5 Ways to Show Support During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been celebrated every October since 1985. The goal of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to teach women about breast cancer and promote early detection methods.
If you are an American woman living in the United States, you likely know someone who has been affected by breast cancer.
This is because 1 in 8 women in the U.S. is at risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.
According to the National Breast Cancer Coalition:
In 2020 there were 684,996 deaths from breast cancer globally.
Excluding basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the U.S.
Every thirteen minutes, a woman dies from breast cancer.
As of 2019, there were an estimated 3.8 million individuals living with a history of breast cancer in the United States.
Even if you haven’t been affected by breast cancer, these numbers show that breast cancer is a real concern for many women, and all the more reason we should support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Wear Pink
October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month are synonymous with the color pink.
According to Cancer.org, “During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and throughout the year—people wear pink ribbons to honor survivors, remember those lost to the disease, and to support the progress we are making together to defeat breast cancer.”
The simple act of wearing a pink ribbon shows your support. You may even want to have a “wear pink” day to show support in the office or the classroom.
Get a Mammogram
Possibly one of the best ways to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to take care of your own boobs.
If you are 40 years old, it is time to start your annual breast cancer screenings.
If you are under 40 years old and have a risk of breast cancer due to family history, your doctor may want you to begin annual screenings.
Don’t worry! Mammograms are not as scary as you think they are!
Participate in an Event
There are tons of Breast Cancer Awareness events, such as fundraising walks.
By participating in these events, you raise money for cancer research and show your support for those who have suffered from breast cancer.
Plus, many of these events give you a firsthand opportunity to meet breast cancer survivors and hear their powerful stories.
Donate to a Chemo Ward
In addition to donating financially to a research group you trust, consider donating physical items to a local chemo ward.
They are often in need of blankets, scarves, hats, and pillows for patients.
Create a Fundraiser
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also an opportunity to make your own fundraiser. Facebook makes it easy to donate to a charity you support and encourage your followers to participate.
In addition, you can create your own fundraisers, such as a pink lemonade stand or a pink fashion show for the ladies in the neighborhood.
What are you doing to raise awareness? What are you doing to take action for yourself?
