October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here are some facts and information you may not know about this disease and ways that you can contribute to the cause.

Breast Cancer comes in a variety of kinds, but all contribute to cells in the breast growing uncontrollably. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that in the United States, roughly “240,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,100 in men.” It also states that nearly “42,000 women and 500 men” die each year from breast cancer in the U.S. Yet, reducing these numbers is not simple, since multiple factors throughout one’s life contribute to the risk of having breast cancer. For most, it mainly occurs in adulthood or due to one’s family history of health. 

Today, a multitude of technological advancements are present to help further limit the chances of having breast cancer in the future. With screenings, taking care of one’s health, and having doctor visits regularly, the risk of developing this disease can be prevented and it can be treated if contracted at an earlier stage. With mammograms, also known as an X-ray picture of the breast, doctors are able to find early signs of breast cancer. Thus, it is essential to visit your local healthcare provider to find the right screening options before symptoms or signs are present.

To help save lives from this disease, there are countless resources to check out. Below are ways to donate to this cause:

1. The THS Global Humanitarian Club is a simple way to help the cause right at our school! During the entire month of October, you can purchase a pink bracelet for $1 or make a cash donation, where all proceeds will go to the Susan G Komen Organization. To donate, find any member of this club, see Ms. Williams in Room 116, or Venmo @orli-rosenstein!
2. The American Cancer Society allows either purchases online or even through mobile calls. Another feature of this platform is that you are able to choose from either a one-time donation or doing it monthly.
3. The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. gives anyone donating the option to fund screening, support, education, or having a member of the foundation direct your donations to the most vital area.
4. Encourage friends and family to get regular screenings by their local healthcare provider to prevent this disease and or catch it at an earlier stage.
5. Wear Pink throughout October to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Throughout this month, it is important to promote aiding breast cancer to help both the men and women who are combatting this disease. Every day, the numbers of cases are on the rise. You can show your support through donations, wearing pink, and regularly visiting your doctor. With these efforts, breast cancer cases can hopefully be reduced in the future!