October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. Here at WVXG, we believe there is HOPE for a cure to end breast cancer. We want to help people to find information about screening and resources, educate individuals about early detection and remind everyone how they can get involve, contribute and provide support. For more information, visit these websites.
- American Cancer Society
- National Breast Cancer Foundation
- CDC – Center for Disease Control
- Caring Bridge
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Many people are looking for way to get involved, volunteer or show their support during Breast Cancer Awareness month. Here are a few suggestions for ways to get involved.
Wear pink. A pink ribbon is an international symbol for breast cancer. Wearing a pink ribbon – or pink clothes – is an easy way to show your support for those who are fighting breast cancer. Pick out your favorite pink outfit and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Pink nails, pink hair, pink makeup, pink bracelets – pink anything. Be creative in “thinking pink” this October.
Help a cancer patient. There are numerous ways you can help a loved one who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. You can help organize meal deliveries, rides, and other tasks to assist your loved one. You can help bring together the patient’s family, friends, and coworkers by helping support your loved one through an online social network and planner.
Participate in a run or a walk. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the largest and most successful breast cancer fundraising and education organization in the world. The organization runs the Komen Race for the Cure, a series of 5K runs and walks around the country. The organization also has the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, a 60-mile, 3-day event. Proceeds from these events fund breast cancer research. Click here: https://www.komen.org/how-to-help/attend-events/race-for-the-cure to find a Komen Race for the Cure near you. In Ohio there are several events. The closest to Delaware is the Southeast Ohio event that takes place October 9 in Columbus. Click here for more information. Susan G. Komen® – Columbus – 2021 Komen Southeast Ohio MORE THAN PINK Walk (info-komen.org)
Share facts and statistics. The National Breast Cancer Foundation and American Cancer Society both offer outstanding resources to learn more about breast cancer. Here are some facts and stats from those organizations:
A] Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer for women. 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
B] In 2021, an estimated 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 49,290 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
C] Although rare, men get breast cancer too. In 2021, an estimated 2,650 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the U.S. and approximately 530 will die.
D] There are over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
Educate yourself and others about cancer screenings. Many women never expected to receive a breast cancer diagnosis until it happened to them. Knowing the risks of developing breast cancer can help in early detection, which makes cancer more treatable. Spread awareness of breast cancer by telling your female friends and family to get mammograms and sharing with them resources like those that can be found at breastcancer.org. You can lead by example. Many clinics offer free mammograms in October. Schedule your mammogram, and hopefully, your friends and family will follow your lead.
Volunteer. There are numerous local and national volunteer organizations that raise awareness for breast cancer. Many people volunteer for the American Cancer Society (ACS), a nationwide voluntary health organization committed to eliminating cancer. Established in 1913, the ACS has many volunteer programs and events, such as Relay For Life, Road to Recovery, and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Click here Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Volunteers | American Cancer Society to learn more about how you can get involved.