6 Ways to Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 12, 2022 | Andrea Bassett

We are stronger when we face things together! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a chance to show support for the many people in our communities affected by breast cancer. Here are several ideas for how to promote breast cancer awareness.

How to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

1. Think Pink! The pink breast cancer awareness ribbon can be worn on its own, or you can carry the theme even further by wearing pink clothes, pink jewelry, pink nails, pink sunglasses, and encouraging others to embrace pink too. Find your own creative ways to style in pink!

2. Participate in local events. The Twin Cities hosts numerous breast cancer educational and fundraising events. You can attend an event or even offer to volunteer. Volunteers are greatly needed at breast cancer awareness events!

3. Connect with a cancer patient. There are so many ways you can offer help and support to someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. Start with a listening ear and a caring presence. If someone has a CaringBridge site, take a moment to leave a comment of encouragement.

Consider what kind of assistance might be helpful for the family of someone with cancer. You can bring meals or help organize a group of people to supply meals. You can write a letter, drop off a favorite book, or suggest a good movie. Staying connected and expressing care can mean the world to someone!

4. Share breast cancer information. Two great sources of breast cancer statistics are the American Cancer Society and the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Facts from these websites include:

• Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer for women.
• Every 2 minutes, a female is diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Every 13 minutes, one woman will die of breast cancer.
• Today, there are more than 3.3 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.
• Breast cancer does not just happen to women. 1 in 1,000 men will receive a breast cancer diagnosis.
• Drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer.
• Only 5-10% of people diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease.

5. Raise awareness of cancer screenings. Early detection is key in cancer treatment. Medicare covers certain preventative screenings, including annual mammograms (one every 12 months). Medicare also covers more frequent mammograms when they are medically necessary. For your friends or family who are not on Medicare, some clinics offer free or low-cost mammogram screenings during the month of October.

6. Donate. Whether you would like to support someone directly or donate to an organization, your money can make a difference.

Maybe others would also be willing to donate with your encouragement. Consider creating a “Pink Tree Board” at your workplace or church where the bulletin board has the outline of a tree and a list of suggested donation items or donation amounts. People can trace their handprint on pink paper when they drop off their donations. Their handprints can be attached to the tree as leaves to create a very eye-catching display creating a visual of how everyone is coming together to support one another.

These ideas are great for October Breast Cancer Awareness Month but are also good year-round. Showing support and finding ways to be connected keeps our communities strong.

To everyone who has experienced breast cancer or who has a loved one affected by breast cancer, we support you!

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