How to Best Honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2020

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Initially, October was named Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a way to remind people to get mammograms. Now, there are many other ways to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We have compiled a few things for you to do in October with this important cause in mind. 



Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2020


Donate

Many breast cancer organizations can use donations to continue raising awareness, to help those in need and to perform the research that makes things better. These organizations also allow you to set up recurring donations, so you can continue to support them throughout the year. Here are a few organizations you may consider donating to this October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2020.

  • National Breast Cancer Foundation allows you to choose exactly what your money helps. You can donate to the NBCF’s Screening, Education, Support, or General Funds. The foundation’s donation page gives you details about how your donations can make a difference. 
  • Breast Cancer Research Foundation is committed to learning more about breast cancer. With more knowledge, breast cancer can be better prevented and treated. When you donate to BCRF, your money is supporting research hours, which leads to more answers about breast cancer. 
  • Susan B. Komen Foundation uses the donations it receives to help with research, as well as community health programs, education, and advocacy. You can also start your own fundraiser through the foundation, which can help to raise awareness while bringing in donations. 


Get a Mammogram 

If you are a woman over the age of 40, it’s a good idea to have a mammogram annually. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a great time to start, so you will remember to get your mammogram each year. When you have a breast cancer screening with a mammogram, breast cancer can be detected early. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the more treatable it is. If you are under 40 but are at risk for breast cancer, talk to your doctor about recommended screenings.



Offer to Help Those with Breast Cancer 

If a friend, family member, co-worker, or neighbor has been diagnosed with breast cancer, offer to help as much as you can. Their lives don’t necessarily slow down when they are battling cancer. They still have children to care for, a home to keep clean and tidy, meals to prepare, and so much more. Offer to drop off meals or take their kids to extracurricular activities. Make sure they know you’re there for them if they need any help. 


Support Chemotherapy Patients 

Your local oncologists may welcome donations and other help to support chemotherapy patients. You could donate hats and blankets for patients to wear while they are in the hospital. You might also be able to connect with a patient via email, phone, or traditional mail. Another way to support breast cancer patients is by dropping off care packages. Contact your local hospital to see what kinds of needs there are and what you can help with. Social workers may also be able to point you in the right direction. 


Raise Awareness 

While Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been beneficial in raising awareness, not enough people understand it or know how to make a difference. You can use your voice for good by telling others about the month and how to honor it. You might hang up informational posters on the bulletin board at work. You could also post this information on social media. If you get a mammogram yourself, sharing about it with your friends and family can help to encourage them to do the same.