Haven't You Got Your Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet Yet? By Shannan Barrett

By now you should be familiar with the yellow 'LiveStrong' rubber cancer awareness bracelets. They were popularized by seven-time Tour de France cycling champion and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong. The money from their proceeds goes for cancer research.

If he has planning to pitchfork cancer awareness into society's consciousness, Lance Armstrong has done a really good job. His rubber bracelets are ubiquitous today, an ever present awareness tool for cancer, and a fund-raising tool for cancer research.

Among cancer awareness bracelets, next to Armstrong's rubber wristbands come the breast cancer awareness bracelets. However, unlike the 'LiveStrong' rubber band bracelets, these breast cancer awareness bracelets come in different colors. The most popular color for breast cancer awareness bracelets is pink.

But why pink? There is a story behind it: Charlotte Haley, a 68-year-old woman, began making and distributing peach ribbons in the 1990s with cards that read: "The National Cancer Institute annual budget is $1.8 billion, only 5 percent goes for cancer prevention. Help us wake up our legislators and America by wearing this ribbon." Haley's daughter, sister and grandmother had breast cancer. Selfmagazine wanted to use Haley's ribbon but she refused saying they were too commercial. The magazine came up with another color then -- pink. Focus groups say pink is 'soothing, comforting and healing.' Soon the pink ribbon became the worldwide symbol for breast cancer, and Charlotte Haley's peach ribbon was history.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. says that more than 211,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in America in 2005. Of these 43,300 will die. One woman in eight either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. In addition, 1,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 400 will die this year.

However, the breast cancer awareness bracelets can come in all colors, a rainbow of them, depending on the organization or charity selling them. These bracelets usually have some message, such as 'Support Breast Cancer Research And Education' stamped on them.

Well, the breast cancer awareness bracelets needn't be made of rubber or silicone either. The bracelets can be made of pearl, or cats eye, or metal, or any other suitable material. There are even stainless steel breast cancer awareness bracelets! The difference between them is, of course, the price. The rubber ones would sell for around $1 a piece. The metal ones would sell higher. Some pearl breast cancer awareness bracelets sell for around $30 a piece. Such bracelets serve two purposes -- they are jewelry and also spread the message of charity and breast cancer research.

The advantage with rubber breast cancer awareness bracelets, apart from the price, is that they are infinitely customizable. Yes, you can order them in any color and with any message stamped on them. You needn't take them off while washing or playing -- they are all-weather bracelets. And you don't have to worry about losing them, unlike the pearl or cats eye ones.

The rubber breast cancer awareness bracelets can be ordered in bulk or bought in packets of a dozen or so from many Web sites.

Shannan Barrett is an avid reader and market researcher. She dedicates much of her free time helping the underprivileged and finds the charitable aspect of the 'bracelet craze' amazing, especially with Lance Armstrong’s 'Live Strong' foundation. Barrett analyzes why breast cancer awareness bracelets are becoming ubiquitous, and why they come mostly in pink color. Learn more about breast cancer at http://www.a1-awareness-bracelets.com/breast-cancer-awareness-bracelet.html Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannan_Barrett

Making A Difference: Rubber Bracelet Jewelry by Art Gib

Jewelry has always been a way for people to express their individuality. Starlets walking the red carpet at awards ceremonies are always eager to show off the latest in high end sparklers on their ears, wrists, and necks. The creations worn by these women are almost always one-of-a-kind and the stars like it that way. But a relatively recent trend has shown that the most popular jewelry nowadays is not intended to display just individuality, rather, it is also meant to show unity with thousands of other people in support for a cause.

In the last decade, there has been a virtual explosion in the wearing of cause-related jewelry। The type most often seen is the rubber bracelet. Groups of people might wear one in support of Breast Cancer Awareness, world peace, AIDS prevention, save the oceans: the possibilities are literally limitless. This type of jewelry can be both an individual expression of belief and a communal togetherness endeavor.

The idea of wearing an accessory as a universal show of support is not a new one: during the 1980's, celebrities and other concerned folks wore red ribbons on their lapels to keep the world thinking about the AIDS epidemic. The concept of rubber bracelets worn to

spotlight a cause was made popular by champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, who was never without his "Live Strong" jewelry।

The idea was first adopted by charitable groups who looked to the sale of these products as a mean to raise funds for their worthy endeavors। The group could pay a manufacturer to mass produce a unique bracelet in a specially chosen color, imprinted with a logo or a saying. A percentage from the sale of this jewelry goes to the charity, and supporters have a visual means whereby they can show their devotion to a cause.

Rubber bracelets have since evolved into a way to advertise, promote or celebrate just about anything, from a favorite university to a golden anniversary। It's not unusual to see teenagers wearing an assortment of colored bands on their lower arms: they have become the ultimate must-have accessory, and they're comfortable too!

The affordability and current popularity of such jewelry

make it a great fundraiser for any group or organization. The bracelets are a public show of belief or support, and their visibility encourages people to ask questions about them when they see them being worn। Rubber bracelets and other types of such jewelry have become a part of our culture, and have gone a long way toward increasing public awareness about some very worthy causes.

About the Author
For the very best in cause-related peace jewelry, check out the wide variety of styles and colors available through Fadia Otte (http://www.safeworldpeacenow.com/). Art Gib is a freelance writer.

When Understanding and Jewelry Meet: The Breast Cancer Bracelet by Ann Knapp

We know early detection is the key to successfully fighting a breast cancer diagnosis. This is especially true because in its early stages, breast cancer has little or no symptoms, but as a tumor develops, the following signs may appear. But keep in mind, while there warning signs may exist, a cancer diagnosis can only be made by a physician.

Generally, the first apparent symptom of breast cancer is a lump in the breast or underarm that does not go away. Breast lumps are painless, although some breast cancer patients report experiencing a prickly sensation. However, some pain or tenderness may indicate a tumor that is unseen or can't be felt. This is why a mammogram is so important in a women's health regimen, as lumps are typically visible on the test long before they are seen or felt by the woman.

Changes in the appearance of the breast can also indicate a possible tumor. For instance, an indentation in the breast, changes in size or contour, or the appearance of a reddish, pitted surface can indicate the presence of breast cancer. Any area that may appear to be distinctly different from other areas on the breast may also indicate the presence of cancer.

A woman experiencing persistent pain or the presence of an abnormal lump should contact a physician. The abnormalities may turn out to be nothing serious, but it takes a qualified professional and the appropriate screening to make that determination. Additionally, the presence of tenderness and/or swelling in the lymph glands underneath the armpit could also point towards possible breast cancer.

Thankfully, with early detection, many women survive breast cancer these days. However, there are still many unknowns to face when a diagnosis is made. Some find coping easier with hard numbers and statistics. Others find this sort of information unhelpful and perhaps overwhelming. It's important to remember that in the end, a person's prognosis can change if the cancer progresses or if treatment is successful.

What's undeniable is that more than ever, these breast cancer diagnoses have far-reaching effects. Thankfully, the work for a cure is reaching far and wide as well. Family and friends of breast cancer patients who want to raise awareness of the disease and show their support have many ways in which to do so. One especially popular choice is cancer awareness jewelry. The jewelry not only symbolizes an individual's fight with cancer, but proceeds from the purchase of breast cancer jewelry make funds available for research and a hopeful cure. Breast cancer bracelets are a great way to show support and the choices are endless. Of course, everyone knows the symbol for the fight of breast cancer is the famous pink ribbon. Breast cancer bracelets come in a wide array of styles and many feature the pink ribbon charm. A breast cancer bracelet adorned with the pink ribbon is a wonderful reminder of a family's love and support during such a critical time. Or consider a charm bracelet decorated with meaningful charms, including the Angel of Hope charm.

In addition to the emotional support a breast cancer bracelet provides, those who invest in these bracelets are also lending their support to finding a cure. One European jewelry designer famous for the modular charm bracelet, including their Angel of Hope and pink ribbon charms, donate a portion of sales to the Susan G. Komen For The Cure. The charm bracelet jewelry donated a total of $25,000 to the organization, which included a portion of its sales from the breast cancer charms.

While there is nothing beautiful about cancer, that doesn't mean a friend or loved one in the fight of her life shouldn't be reminded that her life is both beautiful and meaningful. A carefully chosen breast cancer bracelet, such as a charm bracelet, can provide the encouragement and inspiration the cancer patient needs. A friend or family member might also choose an identical breast cancer bracelet to show their support. This support is priceless - and may help lead to a cure.

About the Author

Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. Pandora charms, Pandora bracelets and Pandora beads are only a part of the collection. For more information, Lewis Jewelers, 2000 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103, 877-88-LEWIS or visit the website.