October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM), therefore I want to share some facts about breast cancer, prevention tips and information that is helpful to all of us. I have had family members battle breast cancer, as well as another die from kidney and liver cancer. It is a devastating disease no matter the type; breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer (1st is prostate cancer in men) and 2nd highest cause of death in women.
History of NBCAM
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was started in 1985 by the American Cancer Foundation and Imperial Chemical Industries. The purpose was to encourage women to get mammograms as breast cancer prevention. Here we are 28 years later with incredible advancements in how to stop breast cancer if detected early and numerous treatment options, there is no way to stop the recurrence of the life threatening disease and there is still not a cure for breast cancer. October is a month dedicated to increasing awareness of breast cancer prevention through mammography, sharing information, encouragement and support.
Breast Cancer Statistics. Know The Facts!
- 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
- It is the 2nd deadliest cancer and 2nd in death of women.
- About 39,620 women will die from breast cancer.
- It is estimated 2240 new cases of invasive breast cancer in men and 410 deaths. About 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women with 39,620 deaths. Both are 2013 statistics for men and women.
What Is Breast Cancer? Than It's Name
Most of us have heard of breast cancer and the name pretty much says it all to the majority of people, but the reality is that breast cancer is an extremely complicated disease. There are actually more than one type of breast cancer and each body deals with it individually, therefore doctors cannot just detect and treat the same. Lets take chickenpox or the flu for example. Medical professionals can positively communicate what causes these illnesses and how they will affect the body, but no one can say how many pox you will get on your body or how mild or harsh a flu will be; it just depends on the individual.
How To Detect Breast Cancer
There are four ways to detect breast cancer:
1) mammography
2) clinical exam
3) ultra sound
4) self exam
As you can see from the image above there are 5 ways to detect breast cancer through self exam (or by doctor exam). Here is a resource for breast cancer detection and how to do a self exam once a month at http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam
How To Support During and After National Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also a time to honor those who survived or died from breast cancer, as well as support those who are currently fighting for their lives. We all benefit from the funding obtained by donating to the cancer foundations; it you cannot afford to donate, there are other ways to support. Choose one or two of the following:
#1 Get a mammogram this month!
The most beneficial way to participate in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to get a mammogram and encourage loved ones to do the same. Some communities offer free mammograms to local residents, therefore there are no excuses for women to get checked. If you do not have insurance or cannot afford to pay for a mammogram, you can probably find a free mammography provider at http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/nbcf-programs/patient-services
#2 Product and Cash Donations
Donations for breast cancer research and treatment options are extremely important any time of year. You can purchase pink ribbon and breast cancer items at - http://www.shopkomen.com/ - for a purchase contribution or you can provide a monetary donation to any one of the following foundations:
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® (Cash Donations)
Shop Komen Store (Proceeds go to the foundation)
National Breast Cancer Foundation (Cash Donations)
American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Site (Cash Donations)
American Cancer Society Shop Pink Store
#3 Walk For The Cure, Planned Donations, Work Place Contributions & More
Susan G. Koman (Various Donation Options & Sponsorships)
There are options to the left in the menu and graphics on the middle of the page for different donation types. You can click the Get Involved button at the top of the page for walk and event opportunities.
National Breast Cancer Foundation (Various Donation / Support Options)
Instead of donating a random amount to the foundation, you can sponsor a mammogram, set up a personal fund raise, partner with a nationally recognized charity or volunteer to educate.
American Cancer Society Race, Volunteer & Donate
#4 Buy or Make Pink Ribbons/ Wear your pink ribbon daily to maintain awareness.
Pink ribbons have been used to symbolize breast cancer since 1991 and are still used as a reminder to all. Buying pink ribbon products from foundations or making pink ribbons to share are also ways of providing your support. You can make pink ribbons this October and share them with others to educate and maintain breast cancer awareness in your community. Don't forget to do you part by wearing your wristband, ribbon pin or shirt often.
# 5 SHARE This Blog Post!
You can share this blog post by clicking the social icons at the top or bottom of this page, or by copying and pasting this link - http://www.skinnyfiberweightlosssupport.com/2013/10/national-breast-cancer-awareness-month-nbcam.html - to your blog, website or email to loved ones. There are a lot of resources here that can help people. Please share - share - share :)
How ever you choose to contribute to a breast cancer foundation is important to help with research, fundraising, education and treatment options for men and women fighting breast cancer. The more people we reach with breast cancer statistics, information, prevention and treatment options, the better we serve in helping to find a cure. You never know when someone close to you will need the help. Together we can find a cure!
Hugs & Blessings,
Lea
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