October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
We've all been affected by Breast Cancer. Perhaps it was your mom, sister, best friend, wife, daughter, grandmother, co-worker, or neighbor. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer at some point in her lifetime. And every 12 minutes, a woman in the U.S. dies from this complex disease.
These numbers remind us there is still urgent work to do — more than we can accomplish in just one month. But continued collaboration and awareness will move us forward and help us to support those impacted by Breast Cancer, and one of the first steps is to encourage the women in your life to:
#ThinkPink
#GetScreened
THIS MONTH WE ARE DEDICATED TO PROVIDING WAYS TO ENCOURAGE, EDUCATE, AND BRING AWARENESS TO THE IMPACT BREAST CANCER HAS ON ALL OF US.
JOIN US IN THE FIGHT!
Education is Key.
Do you know the symptoms of breast cancer?
Many are invisible and go undetected without a professional screening but some can be caught early, such as detecting a lump during a self-examine, pain, swelling, and redness or irritation. Knowing these symptoms and seeing your doctor as soon as possible can be key to catching breast cancer early.
Overall, mammography screening is still the most effective test used today to find breast cancer in most women. It can find cancers at an early stage, when the chances of survival are highest. Encourage the women in your life to conduct annual mammograms.
#KnowTheSymptoms
#GetScreened
There is Hope.
Over 3.3 million Breast Cancer survivors are alive in the U.S. today! Early detection significantly increases the chances of recovery.
A Healthy Lifestyle.
While there is no sure way of preventing Breast Cancer, having a healthy lifestyle is important for moderate prevention and supporting your overall health and wellness.
Decreasing Risks.
Limiting your alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight by eating a healthy diet, and being physically active are just a few ways to decrease your risk.
Raising Awareness.
There are so many ways we can bring awareness to this disease. One way is by asking your friends and family if they have scheduled their mammogram, ask when it is and try to check in on them the day of.
Make breast cancer screenings a normal topic of conversation. This may make others more comfortable and they may talk about it to their friends and family.
#ReachOut
#GetScreened
Participate or Volunteer to Raise Awareness.
Another way to raise awareness is by participating in or volunteering to help with a local or national fundraiser, such as 5k.
Or, start your own fundraiser and get your community involved. Even small actions such as posting information about Breast Cancer Awareness Month on your social media platforms can lead to big impacts.
#GetInvolved
#GetScreened
BREAST CANCER IS THE MOST COMMON CANCER FOR WOMEN WORLDWIDE.
JOIN US IN THE FIGHT!
Empower + Support.
Everyone has been touched by Breast Cancer, either by having it themselves or knowing someone who has. Many times it's difficult to find the right words. Here are a few tips on what to say:
- "I’ll be honest, I’m not sure what to say but I am here to support you however it best serves you."
- "If you feel comfortable sharing, please know I am here if you need to talk."
- "I want to help so please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you or your family."
#LendAHand
#GetScreened
Be A Driver.
Offer to drive them to their treatment appointment.
Be A Chef.
Bring dinner over for them and/or their family. They can chose the dish if they want.
Be A Gopher.
Offer to run some errands for them or with them if they are up for it.
Be A Maid.
Ask if you can help with the housework (dishes, laundry, vacuuming, etc.).
Be A Friend.
Be a friend and just sit and talk with a cup of tea.
Where Did The Pink Ribbon Come From?
In 1991, pink ribbons were distributed to all Breast Cancer Survivors and Participants of the Susan G. Komen New York City Race for the Cure®. In 1992, Alexandra Penney, editor-in-chief of Self magazine, wanted to boost awareness for the second annual event and enlisted cosmetics giants to distribute them in New York City stores. And thus, the birth of the pink ribbon!
#ThinkPink
#GetScreened
The Metastatic Breast Cancer ribbon includes green and teal. The green represents the triumph of spring over winter and life over death. The teal symbolizes healing and spirituality. The thin pink overlay signifies that metastatic cancer started in the breast.
Join Us In The Fight.
Below are additional resources that will assist with questions, raising awareness, supporting others, and how you can join us in the fight:
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Susan G. Komen Tools & Resources
Breast Cancer Now/Research & Care Charity
Breast Cancer Research Foundation
#GetScreened
ONLY 5 TO 10% OF INDIVIDUALS DIAGNOSED HAVE A FAMILY HISTORY OF BREAST CANCER.
JOIN US IN THE FIGHT!
