Ways to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

It’s likely you or someone you know has been touched by breast cancer. Either you’ve been diagnosed yourself or you have someone close to you that has been diagnosed with this horrific disease. According to breastcancer.org, about 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Also, besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. Just under 30% of cancers in women are breast cancers. Have you ever wondered what you can do to do make a difference and/or bring awareness to this disease? In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, today we’ll share share a few ways to do just that. Let’s rally for early detection and more research. Maybe one day we’ll see no more breast cancer!   In partnering with the American Cancer Society, the NFL has a program called A Crucial Catch. The main focus is the importance of annual screenings, especially in women over the age of 40. Players and coaches will wear apparel during games throughout October and then auction them off, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society’s Community Health Advocates National Grants for Empowerment (CHANGE) program. There are probably hundreds, if not thousands of different fundraisers in and around your local area for breast cancer research. Look them up and see how you can either donate or volunteer your time. Either resource would be greatly appreciated by the organization. Are you a runner? Long distances or not, maybe you can organize a group of gals {and guys} to run for the cause of simply spreading awareness. Look for a race in your area, sign up, collect fundraising and go run {or walk} your heart out for breast cancer! It certainly doesn’t have to be a marathon. If a 5K is all you think you can run, give it your all!

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We often think of breast cancer as a women’s disease. Unfortunately, breast cancer also effects men. About 1% of men will be diagnosed with the disease in his lifetime. While the numbers aren’t as staggering, as in women, they’re still there. Educating our dads, brothers, husbands and male friends is very important.

When is the last time you did a self-exam? Be honest. I’ll tell you that in doing the research for this post I realized it’s been YEARS since I last did an exam. Would it be weird for me to ask you to join me in making a change today? Let’s examine ourselves. Get to know your body. If you notice a difference, contact your doctor right away for a further look. Early detection is a key factor in survival.

As I stated before, statistics show that about 1 out of every 8 women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer during her lifetime, which is why early detection of breast cancer is key in treating this disease. In addition to yearly screening mammograms for women over the age of 40, many experts recommend that women should do regular breast self-exams.

Are you a breast cancer survivor? Do you know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer? We would love for you to share a bit of your {or her} story with us. We want you to know you’re not alone.  Let us celebrate and share all that you’re doing to bring awareness to women who may be facing the same struggle as you!