‘Pink Warriors’ Visit West Orange For Breast Cancer Awareness

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Township of West Orange. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

October has been recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month since 1985. It was created as an annual campaign to educate the public through awareness, honor survivors, and encourage greater action towards research. The PINK Breast Center with 16 Image Care Radiology centers in New Jersey brought their PINK Warriors to the steps of West Orange Town Hall this past Thursday to deliver their message of hope. It was one of 20 stops on their statewide tour spotlighting: Everything Else Can Wait. It markets the importance of mammograms to woman reminding them "Breast cancer doesn't wait, everything else can." It was the 3rd year for the Pink Warriors breast cancer awareness crusade.

Melanie Schowalter from the Mayor’s Office organized the event. Schowalter spoke of the Mayor’s support for the event and the importance of increasing awareness with the added significance of being the Township’s first woman Mayor. Several other speakers including Senior Public Health Nurse Michelle G. Jacobson-Malek from the Department of Health and Police Officer Karen Mango representing the Community Services Unit of the WOPD delivered brief remarks. Many Town Hall employees attended as a show of support as the message of early detection resonated for all in attendance.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, and it remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Early detection through regular screening and advances in medical treatments have improved survival rates. The PINK Warriors campaign reminds everyone regular self-examinations, clinical breast exams, and mammograms help detect abnormalities or tumors at early stages when treatment can be the most effective.

Although breast cancer is much more common in women it can develop in men and accounts for about 1% of all breast cancer cases. According to estimates, around 1 in 833 men may be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime further underscoring the importance of early detection.

The pink ribbon has become the universal symbol of breast cancer awareness, signifying hope, strength, and solidarity. Wearing the ribbon or pink clothing during October serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against the disease. The pink ribbon is both a symbol of support and a tribute to those who have lost their battle. Its profound empowerment also provides unconditional hope for untold numbers on the road to survival and the call to action to eradicate breast cancer.

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