The Good Bead company wants you to show your support for the fight against breast cancer with their pink ribbon collection.

Here at The Good Bead we believe supporting the community never looked so good. We are focused on supporting worthy causes by custom creating high-quality, affordable products that engage consumers and raise awareness in the community.

The Good Beads new product Fondangles are quite possibly the most unique line of cell phone straps available. Their unique designs, high quality materials and optional o-ring make will attach to almost any cell phone. The Good Bead will be donating a percentage of sales from Fondangles to the Young Survival Coalition. Fondangles will be available beginning July 9th at Best Buys stores in New York City (Madison Avenue, Union Square, Noho, and 86th & Lexington); Riverside, CA (Tyler Street and Canyon Springs Parkway); Jacksonville, FL; Kennesaw, GA; Douglasville, GA; Atlanta, GA; and Peachtree, GA.

I usually check the Young Survival Coalition message boards everyday. Even though I am five years out from my cancer diagnosis, this is a place I love to go to for support and also to help other young women who are newly diagnosed.

I hope that I can be helpful in some way, maybe by answering questions or just telling the girls that I did have a positive lymph node and I'm still here with no recurrence at this time. I know that when I was first diagnosed, one of the important things to me was finding someone with the same diagnosis that was years out from chemotherapy and doing fine.

There was a poll that was done by one of the board members. I found it to be interesting. The question put out to the women on the YSC message board was -- How old were you when diagnosed with breast cancer?

Katie is a member of the Young Survival Coalition. She agreed to do an interview about her breast cancer journey. She blogs here, when I just checked her blog she had a funny post to share about how her cleaning lady likes to party.

"i left an ativan on the bookcase last week.
she put it in the candy bowl."

How did you find out you had breast cancer?
In November 2006, I had an excisional biopsy to remove what I had been told was a fibroadenoma. A few days after the surgery I went back to the surgeon to have some stitches removed. At the time I was so convinced it was benign that I didn't think to be nervous about getting the results of the pathology report. When my surgeon told me it was cancer, I didn't get upset. I just really had no idea what "cancer" meant, as it was nothing I had ever thought about happening to me. I spent the rest of the day in shock - I didn't even cry. Incidentally, it was the same day as my nine-year anniversary with my husband. We ate a very expensive dinner in complete silence.

Is there a link between breast cancer and abortion? This is the first of I've heard of it -- and I consider myself fairly well-versed in the topic of breast cancer. Maybe I missed a beat somewhere along the line.

Think about this:

There is a Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer out there and Karen Malec, head of the group, says there would be far fewer breast cancer cases and deaths if women had been told the truth in the 1980s when conclusive evidence linked abortion with the disease.

Malec reports that government scientists wrote a letter in 1986 to the British journal Lancet, acknowledging that abortion causes breast cancer. She says as of 2006, eight medical organizations had recognized abortion as one cause of the disease.

Now this has nothing to do with delaying pregnancy until later in life -- also a known risk factor. Abortion stands on its own and is problematic because carrying a pregnancy to term is what protects against breast cancer, says Malec.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) does not agree and stands behind several studies backed by strong data concluding induced abortions have no overall effect on the risk of breast cancer.

Malec says such studies are seriously flawed.

"We call on the Society and other cancer businesses to put their priorities in order," she says. "Women's lives and cancer prevention are more important than making money, doing cancer walks, and protecting the abortion and pharmaceutical industries."

Malec also condemns Susan G. Komen For the Cure for donating money to Planned Parenthood -- a group she calls the nation's leading abortion business.

"It's unthinkable that groups that claim to want to eradicate the disease would help fund a cancer-causing organization, especially when the funds could be directed to legitimate health organizations."

Unthinkable? I'm not sure.

I need to think about it.

On February 5, the President cut about $11 billion from the National Cancer Institute budget. On March 20, one group -- the Colorectal Cancer Coalition or C3 -- will ask Congress to return some of this money.

Colorectal cancer advocates from all over the country will descend upon Washington DC on this day, in honor of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Their plan of action on behalf of C3's first-ever Call-On Congress includes meeting with members of Congress face to face, discussing cancer research and prevention funding, and informing these powerful people that the time to cure cancer is now.

These advocates have a lot to accomplish -- and they need your help. So they ask that while they are rallying in DC that you lend your support with a few simple phone calls.

On Tuesday, March 20, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, pick up your phone and call two Senators and one Representative. Tell them now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of the cancer cause.

C3 offers a step-by-step guide for making yourself heard. The group will help you locate your specific legislators and provides a script for what to say and how to say it.

"The more people who call on March 20th and ask for Congress to make funding the war on cancer a priority, the better for us all," says one advocate.

A little bit of education goes a long way, especially in the war against cancer. Armed with facts and figures and know-how, we can help advance prevention and early detection of this deadly disease.

So in the spirit of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, here are seven truths that serve to broaden your horizons about the third most common cancer found in men and women in this country.

As you read these truths, be aware that the death rate from colorectal cancer has been on a downward climb for the past 15 years due to better screening, fewer diagnosed cases, early detection, and more advanced treatment. Keep in mind that you can help keep this trend going by raising your own awareness and by taking action on behalf of yourself and your loved ones.

• Colorectal cancer refers to cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. These cancers begin in the digestive system where food is processed to create energy and rid the body of solid waste matter.

• Colorectal cancers develop slowly over a period of years and mostly begin in the form of polyps -- growths of tissue that start in the lining and grow into the center of the colon or rectum. Removing polyps early may prevent them from becoming cancerous. More than 95 percent of colon and rectal cancers are called adenocarcinomas.

• For people of average risk, screening is recommended beginning at age 50. Those whose risk is higher than average should talk with a physician about appropriate screening.

• Screening is used to detect disease in people who do not have any symptoms. In many cases, screening tests find colorectal cancers at an early stage and greatly improve the chances of successful treatment. Screening tests can prevent some cancers by allowing doctors to find and remove polyps that might become cancer. There are several tests used to look for colorectal cancer. Ask your doctor what test is best for you.

• Treatment for colorectal cancer includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and newer targeted therapies.

• The American Cancer Society predicts there will be 112,340 new cases of colon cancer and 41,420 new cases of rectal cancer in 2007 in the United States. Combined, the diseases will cause about 52,180 deaths.

• The Colorectal Cancer Coalition -- or C3 -- is a national organization whose mission is to eliminate suffering and death due to colon and rectal cancer through advocacy. Visit here for more information.

The material shared in this post was gathered from the websites of the American Cancer Society and the Colorectal Cancer Coalition.

Unique Issues of Lesbian and Bisexual Cancer Survivors is a panel discussion hosted by the Young Survival Coalition and The Mautner Project. It is a free national teleconference to discuss the unique and various ways a cancer diagnosis affects young lesbian and bisexual women.

Feel free to join health care professionals and survivor advocates as they address various issues faced by young lesbian and bisexual women throughout their cancer experience.

Topics will include:

• Finding the support and resources you need
• Coming out to health care providers
• Tips on finding a culturally competent provider
• How chemotherapy may affect fertility
• Understanding fertility options for cancer survivors
• Coping with physical changes after cancer treatment

Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Time: 8:00 pm - 9:30pm ET

RSVP: diversity@youngsurvival.org or 649-257-3006

Upon registration you will receive a teleconference call-in number.

The YSC produces a variety of educational materials which provide information on breast cancer in young women and the issues relevant to this population. Brochures: Changing the Face of Breast Cancer: Provides an overview of the YSC and its programs and outlines how, through Action, Advocacy and Awareness, the YSC works to change the face of breast cancer and increase the quality and quantity of life for all young women affected by breast cancer. Spanish version also available. YSC Educational Brochure -- "What Every Young Woman Needs to Know about Breast Cancer": Offers important information on young women and breast cancer including statistics and what a young woman should do if she feels a lump. This brochure is a resource for all young women and the members of the medical community who serve them. Spanish version also available. YSC ResourceLink Brochure -- Provides an overview of YSC's ResourceLink program, which provides peer support, information and resources to young women affected by breast cancer, their family and friends and health care professionals. Fact Sheets: YSC Fact Sheets provide basic and important information on young women and breast cancer and highlights some of the most critical issues affecting this population. The Fact Sheets give introductions to specific issues, answer the most common questions, and provide resources for further information. Fact Sheet Topics: Hereditary Breast Cancer Inflammatory Breast Cancer Young Women and Breast Cancer

DVDs/Videos:

YSC DVDs/videos are appropriate for young women at any stage of diagnosis, including those who are at increased risk but who have not been diagnosed with the disease, as well as their family members and caregivers. Medical professionals will find them informative and supportive and may want to use them as a resource for your patients and colleagues as well as place them in your medical center's resource libraries.

The Beautiful 8: Learning To Live with Advanced Breast Cancer

The YSC's newest educational DVD presents an intimate discussion among eight young women diagnosed with breast cancer. Join them on this journey filled with hope, fear, laughter, anxiety and determination to live life to the fullest. To order a copy, please send your full name and address to YWABC@youngsurvival.org or call 877-YSC-1011.

Fighting for Our Future

"Fighting for Our Future" is the only comprehensive survival guide for young women diagnosed with breast cancer, doctors, and caregivers. The Lifetime Television original documentary of the same name chronicles the lives of three young women with breast cancer and how they deal with issues such as dating and sexuality; fertility and pregnancy concerns; and mortality at a young age. It also chronicles the formation of the YSC and the movement behind young women and breast cancer.

This video also has a companion book entitled Fighting For Our Future.

You Are Not Alone

The YSC's educational video is an intimate conversation with six young women diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age. The companion resource guide, published in collaboration with the New York/Bronx division of the American Cancer Society, provides support, education, and hope for young women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Please note: a limited number of VHS tapes are available; contact info@youngsurvival.org for information.

Breast Cancer Legacy

"Breast Cancer Legacy" focuses on the role that genetics and family history play in young women affected by breast cancer. The documentary tells the story of four young women and their families while illustrating the psychological, medical, ethical and interpersonal issues these women face as they confront their family histories of cancer and make life-altering decisions about their futures.

In addition to the film, the YSC has created a fact sheet on hereditary breast cancer in conjunction with FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered,a non profit organization focused on education of risk and family history of breast cancer.

Publications

Fighting for Our Future

The companion book to the film "Fighting For Our Future" is available from the YSC and in bookstores. "Fighting for Our Future" is the only comprehensive survival guide for young women diagnosed with breast cancer, doctors, and caregivers. The Lifetime Television original documentary of the same name chronicles the lives of young women with breast cancer and how they deal with issues such as dating and sexuality; fertility and pregnancy concerns; and mortality at a young age.

Young Perspective Newsletter

Our informative newsletter contains updates on how the YSC is carrying out its mission of improving the quality and quantity of life for young women affected by breast cancer through action, advocacy and awareness.

The York Mints "Designer Series" tins are the ultimate fashion accessory. Celebrity designers Nicky Hilton and Nicole Miller created two fresh new York Mints designer tins exclusively to benefit the Young Survival Coalition (YSC). The intricately designed tins house the latest mint offering from York, featuring a soft mint center surrounded by a layer of dark chocolate and hard-candy shell.

Hilton's tin features a chic black and white design with a muted floral pattern, capturing the essence of her signature style. Miller's tin has a black and cream intricately designed palette following suit of her Spring 2007 collection.

Each tin features the designers' signature and will retail for $25 with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the YSC.

The Colorectal Cancer Coalition will visit the New York Stock Exchange tomorrow -- Monday, March 5, 2007 -- and will ring in the start of the business day.

Executive director Carlea Bauman will ring the NYSE Opening Bell in honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and you don't have to be in New York to witness the wonder of it all. Just click here and follow instructions for viewing a live webcast of The Opening Bell. It all begins at 9:25 AM Eastern Standard Time. You can also tune it to CNBC for coverage of the event.

The Colorectal Cancer Coalition, also known as C3 and headquartered in Washington DC, pushes for research to improve screening, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer; for policy decisions that make the most effective colon and rectal cancer prevention and treatment available to all; and for increased awareness that colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable.

These unique cards were developed by Denae Boromei Ottmann. Sadly, Denae passed away on December 13, 2006, at thirty six years old. She leaves behind her husband and four month old daughter. Denae took an active role in multiple organizations such as the Young Survival Coalition, The Cancer Institute, and was a guest speaker at multiple breast awareness campaigns.

Denae was the fourth generation in her family to receive a breast cancer diagnosis. She was diagnosed at the age of thirty two. She says she developed the chemo cards with one specific goal in mind: to make your friend or loved one smile during the difficult journey of chemotherapy

A series of six greeting cards are designed to provide support and encouragement. Several cards also include a fill-in space where you can count the number of remaining treatments.

Cancer knows no cure, no month, no age and no boundaries. That is, until it met ghd. In just over a month, ghd North America has already raised over $75,000 to support the Young Survival Coalition (YSC) though its widely embraced power of pink iron campaign featuring rock royalty's Kimberly Stewart and Leah Wood. ghd is on a mission to fight cancer. Although October's pink ribbon month has come to a close, ghd is continuing to run the power of pink through February 14th, 2007, when the company will present a gift from the heart to YSC on Valentine's day -- a check for up to $150,000 to help in its fight against cancer.

Stylists and consumers alike can nab their own limited-edition original ceramic styling iron in sizzling hot-pink, at ghd salons through February 2007. $15 per every iron sold will support the Young Survival Coalition.