October is best known for its Halloween festivities, pumpkin spice drinks, and unofficially marks the beginning of the trifecta of holidays. But what you may not know is that October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Since 1985, every October, millions of people worldwide get involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a campaign that helps to increase awareness of this disease that afflicts approximately 1 in 8 women in the United States. In 2022, it’s estimated that about 30% of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers.*
The good news is that most women (and men) can survive breast cancer if it is detected early enough. This is why education and awareness are so important.
Here are five ways that you can get involved during Breast Cancer Awareness month:
1. Wear Pink!
A pink ribbon is the international symbol for breast cancer. Wearing a pink ribbon - or pink anything - is an easy way to show your support for those who are fighting breast cancer. “Think Pink” this October.
2. Volunteer
There are numerous local and national volunteer organizations that raise awareness for breast cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS), a nationwide voluntary health organization committed to eliminating cancer, has many volunteer programs and events including Relay for Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and Road to Recovery. Click here to learn more about how you can get involved.
3. Participate in a local Run or Walk
The largest and most well-known breast cancer fundraising organization is the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. This is the organization that runs the Komen Race for the Cure, a series of 5K runs and walks around the country. They also host the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, a 60-mile, 3-day event. Proceeds from these events fund breast cancer research. Click here to find a Komen Race for the Cure near you.
Check out these local breast cancer awareness events:
The Incredible Pink Weekend – October 8, 2022, Delray Beach, FL
Making Strides of Palm Beach County - October 15, 2022, Boca Raton, FL
Making Strides of the Treasure Coast – October 22, 2022, Port St. Lucie, FL
More Than Pink Walk – January 28, 2023, West Palm Beach, FL
4. Get Screened
Tell your female friends and family to get mammograms and to do self-exams on a regular basis. There are several breast centers in Palm Beach County, one of them being the Comprehensive Breast Center of the Palm Beaches at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach.
Knowing the risks of developing breast cancer can help in early detection and diagnosis, which makes cancer more treatable. In fact, many women never expected to receive a breast cancer diagnosis until it happened to them.
f“It’s important to know that 80% of all breast cancers that are diagnosed are not associated with any family history of breast cancer,” says Colleen Campbell, Manager at Good Samaritan Medical Center Breast Center.
5. Create Your Own Fundraiser
Creating your own fundraiser can be a fun way to involve friends and family. It’s never too early to teach your children ways to give back. Having a lemonade stand, bake sale, car wash, or garage sale is a fun way to raise money and awareness with the proceeds going to your local breast cancer charity.
There are so many ways you can show your support for breast cancer awareness month, and it doesn’t have to be just during the month of October. Thousands of women are fighting breast cancer year-round, and you can help make a positive impact on them and those around you.
Sources: breastcancer.org