8 Ways to Mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer impacts women every day, not just during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, there are a few things you can do to promote awareness throughout October that can have lasting impacts on the lives of women (and men!) all year long.

Read on to learn a few of them.

Lead by example.

Although breast cancer can’t always be prevented, you can take important steps to detect it early, thus improving treatment success rates.

To do so, don’t forget to perform your monthly breast self-exam. You may also want to schedule your clinical breast exam or mammogram this month if needed. To learn more about getting screened for breast cancer, click here.

If you do not have insurance and are between the ages of 40 and 64, you may qualify for a free or low-cost mammogram through CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Learn more by calling (800) CDC-INFO.

By being proactive about your own breast health, you will encourage those around you to be proactive, too.

Talk to your family and friends.

Encourage your friends and family members to also get screened! Pick up the phone or send them a message to remind them about scheduling their mammogram or performing a self-exam. In doing so, you’ll show them just how much you care about their health and finding a cure for breast cancer.

Wear pink.

Help to raise awareness in the community by wearing pink clothing or a ribbon and sharing information or literature about breast cancer if people ask about it. Discuss with them the risks of breast cancer and the importance of awareness in the community.

Eat for a cause.

One simple and enjoyable way to contribute to the cause is scouting out your area to find all the delicious dishes at a variety of restaurants around town. Many businesses, like Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse, offer special menus in which a portion of the proceeds go towards women’s health organizations.

Get social.

What better way to raise awareness about breast cancer than by doing so on social media, where your voice can be heard loud and clear? Take to Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and share your story, your success and your knowledge – not just in October, but throughout the year!

Participate in a fun run.

One of the leaders when in raising breast cancer awareness and funds is Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest breast cancer organization. The organization runs Race for the Cure, a series of 5K runs and fitness walks around the country, and here in New Orleans. Net proceeds from these events fund global breast cancer research and local community programs.

Hold a “Pay to Dress Down Day” at your office.

Everyone likes to wear jeans and t-shirts! Work with your colleagues to organize a special day that employees can wear casual clothing in return for making a donation to a breast cancer organization.

Throw a Girls’ Night In get-together.

Looking for something fun to do this weekend with the gals? How about having a girls’ night in!? Collect the money that would have been spent on a night out on the town and make a collective donation to a breast cancer charity. Need ideas? Check out Pinterest for lots of great pink-themed party ideas!

This article was submitted by Shaune Farve-Williams, a New Orleans native who is an ambitious breast cancer warrior. A patient of Ochsner, Shaune loves family life with her husband, sons and dog, and is passionate about writing, crafting and listening to music. In her spare time, she advocates for breast cancer awareness. Check out her Instagram page for daily inspiration!