All of us, in some way, have been touched by cancer. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this year marks the 25th anniversary of its celebration. Breast cancer “education, awareness, and empowerment” are continually increased each year in recognizing what this month is all about. In the United States, breast cancer has one of the highest death rates, according to breastcancer.org. In fact, more than ¼ of all cancers found in women are types of breast cancer. As the conscious, aware collegiettes™ we all are, we must recognize the severity of this disease and help fight for a cure. Here are some ways you can help punch out breast cancer!
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1. Wear Pink!
Pink is the color of breast cancer awareness, and what easier way could show support for the fight than donning this hue? No matter what it is—a shirt, a hat, a hair ribbon—a little bit of pink can go a long way in raising awareness. Susan G. Komen offers a line of products—amazing, fashionable products—that also help raise money for the cause. For every purchase made on shopkomen.com, 25% will be donated to Susan G. Komen For The Cure. Check out their products today!
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2. Walk, Run for the Cure
Another great way to raise money and awareness is by participating in breast cancer walks. Sign up, acquire sponsors, and give back! Programs like Making Strides Against Breast Cancer are easy, fun ways to raise funds. This year’s Making Strides in Lafayette takes place Saturday, Oct. 15 at 10 AM at the SIA Recreation Center. Others include Marathon For the Cure, and the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. This fall’s 3-day event in Chicago has already taken place, but be sure to keep an eye out for information in regarding the spring.
3.  Don’t Become a Statistic
There are many steps you can take to make sure that you are staying healthy. Know your body and what’s normal for you. By giving yourself regular breast exams and getting regular mammograms you will be more in-tune with your body and be able to recognize if something is off. If you have a family history of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer, be sure to share this information with your physician. Studies have shown that other factors such as body weight, physical activity level, and alcohol consumption, among others, have been linked to breast cancer. Be healthy, know your body, and take action to prevent becoming a breast cancer statistic. For more information on risk and prevention, visit http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/LowerYourRisk.html.
*Sources
1. http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics.jsp
2. http://www.shopkomen.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=1805&catID=307
3. http://www.info-komen.org/site/PageServer?pagename=HQ_MFTC_About_Marathon
4. http://makingstrides.acsevents.org/site/TR?sid=99050&type=fr_informational&pg=informational&fr_id=36064Â
5. http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/LowerYourRisk.html
6. http://www.nbcam.org/disease_breast_cancer.cfm
7. http://indianapolis-indiana.funcityfinder.com/files/2010/04/race-for-the-cure-300.jpg