October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, when the nation goes pink to celebrate all who have survived breast cancer and to commemorate those who weren’t as fortunate in their battle. Statistics show 1 in 8 women (about 13%)[1] will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and African American women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. Thus, efforts like annual mammograms, which contribute to early detection, are the key to greater hope for breast cancer survival.
While females are most often associated with breast cancer diagnoses, it’s important to note that males get breast cancer, too. Though male breast cancer is rare.
This October, BABG is encouraging you to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month by taking action and completing one or more of the 7 to-do items below to honor the cause that impacts hundreds of thousands of women and men each year and to ensure you’re doing your part in early detection.
1) Listen to a Survivor’s Story
One of the most important ways we honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month is by listening to
the stories of those who have experienced breast cancer—whether it’s a survivor telling their
personal story or a loved one telling the story of someone who lost their battle to breast cancer.
The stories of these individuals inspire strength, hope, empathy, compassion, and love, which
are all needed to fuel humanity. Their stories motivate the collective to keep fighting and
overcoming.
2) Get a Mammogram
Annual mammograms contribute to early detection, which is the key to hope for many
diagnosed with breast cancer. When detected early, breast cancer is easier to treat and beat.
National Mammography Day is the third Friday in the month of October, and falls on
October 15, 2021 this year. Acknowledge Breast Cancer Awareness Month this year and
honor survivors and those currently fighting by getting a mammogram.
3) Wear Pink
Pink is the color of Breast Cancer Awareness. During the month of October, pink is a widely
recognized symbol that individuals, groups, businesses, and organizations use to show their
support for the cause. Sports teams even wear pink during sporting events to show their
support. To show your support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, wear the color as
often as you’d like in as many ways as you'd like—from pink clothing and ribbons pinned to
your personal items to pink face masks that allow you to show your support while helping limit
the spread of COVID during the pandemic.
4) Go Braless
Breast cancer negatively affects the breast tissue in the bodies of both females and males, and
to increase awareness and recognition, National No Bra Day originated in 2011. Annually,
the day occurs every Oct 13th, with the intent of raising awareness for the importance of breast
cancer screenings, symptoms, and self-examinations. Women are encouraged to leave their
bras at home and handle boob business instead!
5) Donate
Typically, when you hear the call to action to donate to a cause, you may think you’re being
asking to give money to charity. While it’s certainly helpful to donate your hard-earned cash to
monetary charities that support breast cancer, money isn’t the only currency needed to support
the cause. During the month of October, consider donating clothing to a chemo center, blood
and plasma to a blood bank, or even hair toward the creation of wigs for patients who lose
their hair during treatment. All of these items, in addition to money, go a long way during
Breast Cancer Awareness Month and all year long.
6) Participate in a Walk/Run Event or Wellness Campaign
Oftentimes, when there’s a cause to support, businesses, organizations, and groups will
organize a walk/run event or wellness campaign to encourage screenings and mammograms.
Getting people together is a great way to spark conversation and to encourage individuals to
take ownership of their health to get ahead of any issues that may arise. During the month of
October, consider signing up to participate in a walk, run, or wellness campaign to
demonstrate your support for breast cancer and to raise awareness in your community and
social circles. Getting involved simply takes one step in the right direction.
7) Carve a Pink Pumpkin
Pumpkins are a national symbol for the fall season and the Halloween holiday during the month
of October. However, have you ever thought to paint an orange pumpkin pink in observance
of Breast Cancer Awareness Month? A small act sends a big message to all who see it,
reminding them that not only does October signal a change in seasons and give us a reason to
dress up and celebrate, but it also gives us a cause to support. Consider painting a pumpkin
pink on National Pumpkin Day, October 26, 2021, in observance of Breast Cancer
Awareness Month this year!
Whether you’re male, female, or non-binary, whether breast cancer hits close to home or you don’t know anyone who has ever experienced it, solidarity and supporting a cause such as breast cancer can be done in ways both big and small. How will you celebrate and commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month this year?
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Meloni Capria is a Wisconsin native who currently resides in Texas with her wife, 10-year-old son, and their three pet Yorkies. Her professional background is in Secondary Education and English Language Arts and Reading. She currently serves in the role of Editorial Assistant at Mango Publishing Group and is a collaborative partner at DOPE Publishing. She enjoys writing, watching movies, and all things related to marriage, parenting, and family.
[1] https://www.breastcancer.org/