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5 Ways to Join the Fight Against Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their life. Everyone, women and men, should want to do their part to raise awareness and do their part to find a cure. Whether you’re a breast cancer survivor, know someone who is combatting the disease, or just want to increase awareness and join the fight against breast cancer, here are 5 ways to do a lot of good with a little – or a lot – of your time, skills, and voice.

Volunteer

Breast cancer comes with many physical, social, and emotional challenges. Find programs in your area that support and help breast cancer patients like:

  • No one understands a breast cancer patient like a breast cancer survivor. If you’re a breast cancer survivor, you can become a volunteer who provides education and emotional support to other women – and men – facing a breast cancer diagnosis.
  • Going through chemotherapy and radiation treatments is hard enough physically. But the potential trauma to cancer patients under treatment due to changes in their appearance and potential damage to their self-image are also important factors. You can make the road easier for patients by volunteering to provide beauty techniques.
  • Find local volunteer programs to drive cancer patients to and from treatments. The moral support can play an enormous role in the patients’ mood and outlook.

Take Part in Research

Whether you’re a breast cancer patient or not, you can take part in research projects that can help scientists determine the factors that can cause, prevent, and even cure breast cancer. These are simple, non-invasive questionnaires that give scientists the data they need to battle breast cancer across the global level.

Make Your Voice Heard

Battles in the fight against breast cancer happen in your local legislature as well as in Washington, DC. You can ask local and state representatives to advocate for issues like ensuring all women have access to mammograms.

Make Your Feet Do The Talking (And Fundraising!)

Nationwide, nearly 300 walks and runs occur each year to honor breast cancer survivors, raise awareness, and raise money. Breast Cancer marathons and walk-a-thons are always an excellent way to help raise funds for breast cancer research and services, including mammograms for women who need financial support. There are plenty of ways to get involved with these events, including walking and getting sponsors to donate to the cause, or by volunteering your time and talent at an event.

Physically Active Is Pro-Active For Your Health

Although there’s no sure-fire way to prevent breast cancer, there are lifestyle habits that are linked to a lower risk of it developing or returning.

  • Exercise. There is growing evidence that regular physical activity helps reduce breast cancer risk. It also helps keep your weight under control, which may also lower your risk.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Studies indicate that a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy products to a reduced breast cancer risk. A healthy diet also helps you stay at a healthy weight.
  • Limit how much you drink. Research has shown that women who have 2 or more alcoholic drinks daily have a higher risk of breast cancer than women who drink only 1 drink a day or not at all.

 

Still, there is never a guarantee you may not develop breast cancer. If you want protection for the costs of cancer, a Cancer Policy from ASBA could help cover treatments that might not be available locally, which may include travel and other out-of-pocket expenses. Learn more about Cancer Insurance.

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