October marks the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Although we are still in the midst of a global pandemic, promoting awareness about this disease has become more important than ever, as this disease is a pre-existing condition for many men and women across the world, putting them at a greater risk of being able to fight Covid-19. Now is the time to give power to the pink, and raise awareness about this horrible illness. Although we cannot gather in large crowds for October’s usual fundraisers and walks, here are 5 ways in which you can do your part this fall to promote awareness of this disease.
1.Educate yourself: According to BreastCancer.org, in the U.S About 1 in 8 U.S. Women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. In 2020 alone, an estimated 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 48,530 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. This staggering number is shocking yet, largely unknown by most men and women. Breast cancer is vicious cancer that impacts both men and women, but it can be caught early. Educating yourself and loved ones are the first step to staying vigilant and spreading awareness about the disease.
2.Donate: Donating is always a great way to support the various foundations doing extensive work to conduct research, and treat patients. Although in the wake of Covid-19, many households have been left without a reliable means of income, if you are able to give, any donation amount, your money is going to a serving cause. Some reliable organizations worth donating to are the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, and the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund.
3.Support companies supporting breast cancer: In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many companies are stepping up and giving back by donating a portion of their proceeds from sales to various Breast Cancer Awareness organizations. Such brands include Aerie, Ann Taylor, Ralph Lauren, North Face, and many more. If you find yourself on another quarantine shopping spree this month, you can explore the latest trends and give back by shopping at those designated stores.
4.Volunteer: Although Covid-19 has put a pause on many in-person activities, you can still actively promote awareness of Breast Cancer through various online volunteer opportunities. Sites like VolunteerMatch can help you locate suitable volunteer positions that will get you set up and started in a matter of days.
5.Get tested: Many Americans have a complicated relationship with the doctor’s office. Lack of insurance, as well as hefty co-pays, can be barriers for things as trivial as yearly checkups. While trips to the doctor may not be as accessible as they should be, you can still regularly test yourself for breast cancer. Breast self-check exams are easy and accessible ways for both women and men to ensure they do not have any lumps. If you don’t know how to conduct one, BreastCancer.org has an easy step by step guide that will teach you the process. Your life is too precious to be left to chance. Make sure you are regularly conducting breast self-check exams on yourself, and encourage your friends to do the same. Just this small step could mean the difference between life and death.
