By PHRC Admin Team
October is National Breast Cancer Month, a time to raise awareness about this deadly disease that affects millions of people across the globe. Approximately one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, making it the most common form of cancer among women in the United States .
This month is an opportunity for everyone to join forces and work together to support those affected by breast cancer as well as promote education, research and early detection. It’s also an important reminder that there are more survivors than ever before due to advances in medical technology and treatments over the years.
One way to get involved during National Breast Cancer Month is to wear pink ribbons or donate money towards breast cancer charities like National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). NBCF has provided funding for screenings, diagnostic testing, patient navigation and survivor support services since 2003. Participating in walks or runs such as Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure® are also great ways to show support while raising funds for research into causes, prevention and cures .
Aside from donating money or raising awareness through events, individuals can look out for their own health by getting screened regularly for breast cancer. Early detection is key when it comes to successful treatment against this disease so make sure you keep up-to-date with your mammograms if you are over 40 or follow your doctor’s screening advice if you have a family history of breast cancer.
National Breast Cancer Month serves as an important reminder about how far we have come in the fight against this horrible disease thanks to increased awareness and funding going towards research into its causes and treatments. We should take every moment of October to celebrate all those who have survived breast cancer while striving forward towards a cure.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer, there are several resources available to help navigate the journey.
For information and support, organizations like Susan G. Komen provide a wealth of resources such as access to a breast cancer helpline as well as helpful information about options for treatment, financial assistance and insurance coverage. They also have online discussion boards and chat rooms where survivors can talk with others who have gone through a similar experience.
The American Cancer Society is another great resource that provides free educational materials and support services like coaching programs and free rides to medical appointments through their Road to Recovery program. Additionally, the ACS partners with more than 200 local cancer organizations across the country so that individuals can find support services close to home.
Other organizations such as BreastCancer.org are dedicated specifically to providing accurate and up-to-date information about breast cancer diagnosis, treatments and care for those affected by it. You can also find many nonprofit foundations that fund research into causes, prevention and cures for breast cancer like the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) or the Avon Foundation for Women which provides grants to support screenings, diagnostic tests and treatment options for underserved communities.
No matter your needs during this difficult time, make sure you reach out for help – whether it be from family members or professional resources – because knowing you are not alone in this fight is invaluable when facing breast cancer head on.
Resources:
The American Cancer Society (ACS): Provides resource lists for free or low-cost mammograms and financial assistance.
National Breast Cancer Foundation: Offers various resources to help spread awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
World Health Organization (WHO): Provides resources to increase support for the awareness, early detection, treatment, and palliative care of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Now: Focusses on raising awareness around secondary breast cancer.
Commission on Cancer (CoC) and National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC): Offers resources to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program: Offers free or low-cost mammograms to women who have low incomes and are uninsured.
Breast Cancer Foundation: Provides a range of targeted materials approved by its Medical Advisory Committee, available free of charge.
CancerCare: Provides breast and cervical cancer resources.
Susan G. Komen Patient Care Center: Your go-to source for timely, accurate breast health and breast cancer information, services, and resources.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
We are excited to announce our physical therapist, Molly, is now located in our 11th location in Columbus, OH. Now scheduling new patients- call (510) 922-9836 to book!
Are you unable to come see us in person in the Bay Area, Southern California or New England? We offer virtual physical therapy appointments too!
Virtual sessions are available with PHRC pelvic floor physical therapists via our video platform, Zoom, or via phone. For more information and to schedule, please visit our digital healthcare page.
Melissa Patrick is a certified yoga instructor and meditation teacher and is also available virtually to help, for more information please visit our therapeutic yoga page.
Do you enjoy or blog and want more content from PHRC? Please head over to social media!