Cancer awareness

Cape looks pretty in pink.

All sorts of businesses and organizations are showing support for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

A local styling shop went all out with an all-pink fundraiser. A supermarket is boosting awareness with pink grocery bags. Both hospitals are holding activities. A volleyball team is holding its "Dig for Life" fundraiser. And support groups will be meeting.

It is estimated that more than 178,000 women and 2,000 men will be diagnosed with new cases of breast cancer this year in the United States. Of those, more than 40,000 women and 450 men will die from the disease, according to a Web site designated to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Mammography testing is the best way to detect breast cancer. If you're a woman over 40, you should be having regular mammogram screening.

It is also recommended that women, in addition to performing self examinations every month, be examined by a doctor once a year.

With all of these pink reminders floating about the city, now is the time to put off the procrastination.