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WFEC Employees Wear Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

You’ll see our linemen wearing a new accessory this month while they work – pink hard hats! Why would our tough guys wear pink? It’s all in the name of breast cancer awareness. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, you’ll see all of our linemen and other employees wearing something pink - whether that’s a pink hard hat, breast cancer pin or a pink bracelet, we’re doing this to help raise awareness about this disease that affects 1 in every 8 women and 1 in 1,000 men.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, but the good news is that when it is detected early, in the localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 99 percent. In 2016, it is estimated that 246,660 new
cases of invasive breast cancer will be discovered in women and 2,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be discovered in men. Breast cancer will likely cause 40,450 deaths in women and 440 in men, according to the Susan G. Komen® organization.

“Wearing pink hats gets people’s attention and we get the opportunity to tell them why and give them some information and encourage them to get the screenings they need,” said Tony Howard, a service man in WFEC’s Bonifay district.

Our linemen and all other employees encourage men and women of all ages to seek the type of screening appropriate for their age. Early detection of breast cancer is key, so discuss with your doctor what screening is most appropriate for you. Keep in mind, the warning signs of breast cancer are not the same for all women or men. Here are some things each gender should look for below:
Warning signs for men:
Breast cancer in men is rare, but it does happen, so look for these changes in your body:
• Lump, hard knot or thickening in the breast, chest or underarm area (usually painless, but may be tender)
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling, puckering or redness of the skin of the breast
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Pulling in of the nipple (inverted nipple) or other parts of the breast
• Nipple discharge (rare)

Some men may be embarrassed about a change in their breast or chest area and may put off seeing a doctor. But, this could result in a delay of diagnosis and survival is highest when breast cancer is detected early.

Warning signs for women:
• Lump, hard knot or thickening in the breast, chest or underarm area (usually painless, but may be tender)
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of your breast
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
• New pain in one spot that does not go away (breast pain is more common with benign breast conditions than with breast cancer, but the only way to know for sure is to see your doctor)

Conducting self-exams is very important. See a health care provider if you: 
• Find a new lump (or any change) that feels different from the rest of your breast
• Find a new lump (or any change) that feels different from your other breast
• Feel something that is different from what you felt before
• It’s best to see a provider if you are unsure about a new lump or any change

Although a lump or change may be nothing to worry about, you will have peace of mind if it is checked. If you’ve had a benign lump in the past, don’t assume a new lump will also be benign. It may not be breast cancer, but it is best to be sure.

“Our cooperative and our communities are blessed to have these men and women assisting in the cancer awareness effort,” said Russell Dunaway, Executive Vice President & CEO of West Florida Electric.

We sincerely hope that our “Power of Pink” campaign and seeing our linemen and other employees wearing their pink accessories will inspire someone to learn more about breast cancer, conduct a self-exam or seek screening.