5 Things You Can Do to Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is a time of pumpkins, leaves changing colors and Halloween. Perhaps most important, though, is that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! About 12-percent of women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, which is a staggeringly high number. I can’t think of anyone I know who hasn’t been affected by breast cancer in some way or another, whether it’s a mother, friend, colleague or themselves. While we should always be raising awareness about this horrible disease, it is great that there is a whole month that is dedicated to bringing it to the forefront of everyone’s minds.

While that might seem like a dismal thought, there are many ways to help raise awareness about breast cancer research and keep yourself protected. Here are some actions YOU can take:

• Perform a self-exam 
• While in the shower, in front of a mirror or lying down, feel around the entire breast for any lumps or changes in appearance.
•  Get a mammogram 
• After the age of 40, women should get a mammogram annually or biannually. This is an X-Ray taken of the breast tissue that can detect lumps before they’re big enough to be felt.
• Participate in a breast cancer awareness walk 
• Organizations such as Avon and the American Cancer Society host walks around the country, which range in length. Individuals or teams can raise money and participate in the walk.
• Donate 
• There are tons of ways to donate money to breast cancer research! You can directly donate to organizations that conduct research, fund a team or individual that is participating in a walk or donate when you’re checking out at participating major chains and grocery stores like Safeway.
• Shop 
• Even big NFL players rock the color pink during October. Retailers big and small sell clothing whose proceeds partially go towards funding breast cancer research. Some examples of where you can purchase these are Ralph Lauren and the NFL Shop.

We've also changed our logo for the month as a small way to support the cause.

We’d love to hear what you’ve done to help in the fight against breast cancer! Send your stories and pictures to info@plugouttoday.com