How to Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2010

According to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation a woman dies from breast cancer every 69 seconds. This hardly seems like cause to celebrate. What we can celebrate, however, is that with early detection and treatment the rate of survival for those diagnosed with breast cancer has greatly improved in the past 20 years.

What we should celebrate is the knowledge that, thanks to outreach and awareness activities like National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, more and more women are taking preventative measures that can help increase their risk of survival by performing regular self-examinations and getting yearly mammograms.

We can also celebrate new treatment options and on-going research which will someday develop a cure. Along with that idea, we can celebrate the hope that children born today may never experience the devastating effects of breast cancer in the way that our grandmothers, mothers, sisters and friends have. What we must celebrate is every woman who has faced this disease and conquered the odds.

Participate in a National Event

Celebrate by participating in one of the thousands of breast cancer awareness events scheduled world-wide throughout the month of October. Whether you participate in the "Race for the Cure", a local or national awareness walk, a fundraising breakfast or a fashion show for charity, there is sure to be an event scheduled that suits your personal style and taste.

Plan a Local Awareness Event

If you can't find an event scheduled near you, consider planning one of your own. You will find resources and ideas for planning an awareness event at breastcancerawareness.com.

The Susan G. Komen Foundation also provides free breast cancer information and educational materials. Pamphlets on topics such as how to perform a self-exam, what to ask the doctor, outreach resources and much more are available simply for the asking. Materials are distributed in quantities of 25 to 100. Order online and distribute them throughout your city or town.

Celebrate October with a mammogram.

Every woman over age 50 should have a yearly mammogram. Women who are at a higher risk of the disease, regardless of age, should have a mammogram at least once a year, or as recommended by their physician. Invite a friend or loved one to schedule a mammogram and go together. According to the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, unisured women have
a much greater risk of undiagnosed breast cancer. The uninsured also are less likely to have regular mammograms, and therefore are more likely to die from this disease. Men and women can encourage uninsured friends and loved ones to get a a mammogram, offer to accompany them and if possible, help cover the cost.

Spruce up your wardrobe.

Shopkomen.com is a great resource for fashion accessories that help raise breast cancer awareness. From tee-shirts to shawls, jewelry to hats, the Susan G. Koman Foundation has put together a collection of fashionable clothing and accessories that are fit for any occasion. Better yet, 25 percent of the proceeds from items purchased at this website go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Give a Gift to a cancer patient.

Pink Ribbon Teddy Bears are available at online and retail locations. Purchase a pink ribbon bear and send it to someone who is battling breast cancer, whether a friend or stranger. Sales of the bears helps support breast cancer research and can make a difference in the life of someone who is experiencing a difficult time.

Save Lids For Lives.

Yoplait yogurt is sponsoring a "Lids for Lives" program. Collect the lids from specially marked packages of Yoplait yogurt throughout the month of October. Send the lids to Yoplait, to help in the fight against breast cancer.