Breast Cancer Awareness Month: What Can You Do?

How to Show Your Support During Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

Every October since 1985, the world comes together to show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a campaign which aims to increase the awareness of the most common cancer for Filipinas. Approximately 1 in 13 women in the Philippines are diagnosed with breast cancer. And, unknown to many, breast cancer affects men too. 

If you’re personally affected by breast cancer or just want to show your support for the millions who are bravely battling this disease, here are some easy ways to do it!

1. Wear pink

The pink ribbon is the international symbol for breast cancer, so you’ve probably seen it at least once in your life. A lot of celebrities both local and international alike proudly don the ribbon in solidarity with those with breast cancer such as Reese Witherspoon, Lea Michele, and Anne Curtis.

The simplest way you can show your support is by wearing a pink ribbon (or anything pink for that matter!) as well. It doesn’t really matter if you choose to wear a pink bow in your hair or purchase an actual breast cancer awareness pin. The important thing is getting awareness out and inviting as many people as you can to join the cause too!

2. Volunteer

There are numerous breast cancer awareness month activities you can join! While COVID-19 has made it a bit difficult for big gatherings to take place, there are still a number of breast cancer awareness month events being held. Passionately Pink is probably one of the most popular ones in the country. Every October, Passionately Pink is held for the benefit of STAGEZERO by Project Pink Support Group, a non-stock, non-profit organization that provides assistance and support to cancer patients and their families. If you don’t have the time to volunteer, you can simply join or even purchase their merchandise to help the cause!

3. Share facts and statistics

Breast cancer is the leading form of cancer among Filipino women and women worldwide. Sadly, the number of patients diagnosed with breast cancer have been increasing in the past years. Here are other fast facts about breast cancer:

o Every 2 minutes, a female is diagnosed with breast cancer.

o Every 13 minutes, one woman will die of breast cancer.

o In 2018, there were 24,798 new cases of breast cancer among women in the Philippines.

o Approximately 15% of all cancer deaths among women are due to breast cancer.

o Breast cancer does not just affect women. 1 in 1,000 men will receive a breast cancer diagnosis.

o Drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer.

o Only 5-10% of people diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of breast cancer.

4. Educate yourself

Your best protection against breast cancer is knowledge. Knowing the risks and the symptoms can help you detect breast cancer early, which has been proven in increasing your chances of beating it. Remind your loved ones to get regular mammograms and to perform self-checks for any lumps or masses. Start with yourself. Many clinics offer free mammograms and screening in October. When your friends and family see you heading in for a check-up, hopefully they will, too!

The most important way to fight breast cancer is through awareness. We hope up you can support the different breast cancer awareness initiatives this month, even in your own little way!