The Importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Every October, we are bombarded with pink ribbons and products. From NFL players donning pink gloves to fast food restaurants selling pink drinks, it's hard to escape the sea of pink that surrounds us during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But why is breast cancer awareness so important? And what can we do to help? Let's take a look.
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the United States, behind skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. In 2020, an estimated 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 48,530 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
In addition to raising awareness, October is also a time to raise money for research and support services for those affected by breast cancer. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, only 8% of the money raised for breast cancer goes towards research. The rest goes towards education, screening and treatment programs, and survivorship support services.
So how can you help make a difference this October? Here are a few ideas:
1. Donate to a reputable breast cancer charity like the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
2. Purchase a product from a company that supports breast cancer awareness and research, like Estee Lauder or Avon.
3. Participate in a local fundraising event like a walk/run or bake sale.
4. Wear pink throughout the month to show your support!
5. Spread the word on social media using hashtags like #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth or #BCAM.
6. Teach your friends and family members about breast cancer risks and early detection methods like monthly self-breast exams and clinical breast exams.
7 .Make an appointment for a mammogram if you are due for one or think you may be at high risk for developing breast cancer.
8 .Volunteer your time at a local hospital or hospice center that provides care for breast cancer patients.
9 .Write letters of encouragement to women currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
10 .Pray for those affected by breast cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, medical professionals, researchers, etc.—and their families during this difficult time.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important time to raise money for research and support services while also raising awareness about this disease that affects so many women (and men) around the world. You can help make a difference this October by donating to a reputable charity, purchasing products from companies that support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, participating in local fundraising events, wearing pink throughout the month, spreading the word on social media, teaching your friends and family about risks and early detection methods, making an appointment for a mammogram if you are due for one, volunteering your time at a local hospital or hospice center that provides care for breast cancer patients, writing letters of encouragement to women currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer, or praying for those affected by this disease—patients, survivors, caregivers, medical professionals, researchers etc.—and their families during this difficult time..