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Wear Something Pink or Blue on Wednesday, October 21, 2020
For close to two decades the Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) has recognized the strong individuals touched by cancer by asking residents to wear something pink or blue for Pretty in Pink, Handsome in Blue Day. This year the date is set for Wednesday, October 21, 2020.
“Cancer is a terrible disease that impacts the lives of so many people every day in Ocean County,” explains Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health. “In an effort to show support to those individuals we encourage everyone to wear something pink or blue for the day to show your support to these brave individuals and their loved ones.”
The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2020, more than 53,000 New Jerseyans would be diagnosed with cancer and more than 15,000 would die from the disease. It’s estimated that a total of 606,520 Americans will succumb to cancer in 2020. What are the most common types of cancer? With the exception of skin cancer, breast cancer continues to top the list with more than 270,000 people expected to be diagnosed in the United States this year. Additionally, 1 in 8 women and 1 in 833 men will develop the disease in their lifetime.
“Just about everyone has someone in their lives whether a family member, friend, neighbor or co-worker that has been diagnosed with some form of cancer,” says Daniel Regenye, OCHD Public Health Coordinator/Health Officer. “Along with wearing something pink or blue on Wednesday, let’s take a few minutes to remember those people who battled or continue their fight against cancer. It’s a disease that doesn’t discriminate and in many instances gives little or no warning that’s why early detection is the best way to save lives.”
Early detection and prevention is a key strategy across the board especially now more than ever as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The sooner your doctor can detect any health issue you may have then the better chance there is for a medical solution. Furthermore, doctors are serious when they advise that in many cases prevention can be the best medicine.
Let this Pretty in Pink, Handsome and Blue Day inspire you to meet with your health care provider to discuss potential cancer and other possible health risks. Many diseases such as cancer can strike anyone at anytime, but individuals can help themselves by trying to live a healthy lifestyle by eating right, exercising, and not smoking.
“The good news is there have been significant advances in cancer treatments over the last several years and people are living longer,” added Regenye. “On October 21, Ocean County will salute all the people that have had to struggle with cancer. Let them know you care by adding a little pink or blue to your wardrobe that day.”
The Pretty in Pink, Handsome in Blue Day is sponsored by the Ocean County Health Department, Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Long Beach Island Health Department, Family Planning Center of Ocean County, Ocean Monmouth Health Alliance, Ocean County Library System, New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection Program (NJ CEED) and the Ocean County Office of Senior Services.
Furthermore, in partnership with the NJ CEED Program, the OCHD provides important cancer screening services, such as physical breast and cervical examinations, Pap smears, and colorectal cancer screening kits at no cost for uninsured or underinsured residents. To assess your eligibility or to schedule an appointment, please contact the OCHD Clinic Services division at (732) 341-9700 ext. 7604.
To find out more about Pretty in Pink, Handsome in Blue Day, please visit the www.ochd.org or follow us on Twitter@OCpublichealth or on Facebook. Also, please check out our sister website at www.phu2.org, to access and learn more about our Public Health is You Too! campaign to help equip you to take simple steps to improve your health.
