Breast Cancer Awareness Month is upon us and with it comes my least favorite color in the world…Pepto Bismol pink (love the medicine, but aack that color!). But if it will make people stop and give breast cancer the thought it deserves then so be it. Hopefully people will continue to think and help raise awareness about this cause long after all this pink goes away. Did I mention I hate that color?
Did you know…?
Women in the U.S. get breast cancer more than any other cancer (except for skin cancer) and is second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Ok, I think I mentioned the C word way too many times there.
It’s estimated that each year nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with the disease and more than 40,000 will die from it.
Men need to be careful too! It’s estimated that 1,700 will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will lose that fight each year.
There are several different types of breast cancer depending on where the cancer cells originated and their appearance.
What you can do
The National Breast Cancer Foundation offers resources, support and community discussions for those newly diagnosed, their loved ones and people who want to lend a helping hand.There are tons of companies who want to encourage you to donate money to breast cancer organizations. Yes, we all know it’s a marketing ploy, but they’re targeting people who wouldn’t donate of their own accord. Here are just a few I rounded up for Latina.com.
Participate in the Pink Ribbon Challenge to help give women free mammograms with just a click a day.
Register for a Susan G. Komen for the Cure event near you. This year, the Komen Race for the Cure 5K run/walk celebrates 25 years of raising funds and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. Can you walk 5K in your sleep? Then give their Breast Cancer 3-Day 60-mile walk a try, big shot.
And don’t forget to protect your own set while you’re at it! Catching breast cancer in its early stages gives you a fighting chance to become one of the two million survivors if you’re ever diagnosed with the disease. So create an Early Detection Plan to stay on top of breast self-exams, mammogram appointments and clinical tests - no matter if you're an A, B, C, or D cup!
Images: www.signaturecareppo.com, www.micarunway.com