It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month

10. Oct, 2009 Comments Off

ribbon Did you know that this October marks the 25th anniversary of Breast Cancer Awareness Month? President Obama made a lovely speech the other day in his official White House Proclamation. He stated:

“As we observe National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we salute the brave Americans who are fighting this disease, including families and friends, advocates, researchers, and health care providers. We also pause to remember and pray for those we have lost to breast cancer.”

Most of us know someone who has dealt with breast cancer somewhere in his or her lives. Both my aunt and grandmother had the disease. Therefore, I am vigilant about my own screening annually.

Screening and early detection are essential. The National Cancer Institute recommends that women age 40 and older have mammograms every 1 to 2 years. Women who are at greater risk should talk with their health care providers about whether to have mammograms before age 40 and how often to have them.

Use this month as an opportunity to schedule your own mammogram or talk to your doctor about your questions or concerns. This is also a great month to get involved in events that raise money for breast cancer research and treatment. Here are a few to choose from:

Race For The Cure – Help in the fight against breast cancer. Walk or run in a “Race For The Cure” in your area. The International Grant Program of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation provides funding for basic, clinical and translational breast cancer research and for innovative projects in the areas of breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment.

Avon 2 Day Walk – Avon Breast Cancer 2 Day Walk – The net proceeds from the Avon Breast Walks will fund non-profit breast health programs, programs that provide support services for women undergoing treatment for breast cancer, and cutting-edge medical research on breast cancer. Choose your distance…. two half marathons, or a marathon one day and half marathon the next.

Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk – The great distance of the 3-Day is now matched by the great reputation of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, one of the world’s leading cancer organizations. Eighty-five percent of the net monies raised from the 3-Day will benefit The Komen Foundation, which is dedicated to eradicating breast cancer as a life-threatening disease through research, screening, education and treatment

We’ll talk a bit more about breast self-exams and screenings in a future article. In the meantime, get the latest news about research, education and more at the National Breast Cancer Awareness site at NBCAM.org.