Ways to Show Your Support During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women and 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. With statistics like that, it seems nearly impossible to not know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Research shows that on average, every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and one woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes. So in the amount of time it takes you to read this post, about three women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. That is three women too many.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it is obvious as to why the women (and even men) battling breast cancer or those who are survivors deserve our support. Which is why we have come up with a list of some simple ways below to show your support for patients and survivors of breast cancer.

Donate – There are many different charities you can donate to if you have the means. Here are some great charities that have breast cancer research, awareness, and support initiatives:

• Susan G. Komen
• Avon Breast Cancer Crusade
• Breast Cancer Alliance
• Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation
• Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer
• Living Beyond Breast Cancer
• Bright Pink

Your donation, even if it is a small one, could make a huge difference in finding a cure and saving a life.

Many of these organizations host fundraisers and events, such as the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer that you can attend. Do some quick research on the events happening in your area and be sure to sign up and attend.

Volunteer – If you don’t have the means to donate financially, you can donate your time in helping any breast cancer organization in need. Whether that involves passing out flyers, assisting in a 5k run event, or help plan a fundraiser, your effort makes a difference. Check out the websites listed above and other breast cancer organizations in your area to find volunteer opportunities that interest you.

Wear Pink – Decking yourself out in pink during this month is a simple, but effective way to show your support for women who are battling breast cancer. It also serves as a reminder to women to get annual screenings for breast cancer. We see professional sports teams wear pink jerseys, socks or helmets to show their support during October. Finding pink products is easy with websites like BagMasters, who dedicate a certain section of their website to pink promotional products. Also, encourage your human resources department at work to have a day dedicated to wearing pink or passing out information on breast cancer to promote awareness within your office.

Get Educated – Becoming more knowledgeable about breast cancer, the signs, symptoms, and statistics is not only beneficial in showing your support for those battling breast cancer, but also can help you prevent and/or detect breast cancer. For more information on everything from early detection, stages, treatment, and myths, visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation or BreastCancer.org. Your knowledge can save a life.

Write Letters – In this technology age, people prefer to send text messages and emails instead of writing a heartfelt letter, which is why handwritten notes are so special. If you know anyone battling breast cancer, pen them a handwritten note of encouragement and hope. If you do not know someone battling cancer, you can also contact your local hospital and ask them if they are doing a letter drive for the patients battling breast cancer. A simple note can motivate someone to continue fighting their battle with cancer and give them strength and hope while reminding them that other people are rooting for their recovery. Oftentimes, people with cancer can feel alone and depressed, this is a simple gesture to cheer them up.

Know of other simple ways to show your support for women during Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Please share with us below!

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