If you spot a lot of pink ribbons this month, no doubt it’s because October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What is the importance of this annual campaign?
For one thing, breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in the United States. Approximately one in eight women will develop the disease at some point in their lives. In fact, more than a quarter of a million cases of breast cancer are reported each year in the U.S., making it the second most prevalent cause of death among women.
However, early detection of the disease is an effective way to reduce one’s breast cancer mortality risk by 30 percent or more.This is why it’s important to help educate the public about the symptoms and prevention of breast cancer and fund research into its cause, treatment, and cure not just during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month but also all year round.
How to Help Raise Breast Cancer Awareness
Started in 1985, Breast Cancer Awareness Month runs the entire month of October. Throughout the country, millions of people participate in various social media campaigns, races, or walking events. Originally, the goal was to encourage women to get regular mammograms, but the campaign has since expanded to address effective treatment options and promote funding for research.
You and your loved ones can help raise awareness, show your support and solidarity for those affected by breast cancer, and celebrate those who have fought and survived the disease in the following ways:
- Wear pink, even if just wearing a pink ribbon, the universal symbol of breast cancer.
- Attend fundraisers, whether in person, virtually, or on social media. You can even start one yourself by holding a raffle or bake sale, hosting a quiz night or sporting event, coordinating a talent show or auction, or partnering with a larger organization.
- Walk or run.The Susan G. Komen Foundation coordinates various race events throughout the country, including Race for the Cure, More Than Pink Walk events, and the Komen 3-Day Walk. Participating in one of these local races in your area can help raise awareness and money for breast cancer research.
- Donate directly to breast cancer organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, or the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Whether it’s a one-time donation or an ongoing contribution, every dollar helps support those affected by breast cancer.
- Volunteer at your local breast cancer clinic or hospital or a nonprofit, breast cancer organization to support patients, survivors, and medical professionals.
Medical Care and Diagnostic Services in South and Central Florida
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, and rates are highest in women over the age of 70.
At Palm Medical Centers, we provide premier primary care for seniors and encourage our patients to receive regular preventive screenings. Our board-certified healthcare providers are trained in the early detection of medical conditions, which have been shown to dramatically improve the likelihood of successful treatment when diagnosed early. As such, we offer state-of-the-art, in-house diagnostic imaging services so we can quickly diagnose your condition and promptly commence effective treatment.
If you are already an established patient of Palm Medical Centers, simply call your provider’s clinic using our patient portal to make your appointment. Or, to become a patient, call Palm Medical Centers at (833)500-PALM (7256) now. For your convenience, we have multiple clinics located throughout South and Central Florida.
