Three Ways to Get Involved During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By: LCF Staff

October 11, 2016, 4:59 pm - Categories: Advice

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During this month, the National Breast Cancer Foundation along with several organizations across the country host campaigns to increase awareness of the disease (Foundation, 2016). Here are three ways you can get involved during Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

Join an event

Find an event in your area that contributes to the fight against breast cancer. Organizations such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure® host a variety of events to honor those affected by breast cancer. Visit ww5.komen.org/GetInvolved/Participate/FindanEvent/FindLocalEvents.html to find a race or event in your area.

Be proactive, check your status

Raising awareness about early detection is also important during this month. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer found in women, but many women can survive if it’s found and treated early (Health.gov, 2016). According to health.gov “a mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can help find breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat” (Health.gov, 2016). Women ages 40 to 49 should talk with their doctors about when to start getting mammograms (Health.gov, 2016). Women ages 50 to 74 should be screened every two years (Health.gov, 2016).

Donate to Breast Cancer organizations

There are many ways to give monetary support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To donate directly to organizations, visit Charity Watch and Charity Navigator’s websites to research how the organization uses funds that are donated. Donations help to fund research, provide free information and deliver services to women across the country.

The American Cancer Society notes that steps you can take to reduce your risk include: maintaining a healthy body weight, vigorous regular physical activity and reducing your alcohol intake to 1 drink per day (Society, 2016). For more information on health and fitness tips for women during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation website at www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month.

References

Foundation, N. B. (2016, September). Breast Cancer Awareness Month . Retrieved from National Breast Cancer Foundation: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month

Health.gov. (2016, September). National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Retrieved from Health.gov: https://healthfinder.gov/nho/octobertoolkit.aspx

Society, A. C. (2016, September). How Donations Save Livies. Retrieved from American Cancer Society: https://makingstrides.acsevents.org/site/PageServer?pagename=MSABC_FY12_HowDonationsSaveLives