Breast Cancer Awareness Month, held in October every year, was created in 1985 to promote screening and prevention of the disease, which affects one in eight women in the United States every year and 2.3 million women worldwide. Known best for its pink theme color, the month features a number of campaigns and programs — conducted by groups ranging from breast cancer advocacy organizations to local community organizations to major retailers — aimed at:
• supporting people diagnosed with breast cancer, including metastatic breast cancer
• educating people about breast cancer risk factors
• stressing the importance of regular screening, starting at age 40 or an age that’s appropriate for your personal breast cancer risk
• fundraising for breast cancer research
A few great sites for more information and other resources are listed below:
For more information about breast cancer, support, and how to make your mark this Breast Cancer Awareness Month visit the Breast Cancer website
National Breast Cancer Foundation offers educational resources, support HOPE Kits, and efforts to help women in need access free mammograms and diagnostic services
Learn about symptoms, screening, and lowering your risk from the CDC breast cancer website
More information can be found at the American Cancer Society Website