Getting Involved for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As much as it is vital to learn about breast cancer and how to help prevent it, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also about bringing people together to fight for the cause and to celebrate those who are battling breast cancer and winning.

Throughout the month of October, there will be nearly 100 races for the cure across the country, as well as dozens of Making Strides walks, which are held in conjunction with the American Cancer Society. Each of these events brings together thousands of runners and walkers.

Volunteers from multiple Concorde campuses will be among the thousands of people helping to makes these events a success.

Beyond the major events around the country, there are small ways that anyone can show their support for those who battle breast cancer. Men, women, and children are encouraged to wear pink in a sign of solidarity and a sign that we, as a community, are working to end this disease.

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women in the United States. By working together and learning what you can do, you can help the fight.

Men can have Breast Cancer Too

October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, most awareness and talk about the subject focuses on women. Many don't realize that breast cancer also can occur in men.

Although breast cancer in men is uncommon, it is important to know the risk factors, as well as the signs and symptoms, of the disease. Health care awareness of the topic is important. Advances in breast cancer treatment mean many men today can expect to beat the disease when detected early.

About one in 1,000 men will develop invasive breast cancer during his lifetime. And, about 2,470 new cases of invasive breast cancer in men are diagnosed each year. Risk factors include age, family history, obesity, heavy drinking, and high estrogen levels. Treatment options are much like other cancers - surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy.

Although the above risk factors might increase a man's chances of developing breast cancer, the cause is still unknown. By maintaining ideal body weight and restricting alcohol consumption, men might be able to lower their risk. In general, men are diagnosed with breast cancers at more advanced stages than women. Early detection and prompt treatment is the key to improving the chance of recovery.

National Cancer Survivors Day

While Breast cancer awareness month occurs in October, in June we celebrate the survivors of not just Breast cancer but all cancer survivors. On the first Sunday in June every year, National Cancer Survivors Day is celebrated around the world.

It is a celebration for those who have survived, an inspiration for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of SUPPORT for families and an OUTREACH to the community. Cancer survivors around the world are honored and have the opportunity to show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis can be fruitful, rewarding and inspiring.

Just about everyone on the planet has been touched by cancer in some way. You either have dealt with the disease personally, or you know someone close to you who has. It's a day we commemorate with great pride at Concorde and celebrate the day as a great commemoration of health care awareness and celebration of loved ones who have survived.

National Cancer Survivors Day provides an opportunity for all people living with a history of cancer - including America's more than 15.5 million cancer survivors - to connect with each other, celebrate milestones and recognize those who have supported them along the way. It's also a day to draw attention to the ongoing challenges of cancer survivorship in order to promote more resources, research and survivor-friendly legislation to improve cancer survivors' qualities of life.

Concorde vehemently supports cancer awareness and applauds National Cancer Survivors Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a great vehicle for health care awareness and sends best wishes to all cancer survivors, their loved ones and supporters.