October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.
So what can you do to help combat the disease that kills roughly 40,000 U.S. women each year?
Here are some suggestions:
Test yourself. What do you know about breast cancer? Take this quiz from the American Cancer Society to gauge your awareness and your risk.
Move it. Find a breast cancer event near you and sign up. It’s a fun way to raise funds, meet friends, get some exercise and celebrate survivors. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, a three-mile walk from Yeatman’s Cove is coming up on Saturday, Oct. 22. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 9 a.m. If walking isn’t your thing, look for other opportunities to get involved. If you like to run, bike, motorcycle or dance, chances are you can find an event at some point during the year.
Purchase pink. Whether you’re in the grocery store or shopping at your local nursery, chances are you’ll find pink-ribbon products on display this month. Companies selling pink-ribbon products donate a portion of their proceeds to help fight breast cancer. To double check whether a specific product or brand is truly supporting breast cancer, so some research on ThinkBeforeYouPink.org.
Get your employer involved. Ask your employer to sponsor a “wear pink” day at work and donate the money raised to organizations supporting breast cancer care and research.
Use social media. Use your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account to share news, breast cancer research or events.
Sponsor a fundraiser. Join forces with your kids to set up a pink lemonade stand or sell pink cupcakes, donuts or cookies after church or school. Invite your friends over for a “girls’ night in” pink potluck and donate the money you would have spent on a night out to the breast cancer organization of your choice.
Get a mammogram. If you’ve put off having a routine mammogram, schedule your appointment and encourage your family and friends to do the same. Remember, early detection saves lives.
