Cancer, Causes, and Cures

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, pink's promoted everywhere—not just in women’s clothing but NFL uniforms as well—all in hopes of raising money for a cure. Why do we wear pink and not blue for that guy-cancer? And why wear ribbons to make us aware?

I don’t need reminding. October 1990 I spotted a billboard advertising free mammograms. I scheduled one, keenly aware of this cancer’s cruelty. My mom lie dying of it. Her mother also had breast cancer, making my sister and I what the medical community calls “high risk”

Today marks the anniversary of two events: Our twin son’s birthdays, and Mom’s passing into eternity. We celebrated life and death the same day. The day after we buried Mom, I went for my mammogram.

The technician saw my grief and asked if I was okay. I wasn’t and explained why. Extra eyes examined my films, and a compassionate radiologist shared that a suspicious spot needing follow-up was detected. That first step led to others, including an oncologist and eventual lumpectomy.

No, I don’t wear a pink ribbon. I have, however, been deeply affected by the disease. It didn’t look very “pink” to me. Cancer’s ugly—in any form. If folks need an awareness ribbon or month to remind them to take care of themselves or a loved one, so be it. 

Has cancer touched your life? Wouldn’t a cure be wonderful? But Hope exists whether a cure is found or not—through salvation in Jesus Christ. And should you know Him and find yourself dealing with cancer, view the places it takes you as opportunities to spread hope to folks who need it.