October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual international health campaign organized to increase awareness and to raise funds for research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. It was first recognized in 1985. Everyone from the NFL to Hallmark has pink products for breast cancer awareness month.
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their life. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women, with 40,000 deaths annually. Men can also get it. It is the most common cancer globally, accounting for 12% of worldwide cancer diagnoses. The most common risk factors are being a woman and age. Here is the link to information from the CDC and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Things you can do to support Breast Cancer Awareness:
1. Educate yourself. Know your family history and risk factors. Speak with your doctor or health care provider on preventantive measures including self checks, mammograms, and genetic testing.
2. Wear pink all month long to honor survivors. Several retailers have products for sale with some proceeds going towards research and charities. Do your research and make sure that the proceeds do go to charities and research.
3. Find a worthy cause to support awareness. You can buy products, participate in a race, volunteer for a charity, or donate money to a local charity.
It is so important to prioritize your health. Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women. Screenings save lives. The 5 year breast cancer survival rate is 99% when it is caught early. Make sure to do monthly checks and plan for annual mammograms when necessary. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns.
