Pink October can feel different for each of us. But what matters is that we all come together to support breast cancer awareness and amplify the importance of its early detection and prevention.
As the second most common form of cancer that affects millions of women worldwide, it’s both highly probable and sad that this disease has hit close to home for far too many of us—a friend, a family member or a breast cancer warrior we know and love. In fact, NBFC states that 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. 297,790 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year alone, which makes it even more imperative to ask ourselves: How can we get more involved and show support during this Breast Cancer Awareness Day? After all, it’s an experience that not only impacts those who get diagnosed but also their families, friends and communities.
5 Ways You Can Support Breast Cancer Awareness This Pink October Day
1. Think Pink
Although the pink ribbon is the internationally recognized symbol of solidarity in the fight against breast cancer, wearing anything pink can be a simple yet powerful way to show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month; because by doing so, you’re helping keep the conversation about breast cancer alive.
But is it enough to wear pink only in October? Well, to make a real difference, we’ve got to talk about it year-round. And what could be a more lasting symbol for it than pink gemstone jewelry? By wearing pink jewelry you aren’t just showing your support to the cause, but also reminding yourself to do your (and your loved ones’) monthly breast self-exam and biennial mammogram.
P.S. You can shop pink sapphire jewelry, rose quartz jewelry and pink tourmaline jewelry to raise awareness this October. What’s more, these pink gemstones symbolize self-love which is exactly what you’re doing by taking care of your health. So go on, choose your pink!
Shop Pink Gemstone Jewelry
2. Educate Yourself and Others
Did you know that when breast cancer is detected early and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%? Or that there is more than one type of breast cancer?
Knowledge is a powerful tool when it comes to fighting any disease as it helps enable early detection, thereby making it easier to treat.
We’re proud to join hands with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (NBCF) to raise awareness about the risk factors, symptoms and early prevention. Because while you can’t prevent breast cancer, you can be proactive in your fight against it. Therefore, we urge you to educate yourself, your loved ones and as many people as possible through word of mouth, media channels, one-on-one conversations or any other way you’re comfortable with.
3. Celebrate a Survivor
Know a cancer warrior? Why not show support by celebrating a milestone that is significant to them, aka their cancerversary? For example, the last day of their treatment or the day they were declared cancer-free. Whether it’s a small get-together, a meal at a restaurant or an activity they enjoy, little gestures can go a long way to show them how loved they are.
Additionally, you can honor them by sharing their survival journey which will also give others hope and a firsthand account of how they can battle breast cancer.
4. Organize a Fundraiser (or Participate in One!)
From marathon runs to crowdfunding, there are a lot of breast cancer awareness events held during October to raise money for awareness, treatment and research. But if you’d like to make it more innovative, fun and personal, why not fundraise your way?
Whether it’s a pink party, quiz night, car wash or fitness challenge, you can raise money however you want and donate the proceeds toward the cause.
5. Help a Cancer Patient
Stumped on how to help out someone going through breast cancer? Well, there’s plenty you can do!
You can help organize meal deliveries for patients, offer to drive them for their chemo sessions, walk their dogs, drop and pick up their kids from school or just be a listening ear. Your presence, empathy and support can help make their journey less challenging.
Don’t know anyone battling cancer personally? You can still support patients by donating hats, hair, blankets and scarves to a local hospital or a chemo center.
FAQ
Both men as well as women can support breast cancer awareness.
From organizing fundraisers and wearing pink to volunteering to help cancer patients, there are so many activities you can participate in to support the cause.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, also known as ‘Pinktober,’ is an annual international health campaign that was started by NBCF in October 1985 to support the cause of raising awareness, funds and research programs for breast cancer.
Breast cancer cannot be prevented. However, by supporting breast cancer awareness, we can lower the risk by facilitating early detection and, therefore, have a better chance of curing it.
