Think pink- breast cancer awareness

Everywhere you look during October, you’re probably seeing some pink for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But it’s about more than just a color; it’s about helping women now by promoting early detection through regular mammograms and working to help those already diagnosed with breast cancer understand the journey ahead.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, and every year, over 220,000 women in the United States will learn they are living with it. It’s not just limited to women, though. Over 2,000 American men will be diagnosed as well. But the earlier breast cancer is caught, the more treatable it is. Learning about proper screening methods (including self-exams and mammograms) and the genetic and environmental risk factors associated with breast cancer can really make a difference.

So this month, think pink to help spread awareness and share about your experiences with the #BreastCancerAwareness hashtag. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, check out Beyond the Shock, a huge online resource organized by the NBCF that includes videos on everything from the basics of breast cancer to treatment options and coping methods. And don’t forget there are more than 1,000 others in the breast cancer community on PatientsLikeMe. If you’re looking for support or have questions, join the community and talk to people who get what you’re going through.

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