5 Ways to Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities to increase awareness of breast cancer and to raise funds for research into the cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of the disease. Breast Cancer Awareness Month also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer.
According to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, every 69 seconds a woman dies from breast cancer. Obviously this is not what we are celebrating. What is being celebrated, though, is that with early detection and treatment the rate of survival for those diagnosed with breast cancer has greatly improved in the past 20 years.
Ways to Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Participate in a National Event
Participating in one of the thousands of breast cancer awareness events scheduled world-wide throughout the month of October is a great way to celebrate BCAM. Whether you participate in the “Race for the Cure,” which refers to a local or national awareness walk, a fundraising breakfast or a fashion show for charity, there is sure to be an event scheduled that suits your personal style and taste.
Ways to Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Plan a Local Awareness Event
Consider planning an awareness event of your own in your area. You can find resources and ideas for planning an awareness event online at such sites as breastcancerawareness.com. The Susan G. Komen Foundation also provides free breast cancer information and educational materials. Order materials and literature such as pamphlets online and distribute them throughout your city or town.
Ways to Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Give a Gift to a cancer patient.
There are lots of breast cancer awareness inspired gifts available, from pink ribbon broaches to bracelets, to shirts to bumper stickers. Another idea is the Pink Ribbon Teddy Bears are available at online and retail locations. Purchase a pink ribbon bear and send it to someone who is currently battling breast cancer, or someone who is in remission from it, whether a friend or stranger. Sales of the bears help support breast cancer research and can make a difference in the life of someone who is experiencing a difficult time.
Ways to Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Save Lids For Lives.
Yoplait yogurt sponsors a program called “Lids for Lives.” You can collect the lids from specially marked packages of Yoplait yogurt throughout the month of October and then send the lids to Yoplait, to help support the fight against breast cancer.
Ways to Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Celebrate October with a mammogram.
Lastly, but most importantly, go get screened! This is the best way to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every woman over age 50 should have a yearly mammogram. Women who are at a higher risk of the disease, regardless of age, should have a mammogram at least once a year, or as recommended by their physician. Schedule a mammogram for yourself and invite a friend or loved one to as well. Then you can go together.
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