While October is special for many reasons: Halloween, Diwali, Oktoberfest, Fall festivities, Red October (Go Phillies!), October is also breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Women in the U.S., accounting for 1 in 8 women. While it has long been associated with older women, more young women are being diagnosed today, often with aggressive tumors requiring complex treatment. Being proactive about your health is essential, so how can we prevent ourselves from being the next number? How can we take care of ourselves, and the women around us, to live long and healthy lives?
1. Regular checkups are no longer a suggestion, but a requirement.
Early. Detection. Saves. Lives. Yearly mammograms, conversations with your doctor, and consistent screenings can help catch something before it grows. However, young women are more likely to skip checkups compared to older women, making it even more important to remind each other how critical these appointments are.
2. Taking care of yourself doesn’t just mean going to the doctor.
Alcohol, processed foods, tobacco, unhealthy exercise habits, are just a few of the things that can increase your risk of breast cancer. Staying active, eating fruits, vegetables and whole foods, and limiting alcohol intake are also just a few ways to take care of yourself. As busy women, it’s easy to put ourselves last while caring for everyone else, but prioritizing your own health is the best gift you can give to yourself and those who love you.
3. Know your family history!
Unfortunately, breast cancer can be genetic, so understanding your family’s medical history, along with any genetic counseling and testing can help catch something early, or before it even begins.
While we need to be prioritizing ourselves, awareness isn’t only about our own health. How can we show up for the women in our lives to support them as well?
1. Support systems matter.
Breast cancer is not just an individual journey. It ripples out to families, workplaces, and entire communities. Creating environments where women feel supported in prioritizing their health is critical. That means encouraging women around you to book their annual appointments and sharing resources within your networks. The role of awareness, communication, and advocacy can literally save lives.
2. Use your voice.
Awareness months like this one will only make a difference if we speak up. Each of us has the chance to spread these reminders. Whether it’s sharing helpful resources, listening to and uplifting survivor stories, or simply encouraging the women in our lives to schedule that checkup, your voice has power.
Breast cancer awareness isn’t just about pink ribbons in October. It’s about cultivating a culture of health, prevention, and support year-round. Together, as colleagues, friends, and families, we can move from awareness to action. So, this month, let’s do more than wear pink. Let’s encourage, remind, and uplift one another. Behind every statistic is a life, a story, and a future worth protecting.
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