We at Fem2.0 have been focused on Domestic Violence Awareness Month. While we will continue that focus, and we feel strongly about the ability of communities to take action and change the future of violence against women, we would be remiss to ignore the fact that October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
While I was workin
g at a domestic violence agency a few years back, it used to make me crazy that these two huge causes were thrown into the same month, pitting women against women in contests to raise money and awareness. An unfair view- point I realize, but my main job was to raise money to help victims of domestic violence!
Here’s the thing – we can do something about domestic violence in our communities, but we can also do something about breast cancer awareness. We don’t only have to rely on professional research, and the advancement of medicine and technology, to see a change in breast cancer statistics. One in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in their life.
It seems there is constantly news coming out about a new link to breast cancer in something we eat or use everyday. The likelihood of any woman knowing a survivor or victim of breast cancer is great – and it has fueled a revolution against the disease. The battle against breast cancer can be seen anywhere – Target, Bed Bath and Beyond – I even saw evidence of the battle in Best Buy last weekend. It is a credit to what women can do when put to the test. And it has allowed women and men to make an impact with ordinary purchases.
There are plenty of ways to give and create awareness. Here are some great resources to look check out:
Other things you can do:
- Learn the symptoms
- Perform self – exams
- Go to your doctor each year for your annual exam
- Make a donation for a cure with one of the many breast cancer organizations
Regardless of your family history, make sure you do a regular exam and have your doctor do one at your annual visit. Many people never think it will be them. Stay ahead of the curve.
