Breast Cancer Awareness Month
4 Easy Ways to Participate
You may be noticing an increased amount of pink around during the month of October, and it’s for good reason: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign that features pink ribbons – and special pink versions of all sorts of consumer products – aimed at raising awareness and funds for a disease that impacts approximately 1 in 8 women.
So now that you’re aware, what can you do to actually help in the fight? If you’re looking for a way to help support the cause this month, check out the four easy ideas below.
1. Find a fundraising event near you.
From fun runs and walks, to special events and one-day sales sponsored by local businesses, there are plenty of ways to actively participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Take the opportunity to do something you enjoy – like getting pampered at a spa or eating a delicious meal out – while supporting a great cause. Many businesses choose one day to donate all or part of the day’s profits to cancer research. Search for events near you here. Of course, some of the best-known events are the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure® runs, where you can volunteer, participate, or sponsor a runner in a race near you.
2. Put on your own event, or raise your own funds creatively.
Every bit of money raised towards the fight helps, and the process of educating your community through your own event can be just as valuable as the money you raise. Whether you are a business canadian meds owner who can donate a percentage of a day’s sales, or just an individual with a fun idea to get together with friends and family, you can pull together your community to make an impact. Check out this page for tips on creating your own breast cancer awareness fundraiser. Not into planning a big event? Consider requesting donations to the cause instead of this year’s birthday or holiday gifts. These organizations will appreciate your donation and put it to good use, year-round.
3. Encourage a friend to get checked… or do so yourself.
When detected early, breast cancer has a 5-year survival rate of 98%. Still, the idea of getting checked for cancer can be a bit scary or intimidating. Where do you even start? Thanks to tools like earlydetectionplan.org, you can create your own early detection plan that outlines the steps you should take (with customized, recommended dates), as well as links to help you find a local clinic. The site also includes a convenient app for your smart phone, making it a great tool that can easily be shared with a loved one to encourage them to get checked.
4. Sponsor a woman in need.
The reality of not having health insurance is unfortunately something many women face on a daily basis. By donating once or on a recurring basis to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, you can help women in need get services that they might not otherwise have access to, including mammograms, breast health services, education, and support. So far the non-profit organization has helped more than 350,000 women, with 86% of its funds going to its programs. Learn more here.
Are you a breast cancer survivor? If so, the Susan G. Komen organization has an entire list of ways that breast cancer survivors can get involved in the fight against the disease, ranging from serving as a reviewer on an institutional board to advocacy in government. Your story gives you special perspective. See how to get involved here.
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Megan Hammons
Megan Hammons lives in the Central Texas countryside just outside of Austin, pursuing her love for copywriting after a career in high-tech marketing. She is part of a large, diverse family and enjoys spending time with the multiple generations living in her community.