Recognizing National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October

Dialogue about breast cancer, which affects over 190,000 women annually, is vital throughout the year. However, the month of October is set aside to focus on the disease, which reinforces the importance of understanding risk factors, knowing about treatment options, remembering those who have been diagnosed and finding a cure. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month celebrates its 25th year in 2009. Here are six ways you can take part as you go throughout October and all year long.

 

 

• Wear pink, even it is just a ribbon. Find out if your workplace or community has a designated day for everyone to wear pink.
• Participate in a walk or run in honor of someone you know with breast cancer. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure takes place in cities around the world.
• Look for products in stores that give all or a portion of profits to a breast cancer organization.
• Consider purchasing a breast cancer license plate for your car. Check with your state’s department of motor vehicles.
• Organize a bake sale or other fundraising event in your community, and donate proceeds to cancer research.
• Encourage friends and family to have regular breast exams and mammograms – and don’t forget to do the same!

For more information on breast cancer and how you can help, visit the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website.