Everybody knows that October brings tricks and treats. But did you know that is also internationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
In hopes to support survivors and their families and raise awareness about the disease, to promote early detection, treatment, and palliative care of this disease, people find all sorts of ways to get involved. If you want to join in on supporting this great cause, get creative!

10 Activities for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

You can easily be a part of it all! Read on to learn 10 creative ways to get involved with this charitable cause.

1. Sport a Ribbon

You do not need time, energy, or much money to wear a breast cancer ribbon. That small gesture carries power.
Advertising research reveals that even toddlers recognize logos and are influenced by branding. Use these findings for good by getting people thinking about breast cancer and how they can help.

2. Wear Breast Cancer Shirts

Buy T-shirts to wear throughout the month. You can choose from simple shirts with the pink ribbon to clever clothing with fun and/or powerful sayings. It costs a bit more than just wearing the ribbon but is a sure way to grab people’s attention.

3. Get Screened for Breast Cancer

This year, National Mammogram Day falls on October 18th, to kick off Breast Cancer Prevention Week. Practice prevention yourself by scheduling your screening for that day or during the week.
The following screening is necessary:

  • Women age 20 and older should examine themselves for lumps at home
  • Anybody, male or female, who detects a lump or is at an increased risk should schedule a medical screening
  • Women aged 40 or over should undergo annual mammograms

Research shows that mammograms play a role in detecting breast cancer in its early stages, thus saving lives. Despite its significance, many women skip their breast cancer screening due to a number of reasons. But early detection offers you a chance for effective treatment.

4. Talk About It at Home

Use this month to talk with your family about breast cancer. Discuss concerns, risk factors, prevention, and ways to raise awareness. Involve your children and let them innovate their own ideas about how they can get involved during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

5. Raise Awareness through Education

Educating people on all aspects of the disease and how they can help can potentially save lives! Reach out to local colleges and even high schools to go in and teach the students about breast cancer awareness and different ways they can make a difference for the cause.
Prepare by researching and getting all of the important facts. Then put together a fun, age-appropriate way for the students to learn and get excited about helping. Pink Breast Cancer rubber bracelets make a hit with teens and young adults, so consider purchasing a bunch to pass out to those who show interest in getting involved.

6. Share Your Skills

Do you possess any specialized skills? If so, you can possibly help breast cancer survivors kick cancer and cope with moving forward?
Some of the free services that your talent may allow you to offer survivors include:

  • counseling/ self-help
  • leadership training
  • writing to cope and to inspire others
  • boxing
  • teaching a class of interest (i.e. a language, science, philosophy)

If you feel that one of your talents or expertise can help breast cancer survivors move forward and gain back physical or mental health, you may find somebody willing to donate a space for your cause and you can make a difference.

7. Volunteer

If you do not feel like your skillset can benefit survivors, but still want to help, find an organization and donate money or volunteer your time. Some great organizations you can get involved with include:

  • It’s The Journey, INC.
  • The Rose
  • Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation
  • National Breast Cancer Foundation, INC.
  • Susan G. Komen for the Cure
  • Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer
  • Breast Cancer Alliance
  • National Breast Cancer Coalition
  • SHARE

You can help out in all different ways. You can offer an hour here and there to sit at a booth, find a more permanent position reaching out to potential donors, or find another way you would enjoy serving the cause.

8. Purchase Goods From Companies that Participate

Companies all over plaster our country pink to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research and support. Switch it up a little and purchase from the brands that care!

Ulta

While you’re made up, your contribution is not! 50% of the proceeds from Ulta the Beauty BCRF Collection goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Ulta’s salon team in each location also hosts Cut for a Cause. 100% of the earning from every haircut during this event goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

New Balance

Deck yourself out top to bottom, in athletic gear for a breast cancer walk. New Balance’s Lace Up for the Cure Collection guarantees that a minimum of $500,000 worth of the proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Pet Smart

Pink up your pooch at Pet Smart! This company donates $1 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for each pink ribbon grooming stencil or pink charm combo purchased.

9. Walk Toward Awareness

Join a local breast cancer walk! These walks raise awareness and money to go towards things like research, advocacy, and support.
They are fun and family friendly. Make a day of giving back while reducing your risk for cancer through exercise. If you notice that your area lacks breast cancer walks, organize your own!

10. Become an Advocate

Are you a breast cancer survivor? If so, take control of your future care by becoming an advocate through Susan G. Komen. You can help push for more research and change the legislation for the benefit of those battling and surviving the disease.

Remember the Boo-bies this October!

Don’t spend the entire month only focusing on Halloween. The real scare comes when breast cancer goes undetected, so spend Breast Cancer Awareness Month helping to raise money, awareness, and support for the cause.
Give what you can, because every bit of effort makes a difference. If you or a loved one find yourself needing treatment, contact us.