October isn’t just Halloween month, or “prepare for Thanksgiving month”, or “start your Christmas shopping early” month. More importantly, it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And there are a few things you can do to observe this annual campaign that seeks to educate and bring awareness to the impacts of breast cancer.
Here are a few suggestions for actions you can take, from knowing what an early sign of breast cancer looks like, to doing a self-check, to looking out for and supporting your friends.
Educate yourself: What are early signs of breast cancer?
Take care of yourself and others, too: Remind your friends when to get a mammogram
Being a good friend isn’t just about bringing over ice cream after a breakup, or sending over a cat meme to brighten their day; it’s about looking out for their health, too.
5. Send your friends a mammogram reminder
A study by Breastcancer.org found that a reminder system implemented by doctors resulted in 10% more women getting mammograms in the appropriate time frame, compared to women who were not in a reminder system. Some organizations, like Premiere Health, are setting up automated systems that allow you to send your friends — and yourself – email reminders. So fire off a text to your bestie reminding them to schedule that appointment — you can still send it along with a cat meme.
6. Help a friend who has breast cancer
Lend support by cooking meals, taking care of their kids, offering to drive and accompany them to treatments and doctor appointments or organizing volunteers and visitors. Offer to just listen and let them vent, too.
7. Be a good friend to others, too
By supporting organizations through your time or donations, your actions could benefit countless people and save lives. According to Healthline, the key is providing support and not just awareness. They offer suggestions for patient support, such as donating gas cards, wigs for chemo patients, exercise and makeup classes, payment of treatment, and helping through organizations such as Chemo Angels.
8. Make healthy adjustments to your lifestyle
Some risk factors for breast cancer, such as family history, can’t be avoided. But there are steps you can take to make your lifestyle as healthy as possible. The Mayo Clinic suggests limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, breastfeeding when possible and limiting postmenopausal hormone therapy.
