Chances are, you know someone who has had breast cancer, or you’ve battled it yourself. The facts speak for themselves: According to the American Cancer Society, there are approximately 310,720 new cases of breast cancer in 2024 alone, which accounts for one in three of all new female cancers.
Unfortunately, many women diagnosed with breast cancer never even noticed any symptoms. In fact, most ladies don’t experience any indicators early on, which is why regular breast cancer screening is so important!
The best way to support breast cancer awareness (and your fellow sisterhood) is to support Breast Cancer Awareness. Here are four ways to join the movement and make a difference in October and every other month of the year!
Honor Cancer Survivors
Honoring cancer survivors is an impactful way to recognize their strength, resilience, and courage. Here are a few thoughtful ways to honor and provide support.
- Donate in Their Honor: Make a charitable donation to a breast cancer research foundation such as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), the American Cancer Society, or more locally-focused organizations in the survivor’s name. Many organizations, such as the National Breast Cancer Foundation, also allow you to sponsor free mammograms in honor of a survivor. Other organizations like Evolve Pink offer fun events and custom merchandise and apparel as fun ways for you to support the cause.
- Volunteer: Volunteering at breast cancer awareness events, charities, or support organizations with a survivor is a powerful way to give back. You can also help create and distribute care packages to current patients going through treatment. Include items such as cozy blankets, skincare products, snacks, and inspirational notes.
- Share Their Story: Along with honoring those close to you in your life, consider honoring a survivor. “The Diary of Nalie” by Nalie Agustin is a deeply inspiring memoir that shares her journey with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer through candid diary entries. This powerful book offers profound life lessons on resilience and personal growth, making it a meaningful read for those supporting breast cancer awareness.
- Celebrate Survivorship: Organize a special gathering to celebrate the milestones of breast cancer survivors, whether it’s the end of treatment, years of survivorship, or a personal achievement. If you don’t have time to plan, attend survivor tributes, walks, or runs such as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure or Making Strides Against Breast Cancer to honor survivors and raise awareness.
Shop Beauty Brands That Give Back
When restocking your makeup bag and skincare routine this month, consider shopping beauty brands that give back by donating a portion of the proceeds to support breast cancer research and support programs. Many of these brands offer Limited Edition Products for Breast Cancer to make a statement!
- O.P.I. continues its tradition of creating pink-themed nail lacquers during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A portion of sales from products like the Pink of Hearts collection supports breast cancer research organizations globally.
- Thrive Causemetics is donating up to $50,000 this October from their new Dream & Glow Chaser™ Blush + Highlighter Duos to support Breast Cancer awareness causes.
- Create an Impactful Morning Routine
Establish an impactful morning routine that prepares you to face the day and support your community and the women around you.
- Incorporate Mindful Meditation: Begin your day with a positive affirmation about health, strength, and awareness. For example: “Today, I support the fight against breast cancer, and I take care of my body and mind.” Reflect on those affected by breast cancer, offering gratitude for your health or strength to help others.
- Exercise: Engage in 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise like walking, yoga, or stretching. Physical activity is linked to cancer risk while boosting your immune system. Join or start a fitness challenge during Breast Cancer Awareness Month (e.g., commit to walking/running 5k or doing 30 push-ups for 30 days).
- Eat a Healthy Breakfast: Planning is everything! Prepare a nutritious breakfast that includes foods known to support breast health, like berries, flaxseeds, and whole grains. Green tea is a good choice for your morning beverage because it contains antioxidants, which are believed to lower cancer risk.
- Connect With Others: Reach out to a friend or family member to remind them about self-checks or offer support to someone affected by breast cancer. If you’re part of a breast cancer support group or want to join one, take a few minutes in the morning to engage with your community, offer encouragement, or participate in group activities.
- Look Into a Vegan Lifestyle
A vegan lifestyle can help reduce the risk of breast cancer by combining dietary factors, lifestyle choices, and environmental impacts.
- Adopt an Ethical Beauty Routine: Vegan makeup and skincare products offer several advantages, particularly when it comes to reducing breast cancer risk and supporting overall health. These benefits stem from replacing harmful ingredients, such as parabens and other endocrine disruptors, with more natural, plant-based alternatives.
Source: ThriveCausemetics.com
- Change Your Diet: Switching to a plant-based diet might contribute to lowering breast cancer risk. A vegan diet is typically rich in high-antioxidant fruits and vegetables, rich in fiber, higher in soy products, and void of animal products of all kinds. Research has found that vegan diets resulted in 75% less climate-heating emissions, water pollution, and land use than meat-based diets.
- Environmental and Ethical Considerations: By reducing the demand for meat and dairy products, a vegan lifestyle helps minimize exposure to harmful substances like pesticides and fertilizers. Adopting a vegan lifestyle may also inspire you to engage in other sustainable practices, such as using eco-friendly, non-toxic household and beauty products, further reducing exposure to carcinogens.
Conclusion
Let’s stand united, take action, and support one another during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and beyond. Choosing brands that support breast cancer research and patient care can make a real difference. Every purchase can help secure better treatment and support for those affected. Every step we take together helps pave the way toward a future free from breast cancer. Spread the word, support the cause, and be part of the change!