As a woman with two aunts who are breast cancer survivors, I like all the pink in October to bring awareness about breast cancer and funding for medical research.
Of course, I would prefer to celebrate a cure for cancer. Until that happens, I appreciate the annual pink reminders for women to take care of their health and get the proper screenings.
Despite all the pink we see in October, we don’t always hear as much as I would like as far as awareness. Today I’m trying to do my part to spread breast cancer awareness.
Did you know that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide? Statistics from the American Cancer Society tell us that one in eight women (12%) in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime.
Some factors the affect breast cancer risk cannot be changed, such as family history and age. However, there are things women can do to help reduce their risk factors. According to the American Cancer Society, five ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer include:
- Watch your weight, because breast cancer risk increases for women who are overweight.
- Exercise regularly. Studies have shown that an increase in physical activity is linked to a lower breast cancer risk.
- Reduce the amount of time spent sitting. Studies show that more time spent sitting increases breast cancer risk, no matter how much exercise you get when you’re not sitting.
- Limit alcoholic beverages. Higher alcohol consumption has been linked to higher breast cancer risk.
- Limit or avoid hormone replacement therapy (HRT). While it can help reduce menopause symptoms, research has found a link between HRT and increased breast cancer risk.
The American Cancer Society also issues recommendations for cancer screening, since early detection increases the chances for women to survive breast cancer. Self exams are recommended, and women in their 20s and 30s should have clinical breast exams about every 3 years. Women 40 and over should have annual clinical breast exams and annual mammogram screenings.
Go pink for breast cancer awareness and support breast cancer research
Do you like all the special pink products in October for breast cancer awareness month?
I like seeing them as a reminders for women to care for their health as a show of support for women who have battled breast cancer. Best of all, these pink products raise needed research funds.
I’m highlighting some special pink products this month that benefit breast cancer charities.
Estee Lauder has been a leading advocate for breast cancer awareness for years. Evelyn Lauder was co-creator of the Pink Ribbon and founder of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).
Estee Lauder began the Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) Campaign and has joined together 15 brands to raise funds for the BCRF with Pink Ribbon products. You can find the products on the BCA Campaign website.
It’s always important to know what organization your purchases are supporting. The BCRF is recognized as a financially efficient nonprofit organizations and is the only breast cancer organization with an “A+” rating from CharityWatch and have a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Thus, you can feel good about supporting BCRF with any Pink Ribbon products you may purchase.
Do you have any favorite products that go pink for breast cancer awareness in October?
