Yes I think so. My mother and no one in my family has thankfully never experienced it. However she is involved in a local charity that raises awareness for the disease but more importantly raises money so less fortunate people in town can receive free mammograms. From listening to her and her group over the years the biggest thing they preach is early detection and you can only get it by going to the doctor and getting a mammogram. From what I've heard it's not the most pleasant experience in the world something like two cold anvils squeezing down on you while taking images and it's a special test equipment unlike our yearly "poke", but I digress. Because of the early detection factor in saving lives and the possibility of earlier treatments it's an important reminder to women to get that yearly checkup. I think the point is not so much hey let's wear pink and raise MONEY or admit there's an issue (both great things though) but more like a cultural calendar reminder and also a time to think about those who have last loved ones.

Personally I wish the prostate movement would gain the same attention and be a similar type reminder for us men but I guess we just have to ask Siri to remind us.....