5 meaningful ways to observe Breast Cancer Awareness month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month in many countries around the world, including here in the United States.
Why it matters
Let’s start with why breast cancer is such a big deal. The stats below are for the United States and come from the American Cancer Society.
The bad news
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers. It accounts for about 30 percent of all new female cancers each year.
- About 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women during 2025.
- About 42,170 women will die from breast cancer in 2025.
- In recent years, incidence rates have increased by 1 percent per year. This is thought to be due to a rise in the risk factors of having excess body weight and not having children before the age 30.
The good news
- Breast cancer death rates have been decreasing steadily since 1989, for an overall decline of 44 percent through 2022. The decrease in death rates is believed to be the result of finding breast cancer earlier through screening and increased awareness, as well as better treatments.
- There are more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone.
5 meaningful ways to observe Breast Cancer Awareness month
Now let’s talk about ways you can observe Breast Cancer Awareness month that will help draw attention to, and even improve, this important health issue.
- First and foremost, if you are a woman 45 years or older and are due for your screening mammogram, schedule yours today. (You can find the American Cancer Society’s screening guidelines here.) Consider sharing your experience on social media or other platforms to help remind the women in your life of the importance of screening. For tips on how to make your mammogram as comfortable and effective as possible, check out this American Cancer Society infographic.
- Educate yourself on cancer prevention and choose one small step you can take to lessen your own risk…things like improving nutrition, increasing physical activity, and avoiding or limiting alcohol.
- Participate in one of the many fundraising walks or runs taking place this month. If you are in the United States, this website can help you find an event near you.
- Make a financial donation to, or volunteer with, a research initiative, the cancer society, or care providers in your area.
- Wear pink to show support and raise awareness.
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Your turn
- Do you have any other ideas for observing Breast Cancer Awareness month?
- Is there one step you can commit to for improving your health this month?
- What else (if anything) besides breast cancer do you associate with the color pink?
- What else is on your mind? Anything at all; I just love to hear from you.
Image by Marco Jean de Oliveira Teixeir Marco Jean de Oliveira Teixeir from Pixabay
I actually just rejoined Weight Watchers and have been making a more concerted effort to work out every day. I feel so much better when I work out regularly and I need to get those vacation pounds back off; they just don’t seem to want to budge this time!
I do WW online, Joanne, and they have a new program specifically for women in perimenopause and menopause. So far, I’ve found the content to be very helpful.
Host a fundraiser – we do the biggest morning tea (where offices all over the country host morning tea to raise money), or have a ‘girls night’ fundraiser- party and do good at the same time. #WWWhimsy
That sounds like a lot of fun, Lydia, and as you said, you’re doing good at the same time. Nice work.
I have annual mammograms. I am also trying to eat healthier for many reasons, but hopefully it will help prevent breast cancer, as well as all cancers. 🩷🖤
I know you do, Cindy. You’ve always been a good example for me. Keep up the good work!
I have my annual mammograms and am always happy to receive new it’s clear. I have been working to get the weight off, and it’s leaving but quite slowly (I think it loves me a little too much)! Thanks, Christie, for the tips and reminders!
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I’m glad you’ve been keeping up on your mammograms, Marsha. I had mine recently and another clean report, so that’s good. Weight is tricky at this time of our lives. I try to be mindful of my eating and movement habits and not get too fixated on the results. Easier said than done at times.
Hi Christie, I know so many people who have been affected by Breast Cancer. Thanks for putting it in the spotlight and raising awareness & also for sharing with us at #WWWhimsy xo
You’re welcome, Min. It’s such a prevalent disease. I’m glad to see progress being made in early detection.
I do the usual exercise to look after my health Christie. However I’m very bad at keeping up to date with health checks. Thanks for the reminder. I’m putting it in my calendar to make an appt
If I’ve inspired you to schedule this important health check, Jennifer, then I am happy. ❤️
Awareness is key to this cancer detection using visual and ‘felt’ signs as per my GP’s instructions. I have had bi annual breast screens since I was around 50. I have also have a couple of scans too. However at 75 I am GLAD to hav e been breast cancer free and to no longer be obliged to have the mammogram. It may be free for us Aussie women of a certain age group but I have had skin damaged twice by the roughness of the people doing the tests. Yes I told them…sigh!
You are doing a great job sharing health awareness tips Christie.
Denyse x
That’s great, Denyse. You’ve had your share of cancer challenges. I’m glad you didn’t have to deal with this one too.