Headlines carried beneath our newspaper’s flag emblazoned in rare pink last week spoke of the “War” against breast cancer, “Pinking out” in Austintown, and “Warriors” who gathered for the large annual luncheon intended to honor local breast cancer survivors.

It occurred to me too late that some readers might be puzzled about why the newspaper’s front page was awash in bright pink last Sunday. (Full disclosure, it actually struck me as I sat on my couch reading Sunday’s pink newspaper.)

No, the pink ink wasn’t in honor of “Barbie,” this summer’s hit motion picture. Actually, this is the way it’s been on the first of October each year for many years.

Like many others around the nation, we devote much coverage and attention to breast cancer during October, the month intended to raise awareness about the deadly disease that affects so many people nationwide.

But, you may ask, just how many?

The American Cancer Society estimates about 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed this year in women in the United States. About 55,720 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) will be diagnosed. And, sadly, about 43,700 women will die from breast cancer.

But not all the news is bad. In fact, these days, many, many women who fight this scourge are beating it.

I volunteered at this year’s Pink Ribbon Tea on Monday, a luncheon held to honor local breast cancer survivors. This year, more than 400 people were in attendance, including hundreds of breast cancer survivors invited to attend free of charge.

The event, sponsored by The Junior League of the Mahoning Valley each October, is now in its 29th year. It was founded to provide hope, support and inspiration for breast cancer survivors.

During the final minutes of the event-filled afternoon, the “survivor ceremony” was held in which breast cancer survivors were called upon to stand, group by group, based on the number of years since they first were diagnosed.

Just one woman stood when the first group was called upon — those diagnosed this year. But as the years went on, more and more people stood until the final group, those diagnosed more than 40 years ago, was called upon.

It sent a powerful message about how far medical research has come to extending the life for people who have been diagnosed.

Still, though, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death in women, the American Cancer Society states. Only lung cancer kills more women each year. The chance that a woman will die from breast cancer is about 1 in 39 (about 2.5%).

However, breast cancer death rates have been decreasing steadily since 1989, for an overall decline of 43% through 2020. The decrease in death rates is believed to be the result of finding breast cancer earlier through screening and increased awareness, as well as better treatments. However, the decline has slowed slightly in recent years.

I suspect that might be due to the fact that many women stopped their annual screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I urge you not to put your health second — as women often do. Please, eat healthy, exercise and make sure to undergo regular breast cancer screenings deemed appropriate for your age and health condition. Check with your family doctor for advice. The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are gender — being a woman — and growing older. Breast cancer remains a killer, but, as always, early detection and treatment remain the best defense in fighting the disease.

Also, get educated. Learn about cancer screenings and what to look for. Know the risks, and work toward early detection, which makes cancer more treatable.

Breast cancer awareness events will be held around the region all month, all intended to lift up, honor or raise funds to help pay for unforeseen expenses that come with the disease.

Frankly, it’s awe-inspiring to see the love and generosity that exist in our Mahoning Valley.

As our newspaper has done for the past several years, this year we again will do our part in honoring these people by telling the stories of survivors each Tuesday on our “pinked out” Health page throughout October.

blinert@tribtoday.com