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October National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Collaborating Organizations

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Photo: Three women taking part in Breast Cancer Awareness month

Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.

The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can help find breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Make a difference! Spread the word about mammograms and encourage communities, organizations, families, and individuals to get involved.

How can National Breast Cancer Awareness Month make a difference?

We can use this opportunity to spread the word about steps women can take to detect breast cancer early.

Here are just a few ideas:

  • Ask doctors and nurses to speak to women about the importance of getting screened for breast cancer.
  • Encourage women ages 40 to 49 to talk with their doctors about when to start getting mammograms.
  • Organize an event to talk with women ages 50 to 74 in your community about getting mammograms every 2 years.

How can I help spread the word?

We’ve made it easier for you to raise awareness about breast cancer. This toolkit is full of ideas to help you take action today. For example:

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Get the Word Out

  Sample Tweets

Show you care. Send an e-card with breast cancer prevention and screening information to a loved one: http://1.usa.gov/XQUnj7.

Q. What are mammograms? A. Mammograms are x-rays of the breast that check for breast cancer. http://1.usa.gov/13uheVg

Nervous about getting a mammogram? Watch this short video about mammograms and what to expect: http://1.usa.gov/fKtUB.

If breast or ovarian cancer runs in your family, talk with your doctor. Find out more: http://1.usa.gov/XuC3NE.

Did you know? Breast cancer can occur in men. Over 2,000 men are diagnosed each year. Find out more: http://1.usa.gov/1pMJvou.

Worried about cost? Mammograms are covered for women over age 40 under the health care reform law. Learn more: http://1.usa.gov/159zd67.

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Get Involved

Take action to increase awareness about breast cancer and breast cancer screenings.

  1. Display posters about breast cancer screening in your organization’s break room.
  2. Ask health professionals from your local hospital or clinic to share information about mammograms and early detection with your employees or members.
  3. Distribute materials about breast cancer screening at a local health fair.
  4. Partner with local women’s organizations, community groups, and senior centers to reach women ages 40 and older with important information on breast cancer screening.
  5. Host a breast cancer walk with your organization’s members.

Adapted from the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Collaborating Organizations.
For more information and materials, contact the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Collaborating Organizations at nbcam@astrazeneca.com.

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