Happy October! That’s right: fall is officially here, and the month of October brings with it all of our favorite fall activities. From football games, to hayrack rides, to picking out the best-looking pumpkin at the pumpkin patch, October is a month full of fun and festivities.
However, for some people, October can mean so much more than pumpkin spice and knit scarves. In fact, since 1985, the month of October has been known as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, this month serves as “... an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease.” Breast cancer charities across the United States campaign to increase awareness for breast cancer and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, treatment and cure.
Needless to say, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an extremely important time for many people in October. How can you get involved? If you want to join the fight against breast cancer, we came up with some ideas for how you can support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Learn about breast health.
It might seem simple, but one of the best ways you can support Breast Cancer Awareness Month is by learning more about breast health. Recent studies show approximately one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Unfortunately, few women actually know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Regular breast self-exams can help catch cancer symptoms early-on, and improve the chances of recovery later. Learn about breast health for yourself and share with women in your life to support breast cancer awareness.
Share your story.
If you or a loved one has been affected by breast cancer, consider sharing your story to show your support this month. Stories are powerful, and can help make a genuine difference when campaigning. When you share your story of how breast cancer has affected you, you give others a personal connection to the disease, and provide a stronger incentive for them to get involved. Share your story with a friend, post a video online or consider writing a letter into the newspaper so others can learn more about how to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Wear pink.
What’s one of the trademark colors for Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Wearing pink, of course! Over the years, the color pink has become virtually synonymous with breast cancer awareness, thanks to a few different nonprofit organizations who popularized the brand. If you want to show your support and start the conversation this month, be sure to wear pink when you go out and about during October. However, wearing pink is virtually useless unless you do something with it, so be intentional about starting conversations with other people and using the pink to raise more support.
Participate in a walk.
Many charities will host fundraiser walks throughout October to raise money for breast cancer research and support. Get involved by signing up to participate in a walk in your community. Not only can you show your support by walking, but you can also get friends and family members involved by inviting them to donate to your team and support your efforts.
Donate to an organization.
Finally, the easiest way you can show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is by donating to a breast cancer organization you care about. There are lots of breast cancer charities across the United States—both local and national. Do your research to find an organization you enjoy and can support through donating your financial gifts. Depending on who you support, your contribution can help provide a mammogram for a woman in need, access to the necessary prescription drugs or more research for future victims of breast cancer.
October is more than just a month full of colorful leaves and apple cider; it’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Use these tips to show your support this month and help put an end to breast cancer.
