Often times when you hear of someone being diagnosed with breast cancer, you think of a woman battling breast cancer, but that is not the case. Both men and women are susceptible for being diagnosed with breast cancer; however, it is just more commonly diagnosed in women. According to the American Cancer Society, roughly 440 men will die from breast cancer this year and their risk for developing breast cancer is 1 in 1,000. Comparatively for women, The American Cancer Society estimates that 40,450 women will not survive their diagnoses with breast cancer this year and that their risk of developing breast cancer is 1 in 8.
October is usually the time of the year where we see campaigns that talk about "Save the Ta-tas" or "I Love Boobies." Although these organizations have great intentions, providing funds for Cancer Research, in the end, they are following societal norms.
Image courtesy of The Official Save The Ta-Tas Foundation
These organizations are continuing the sexualization of women's bodies. These organizations know that the sexualizing of women in today's society brings the "big dollars," and although all the intentions of the organizations are well, I don't agree with how they market themselves. Yes, they are using good marketing tools to raise funds, but why does a women's body need to be put on the front line? But we are in luck! There are other fabulous organizations that work to provide breast cancer education, research, and prevention. One organization that focuses on counteracting the "Save the Ta-tas" Movement is the "Save the Women Not the Boobies" campaign. This campaign focuses on saving the women's life, rather than just her breasts.
Image courtesy of Hairless 4 Her Awareness
However, with October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, we often see stores selling products that part of the profit will be donated to a specific organization. Whether it is Under Armour donating proceeds to Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, Dick's Sporting Goods donating to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, or Stop and Shop asking you to donate to the American Cancer Society at checkout, many organizations are doing this and so should you.
There are many ways that you can help provide awareness to your friends and family. One simple way is to make a purchase throughout the month of October that has proceeds going to an organization aiding to finish the fight with cancer. Another way is to join your local Making Strides for Breast Cancer sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Personally, this one is my favorite because you can create a team of friends and deck out in pink clothing to run, or walk if you are anything like me and my friends, a 5k! However, if you are not into walking the 5k, but you still want to volunteer, reach out to your local American Cancer Society office! There are many volunteers needed on the day of and they can surely use a hand! Both walking or volunteering, you can buy cheer bows, eye black, fun hats and headpieces to wear to your local 5k and make it a fun day for all. A third and final option of many is to donate a monetary amount to an organization of your choice. According to the American Cancer Society, a $25 donation provides a wig for a patient going through chemotherapy and is provided by the Look Good Feel Better program.
One of the most important ways you can get involved for Breast Cancer Awareness is by encouraging your friends and family to partake in early detection. Ways to utilize early detection is monthly at-home breast exams, mammograms, and getting tested for the BRCA genes. For more information on early detection and how you can possibly save someone's life, please visit the American Cancer Society's Breast Cancer Prevention and Early Detection materials.
Finally, if you would like more help in getting involved with finishing the fight for cancer or need more informational resources you aren't alone. Reach out to your college's chapter of Colleges Against Cancer, your school's health center, or the American Cancer Society hotline.
