Did you drive past Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) at about 9.15pm yesterday? If you did, and you were paying attention, you might have witnessed something momentous – the historic Sultan Abdul Samad Building bathed in a pink glow.
Interestingly, that shade of pink happens to be the favourite colour of our current Prime Minister’s wife. But she was not the reason the iconic building was bathed in pink. It was part of the Estee Lauder Companies’ Global Landmarks Initiative to draw attention to and spread awareness about breast cancer and how early detection saves lifes.
Yes ladies, we’re in October, in case you have not noticed, and it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month again.
The Estee Lauder Group of Companies takes Pink for October very seriously, with lots of activities lined up to raise awareness about breast cancer and to educate women about how early detection can save lives.
This year, Malaysia’s participation in the Global Landmarks Initiative sees 2 iconic buildings illuminated – the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the KL Tower. And by some quirk of fate… or just good angles, here’s a shot of both of them in the same frame!
The KL Tower will display pink lights for the whole month of October, while the Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad will be periodically lighted pink for this period. I’m not sure when these “periodic lighting” will take place but if you do happen to catch sight of it, do remember that it is not just a pretty sight, its a reminder to all women to go home and feel your boobies.
If you aren’t sure how to go about performing a self breast examination, you can learn how at the free health checks and health talks at MidValley Megamall (Oct 8-10) and 1 Utama (Oct 15-17).
Remember ladies, its our bodies and we are responsible for ourselves. Breast cancer can be detected early through regular breast self-examination once a month. And early detection means early treatment and that can save lives.
So I know, the whole pinking of October can get very numbing. We are bombarded by visuals and products left and right in various shades of pink, ostensibly for the breast cancer awareness cause. How much of is it is for commercial gain, and how much of it goes towards cancer research? Its the question I ask all the time. A pink toaster just doesn’t cut it in the awareness stakes, for me.
So buy, if you must. Or don’t if you are like me and don’t believe in how commercial something important like breast cancer awareness has become.
But don’t let it change the message you should take away from the warm pink fug – we can fight breast cancer and we can survive breast cancer. We just have to detect it early – and that starts with a monthly breast self examination and an annual mammogram (if you are over 40).
So, have you touched yourself yet? 😉
Paris B
rinnah says
October 6, 2010 at 9:07 amI do check my boobies, but I’m not sure if I’m doing it right. 😛
And yes, I do get a bit sick of all the pink stuff companies throw at consumers in the name of breast cancer awareness.
ParisB says
October 6, 2010 at 9:12 amThe next time you go for a check up, ask the doctor. They will usually be able to help you see if you are doing it right 🙂 And yesterday, I saw pink camping gear. Camping gear?! I ask you! What’s that got to do with Breast Cancer Awareness?!
Hanny says
October 6, 2010 at 9:13 amFunnily enough, the doctors I went to see all were shocked when I went to see them for some eczema on “the girls”. They immediately taught me how to do the BSE ahahahaha ^.^ (They thought I had cancer then)
ParisB says
October 6, 2010 at 9:29 amBetter to be safe (and paranoid) than sorry! 🙂 Glad it was just eczema and the upshot is that you now know how to do your own examination! 😉
Jenn says
October 6, 2010 at 9:26 amOff topic, but everytime i hear that Touch My Body song, I am reminded by the Korean dude who sang the same song! Oh dear… =X
The buildings look pretty!! 😀 I wish they would do something like that in Penang!! 🙂
ParisB says
October 6, 2010 at 9:30 amSadly, me too Jenn! 😛 Who knows – maybe EL will take things up North in the coming years? 🙂
Tine says
October 6, 2010 at 9:28 amI had one done by my GP when I was having my pap smear. It hurt!
Now I just leave to the, erm, husband. Mostly I think the bugger’s just trying to cop a feel 😛
Okok, TMI! 😀
ParisB says
October 6, 2010 at 9:31 amROFLOL!!! Perhaps for clarity dearie you could mention the husband’s a doctor? 😉 Not everyone’s husband will be able to perform the examination without er… potentially copping a feel 😉
Connie says
October 6, 2010 at 9:39 amROFL! Pink toaster? seriously? How creative =.=
Ahh…. The Bangunan Abdul Samad was so beautiful in pink. Loved how they chose to illuminate it — from one side to the other
ParisB says
October 6, 2010 at 9:53 amYes – they can pink anything! I just saw pink camping gear just for this period. Sigh…
Jessica says
October 6, 2010 at 3:30 pm*thumbs up* Just to share a lil here.
Lots of women are not aware that it is utmost important to perform self-examination and if you’re above 40, better go for a mammogram. The government subsidises mammogram in selected govt.clinic/hospitals.
My experience is that I do see many breast cancer survivors and most of them have the same story: They noticed they had a small lump but were too afraid to seek diagnosis/treatment. Some went for traditional treatment( massage). Many left it too long and had to undergo mastectomy. Some were favourable, some not.
My advice is to ‘touch yourself more’ and breast examination is just so simple and no equipment needed, only your hands! Remember, early detection makes a whole lot of difference.
ParisB says
October 6, 2010 at 6:05 pmThanks for sharing, Jessica! I think its better to be paranoid than sorry
Yani says
October 6, 2010 at 11:20 pmThe buildings look lovely, and I think that Estee Lauder does such a great job every year on breast cancer awareness! I’ve had two scares – one involved going under the knife – and I wouldn’t have realised this had I not performed monthly self-checks. So yes girls, listen to Miss B!
ParisB says
October 7, 2010 at 11:31 amThanks for sharing Yani! I’m so glad it was just an unwarranted scare for you!