October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Join us in fighting the disease!
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Although it is rare, men can also get breast cancer. In 2021, an estimated 2,650 men will be diagnosed in the US alone. When breast cancer is detected early, more treatment options are available, resulting in a better survival rate. Breast Cancer Awareness Month educates people about the disease and how they can be proactive about their breast health.
Why Breast Cancer Awareness Month Matters
Living through the pandemic has inspired a renewed sense of community in many people. Many of us have needed to feel that we are a part of something greater than ourselves. Communities give us opportunities to connect with others and reach common goals. This idea also applies to the fight to end breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness Month helps fund research initiatives and give people access to the education, screening, and support they need.
How You Can Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The pink ribbons (the universal symbol of breast cancer awareness) seen frequently in October are heartwarming, but how else can you promote breast cancer awareness? Read on for actions you can take today.
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Find events near you or donate
For over 20 years, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has united communities in the fight against breast cancer by funding research, supporting breast cancer patients, and making screenings more accessible. Making Strides is the largest network of breast cancer events in the nation. Find an event near you or donate today via their webpage. The Independent Contractors Benefits Association shows our support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month through Team Avon, which has supported us for several years. Since 1992, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has been at the forefront of the fight against breast cancer.
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Monitor your health
Even if you have a family history of breast cancer, there are ways to decrease your chances of getting the disease. In this article, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines the risk factors for breast cancer, and details risk factors that you can mitigate, like becoming physically active and reducing alcohol consumption. Do not let the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic delay the scheduling of your mammogram. Encourage your friends and family members not to postpone their screenings either.
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Help someone you know
Offer to help a family member, friend, or colleague during their breast cancer journey. Receiving help with different necessities, such as making meals, running errands, and doing household chores, can be invaluable to someone going through a difficult time. Check in to ask how they are doing, and let them know you care. Ask what else you can do to help.
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Use social media for good
Use social media in a positive way—spread the word about Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Share clear information from trusted organizations that use facts to promote breast cancer prevention. Other suggestions from the National Breast Cancer Foundation include the following:
- Host a virtual or Facebook fundraiser.
- Leave a hope-filled message on the Wall of Support.
- Share the story of how you or a loved one have been affected by breast cancer.
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Support caregivers
Do not forget to support caregivers. In doing so, you could be helping out your family member, friend, or colleague. Many people fear being a burden to those they love. Caregivers juggle their everyday personal and work responsibilities while taking on new ones. You can help by offering to take over tasks that will free up their schedule.