October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, set aside annually to bring attention to the disorder and the community’s needs.
From sharing photographs and educational resources, to hosting virtual fundraisers and wearing pink ribbons, supporters already are observing the month-long event.
“Twenty-twenty [2020] has been a powerful reminder that we are all in this together, and our choices and actions have the power to protect the most vulnerable among us in a big way. The same holds true when it comes to breast cancer,” the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) states on its website.
“With your support, we can show every woman that her life is important. By working together, we can inspire hope and become a force for good to get her access to the care she needs,” the statement continues.
As part of its observance, the organization is offering a free ebook about breast health. You may download “Breast Problems That Aren’t Breast Cancer” to learn about common breast issues that are unfamiliar to many.
The NBCF also is encouraging supporters to share “snapshots of hope” — photos that tell the story of breast cancer’s affect on them or a loved one. It will share the photos throughout October on its social media channels as a “celebration of strength.” The photos are meant to encourage those currently on their breast cancer journey.
Another way to support Awareness Month is by volunteering to further NBCF’s mission to provide early breast cancer detection, education, and support services. Supporters, for example, can pack HOPE kits the organization gives to women being treated for breast cancer, or they can write patient encouragement cards.
Supporters also may share NBCF’s Awareness Month posts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or they can host a virtual or Facebook fundraiser to benefit the nonprofit organization. In addition to raising funds for care and research, the events seek to educate women about breast health, free resources and screenings, and support available to those navigating the cancer care system.
Awareness Month participants also are encouraged to wear the pink breast cancer ribbon — the universal symbol of breast cancer — throughout October. Or they can use the pink ribbon Facebook frame.
Other entities are participating this month. United Kingdom-based Breast Cancer Now (BCN) is asking supporters to host fundraisers, participate in BCN’s signature Wear It Pink fundraiser, advocate for more governmental breast cancer funding, and learn about the latest research.
Meanwhile, the Prevent Cancer Foundation is highlighting information about the prevention and early detection of breast cancer, and is offering its educational and downloadable “Breast Health Education for Young Women” facilitator’s guide.
Weill Cornell Medicine in New York is using its website this month to celebrate survivors, raise awareness about the importance of early detection and screening, and spotlight advances in treatment. Go here for a list of more free virtual Awareness Month events.
The nonprofit organization MultiCare is offering information about breast cancer screening and genetic tests for breast cancer risk, and is spotlighting an effort to raise funds for mammograms.
About one in eight U.S. women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.