The Fall Brings a Focus on Childhood Cancers and Breast Cancer
In the United States alone, there are nearly 2 million new cases of cancer diagnosed every year. While the miracles of modern medicine have given many people hope in the face of this horrific disease, it’s still the cause of death for more than 600,000 Americans annually. In an effort help the public learn more about two specific types of cancer, September and October have been designated, respectively, as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Every fall, childhood cancer organizations around the world work to raise both money and awareness for children who suffer from cancer. There are a number of fundraisers, from PJammin for Kids with Cancer, where you get others to sponsor you to wear your pajamas to work or school, to GO GOLD the RUN, when you can get pledges to complete a 5K or 10K run (which you can do at your convenience, anytime and anywhere). GO GOLD raises more than $30 million every year for research and treatment of childhood cancer. To learn more about Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, visit the website for the American Childhood Cancer Organization. You’ll find information there about how to join in the fight.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in the United States, with nearly 300,000 new cases reported every year. The National Breast Cancer Foundation has put together a calendar of daily activities, focusing on education, empowerment, action, community and hope. Among the specific events are National Mammography Day (October 21), National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day (October 13) and World Mental Health Day (October 10). Other resources available from NBCF include:
- What to say when someone tells you they have breast cancer
- Nutritional recommendations for persons with breast cancer
- Three steps for early detection of breast cancer
- A checklist for recovery from a mastectomy
- An online forum to share your personal experience with breast cancer
The goal in 2022 is to ensure that every woman has access to the necessary screening to for early detection of breast cancer, as well as the support necessary to deal with a diagnosis.
