We hear the most about breast cancer-related topics throughout the month of October, when websites, popular food brand packaging, t-shirts, water bottles, wristbands, key chains, and more are pink, pink, pink for 31 days. After that, the second-most prevalent cancer affecting women today doesn’t get much press, and that is a disservice to the women who have or will ever be affected by the sometimes grim reality of this illness. Dedicated awareness months are a great start to shedding some light on the topic of serious health issues that are important to remain aware of, but that is merely what they are–a great start. Even during the month of October, most of what we see, hear, and read about on the topic of breast cancer has to do with breast cancer research and fundraising; while both are vital to the progression of our medical studies and how we are able to treat breast cancer, there is so much more that we should be aware of, and sometimes our own lives or the lives of our loved ones relies on how well-versed we are on the ins and outs of the illness affecting us.

Breast cancer awareness saves lives. Gaining knowledge, knowing the facts versus the myths, and really becoming our own advocates is crucial, especially now when women are increasingly being diagnosed with breast cancer at younger and younger ages while being told that regular mammograms are not necessary until around age 50. And if you or a loved on is or becomes affected by breast cancer, well then there’s the Breast Cancer Society.

When I was first made aware of the Breast Cancer Society and read about how they are different from other, more well-known breast cancer organizations, it was seriously a breath of fresh air. While research and education is supported and partially funded by the Breast Cancer Society, their primary focus is in providing direct help and support to people who are currently battling breast cancer. Breast cancer is one of the most popular charitable causes, but most of the money that is raised for breast cancer causes overall are spent to fund research. This leaves a pressing need for assistance for women who are currently patients and who can’t wait for future medical discoveries to be made.

The Breast Cancer Society directly helps women in the United States battling breast cancer by providing financial aid, referral services, in-home care and supplies, as well as education. They also procure medicines, care items, and medical supplies that are sent to established and reputable program service partners of the Breast Cancer Society, including nonprofit hospitals, clinics, missions, and rural physicians located in impoverished and developing countries. This is truly an organization that not only sees the value and importance of medical research, but has filled a deep void in the way we treat breast cancer patients, by ensuring that women who are in need of assistance have somewhere to turn that is reputable, honest, and who has their personal best interests in mind.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Breast Cancer Society. Incentive was provided to me, and opinions are my own.

Photo by _elvira_