As many of you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the United States. This event serves as a way to raise awareness about the impact of Breast Cancer as well as ways to prevent and support those with cancer. The truth is Breast Cancer is still the second most common cancer in women in the United States with the first being skin cancers. Breast Cancer is about 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers each year. While incidence rates have increased by 0.5% per year up until 2020 the number of deaths has declined. In recent years, death rates have begun to rise and most feel it is due to a lack of screening and early detection brought about by COVID. It is time for all of us to take action. Here are three things you can do to support Breast Cancer Prevention.
Take Care Of Yourself and Get a Mammogram
October is the perfect time to confirm that you and those you love have been tested. Mammograms are easy and painless. The procedure is a bit strange (having your breasts placed in a vice and screened) but can literally save your life. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women who are 50 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years. Women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their doctor or other health care provider about when to start and how often to get a mammogram. Most recommend screening earlier vs later but it’s important to speak with your doctor and verify your insurance coverage.
Help Others
Mammograms are expensive, especially if you don’t have insurance. They will tell you the test costs $90-$250 but there is an additional cost to diagnose the test which can cost around $499 without insurance. This cost is simply too high for a woman on a low income. Unfortunately, often the lower income groups have a higher risk of Breast Cancer so the women in need don’t get the early detection they deserve. You can help others by volunteering, donating or fundraising buy reaching out to the national breast cancer organization. If you wan to learn more, donate or volunteer check nationalbreastcancer.org.
Support Pink Business Efforts
There are literally thousands of companies who contribute all or a portion of proceeds to Breast Cancer Awareness during the month of October. Check here is a list of some of the larger businesses who donate to Breast Cancer awareness.
As many of you know; Amalie Beauty donates one WINK Lash and Brow Oil for each purchased in the month of October. We have done this for over 8 years and have proudly donated thousands of units to women with cancer. Since many breast cancer patients are treated with chemo, many of them lose their lashes and brows. For a woman, this is traumatic. We are honored to offer an organic formulation that helps to naturally stimulate hair follicles so that new hair can return for those finished treatment.
In summary, breast cancer continues to be a top killer for women in the United States. We can stay healthy by getting regular mammograms and by helping other women to do the same. Your purchases of “PINK” companies who donate to the cause can over time make a difference.
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