Simone Spotlight | Ways to Support Cancer Awareness
Ways to Support Cancer Awareness
SEPTEMBER 25th
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a worldwide annual campaign to increase awareness and promote regular screening and early detection of breast cancer.
Breast cancer is a disease that affects both men and women and is among the most common cancers. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. Next year, new breast cancer diagnoses are expected to number more than 200,000 for women and more than 2,000 for men.
Early detection provides the best chance of successful treatment and cure. Over 3.5 million breast cancer survivors are alive today thanks to screening, detection, and treatment advances.
National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
Early detection is key. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), helps low-income, uninsured, and under-served women gain access to lifesaving screening services for early detection of breast and cervical cancers. This program provides clinical breast examinations, mammograms, and Pap tests for participants as well as diagnostic testing for women whose screening outcome is abnormal. Women aged 40 and above should talk to their doctors about when and how often to get a mammogram. To find free and low-cost screenings near you, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to use their interactive map.
What steps can you take to improve your chances of staying breast cancer free?
There are many steps you and your loved ones can take to improve your chances of staying healthy:
Conduct monthly self-exams. In addition to medical screenings, the National Breast Cancer Foundation and many medical professionals recommend a monthly self-exam. To learn how to do a breast self-exam, check out this self-exam guide offered by NationalBreastCancer.org.
Quit smoking. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), smoking is a significant risk factor for breast and many other types of cancer. Non-smokers are at lower risk than smokers regardless of your age or how long you have been a smoker.
Exercise more. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can also lower your risk factors.
How Can you create breast cancer awareness?
Spread the news: mammograms save lives
Remind your loved ones to get regular mammograms. These breast screenings detect issues early, when they’re easiest to treat.
According to the American Cancer Society, women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year, while those 55 and older can switch to every 2 years or continue yearly screenings. Women at higher risk of breast cancer should start getting mammograms before age 45.
Raise awareness about risk factors
Be in the know. According to the American Cancer Society, risk factors that increase your chances of breast cancer include obesity, lack of physical activity, drinking alcohol, family history of breast cancer, hormone therapy after menopause, and the presence of other breast conditions.
Share survivor stories
Honor and tell the stories of women who have fought and survived breast cancer. Have you or a family member fought this disease? Inspire others by writing a column in your local newspaper, sharing inspiring stories on Facebook or adding a photo of your Hope Journey on the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s webpage.
Become an ambassador
Sign up to be a Community Ambassador for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Spread awareness and hope in your local community.
Push local, state and federal legislators to fund breast cancer research and awareness programs. Consider becoming a Policy Advocate for Susan G. Komen.
Take part in national, regional and local fundraising events
These events raise money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. Volunteer for, participate in or donate to a local Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure or American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Support Memorial Health System’s annual celebration of “Super Survivors” at its Be Aware Women’s Fair.
Can’t find an event? Start your own fundraiser, with help from the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Raise awareness of helpful resources, care services and support groups
Many local entities – everything from hospitals to churches to employee groups – offer resources and support for women fighting breast cancer. Spread the word about their presence.
Even small actions help
Post and share information about breast cancer and Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Most Importantly
Be there. Give unending love and support to friends and family members living with breast cancer. And not just this month, but every day of the year.
Want to donate?
If you would like to take action, you could make a donation to one of the following organizations:
National Breast Cancer Foundation
National Breast Cancer Coalition