Every year since 1985, millions of people around the world have recognised Breast Cancer Awareness month. The annual campaign aims to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer, and educate about the importance of early detection. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer amongst Australian women, with over 20,000 diagnosed each year. If you’d like to show your support during this Breast Cancer Awareness month, here are 5 ways to start.
1. Think pink
The international symbol for breast cancer is a pink ribbon, and an easy way to show your support for women fighting breast cancer is to wear a pink ribbon – or anything pink – during the month of October. Go pink this October, whether it’s t-shirts, trainers, hair dye, nails, make up – whatever works for you! Why not host a pink-themed party, morning tea, trivia night or another event to raise money for women’s cancers? Simply register your event here, set a date and get together. It’s that simple!
2. Get involved
There are many local and national organisations across Australia that raise awareness – and money – for breast cancer. The National Breast Cancer Foundation website lists several ways you can help too. Whether you host an event, donate a gift or cash, shave or colour your hair in solidarity, or complete a physical challenge in honour of someone fighting breast cancer, every little bit counts.
3. Help someone you know
If you know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may like to help in a more hands-on way. You could drop off meals for the freezer, drive them to their appointments, or do some of the tasks they just can’t do right now. Like mowing the lawn, washing the car, vacuuming the house, or doing a load of laundry.
4. Educate and raise awareness
Spend some time this month educating yourself and others about breast cancer. There are a number of helpful online resources including these:
Breast Cancer Network Australia
Breastscreen Australia Program
5. Be aware
Finding breast cancer early is the best way to fight and survive this disease. Early detection makes it more treatable. So this month, spread awareness by reminding the women in your life about the importance of a mammogram, and help educate them on how to check for abnormalities. Finally, if you’re due for a mammogram lead by example and book your breastscreen this month.
Help in other ways
This list is by no means exhaustive, and there are so many other ways you can get involved in and support Breast Cancer Awareness month. From helping fund vital research initiatives that could help find a cure, to taking part in a run or walk for breast cancer, to your own fundraising – a bake sale, car wash – with proceeds going to a breast cancer charity. And it doesn’t have to be limited to just October, you can show your support every day.
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