold and silver. Some are made of glass beads, gemstones, pearls and Swarovski crystals. A simple charm bracelet, when added with a silver or pink breast cancer ribbon charm, can be a breast cancer bracelet. Some continue to have messages like "Faith Hope and Love" or "Survivor." The breast cancer bracelets are more than just a fashion statement. Its message of hope and love for those who have the illness makes it more meaningful and inspirational. Wear the bracelet now. Men and woman, young and old alike, should express their support to this endeavor. After all, the fight against cancer is universal. No one can confidently say that she is 100% immune from breast cancer. It may affect you, or someone you love. So whatever support that you give now will actually benefit everybody else, including you.