According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – this month is about turning awareness into action, getting involved in the education of this disease, and living a healthy, positive lifestyle to reduce the risks of developing breast cancer!
Nearly everybody knows someone touched by this disease. The good news is that treatments keep getting more advanced, and now we know more than ever how to best prevent breast cancer. Want to improve your health and make an impact? Check out these six ways to get more involved during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
Volunteer Your Time
While money is a crucial part of funding research for finding a cure, it’s also important to donate your time. There are several different charities seeking an extra hand in making a difference in the lives of those dealing with breast cancer. You can go the distance in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer with American Cancer Society! Be part of your local 3-to-5 mile event by signing up to be a walker or volunteer. Not a big fan of running? Become an Advocate For Hope with National Breast Cancer Foundation! Spread the message of early detection and encourage others to do so as well.
Say It On Social Media
Social Media is a great way to spread awareness! Send your female – and male – friends and family an e-card, tweet, or Facebook message from the Department of Health and Human Services as a caring reminder to ask their doctor about mammograms.
It might sound silly, but simply sharing articles, pictures or even hashtagging the trending #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth on your social media channels can help to alert others to learn more on prevention and stats surrounding breast cancer. You never know who you might help!
Find Out Your Family History
I know, you’ve been telling yourself you’re going to look into your family history… next year. This month is the perfect time to take special steps to protect your health! You may have a high risk of breast cancer if you have a sister or mother who developed breast or ovarian cancer – especially at an early age – or if you have multiple family members who developed breast, prostate, or ovarian cancer. Ask your doctor or genetic counselor so you can better understand your family history of breast cancer!
Make Time For A Mammogram
Studies have shown that a breast cancer screening with mammography saves lives. While it doesn’t help to prevent cancer, it can detect it early or when it’s most treatable. On average, a regular mammogram for women can begin at age 40, but it varies by age and risk. Make sure to get regular mammograms, whether or not breast cancer runs in your family!
Shop For Your Skin
We all love to shop – make it for a good cause! Skincare brands such as Clinique promotes a donation with purchase of specific products. Eos also has products where a portion of the proceeds will benefit breast cancer research! Help your skin look its best and raise awareness.
Get Informed
This year, around 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S. Read up on your research, stay informed for you – and your loved ones – health.
Did you know men are also at risk? All people, regardless of male or female, are born with some breast cells and tissue. A man’s breast cells can still develop cancer and while it is rare, it still presents a risk. Awareness among men is spread much less, so they are less likely to assume a lump is breast cancer, which can cause a delay in seeking treatment.
Whatever you decide to do this month surrounding breast cancer awareness, your efforts make a difference. So many people have been affected by breast cancer, whether it’s personally or watching loved ones suffer. Let’s increase awareness about early detection, research and support this National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and everyday! Together we can be the change!
This week take a minute to thank the people who put children at ease while healing their bodies – pediatric nurses! KPG Healthcare is proud to staff some of the best hospitals in the Nation. Looking for your next career move and interested in contributing to one of California’s most renowned hospitals in the nursing division? Whether you’re interested in travel nursing, per diem, allied, locum tenens or permanent placement, KPG Healthcare is your trusted partner for high quality, rewarding career opportunities. Contact us today!