Supporting breast cancer awareness and research is something that we can —and should — do throughout the year, but October is officially Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's a time to focus on what we can do now, and in the coming months, to support those living with cancer and those conducting research for a cure.
Approximately one in eight U.S. women will develop "invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime" and one in 1,000 men could get the disease, according to Breastcancer.org. In 2018 alone, it's estimated there will be 266,120 new cases of invasive breast cancer to be diagnosed in U.S. women, and 63,960 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
Together we will find a cure. And getting involved in doing so doesn't have to be complicated. Scroll through the slides to see simple ways you can get involved with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
1. Participate in a charity walk or run.
One of the most popular activities during Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a walk or run. The activities are great for bringing people together, raising funds and getting exercise. Those who are not able to participate themselves can still be a part of it by sponsoring someone or donating in the memory of a loved one.
2. Host a fundraiser.
There's no need to wait for scheduled activities. You can create your own events. The benefit is that you can be as creative as you want, and the events can be as big or small as you like. You can host an in-person event or even a virtual one. Consider doing something at work, school, or with friends and family. Many breast cancer charity websites offer suggestions to inspire people.
3. Make a donation.
It's an obvious option, but it's still a very important one because research requires funding. Furthermore, there are women in need who aren't able to afford mammograms or costs associated with treatment and prevention. There are charities that will provide the support.
4. Use social media to raise awareness.
Social media has the power to bring people together. During October, many breast cancer charities launch social media campaigns to raise awareness about early detection and research. Reading and retweeting the information helps spread the word to others, creating a chain effect. Sometimes, companies will donate when people share photos or use specific hashtags so make sure you get involved.
5. Volunteer at an event or hospital.
People are always in need of volunteers. If there's a place or event that's local to you, inquire about what they look for in volunteers. There will likely be a position to suit you whether you're after a regular role or you want to volunteer at an event.
6. Do a self-examination and encourage others to do the same.
Early detection is key. Performing regular self-examinations can help you get more familiar with your own body, making you more likely to notice if there's a change. There are guides online about how to perform an exam and symptoms to be aware of. Perform them yourself and encourage others to do the same.
There are also recommendations online about how often women should get mammograms depending on their age, risk factors and history.
7. Listen to breast cancer survivors and patients' stories.
For many, being able to share their breast cancer story — whether it be through a personal essay, a vlog, a campaign, or simply person-to-person — can help with the healing process. Having a listener can make such a difference.
