October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so instead of wearing and decorating with the traditional black and orange for Halloween this year, think pink. Pink has become synonymous with breast cancer awareness, but there is much more women need to know about this deadly disease. There are numerous Web sites dedicated to breast cancer awareness, but the following five are exceptional. Each one focuses on a different aspect of the disease.
5 Great Breast Cancer Resources
- Susan G. Komen for the Cure – Perhaps one of the best known foundations focusing on the treatment of breast cancer, the Susan G. Komen foundation was established in 1982. It is the world’s largest network of breast cancer survivors; it advocates and has set the bar for other grassroots medical organizations on how to enlist support. If you are looking for a way to become an advocate for breast cancer awareness, this is a great place to start.
- National Cancer Institute – The breast cancer section of the National Cancer Institute’s Web site is a great resource for understanding the science behind breast cancer and the medical options for fighting the disease. Information on standard treatments as well as clinical trials is available here. This is a great place for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer to learn more about their treatment options.
- Mayo Clinic – The Mayo Clinic provides a comprehensive overview of all aspects of breast cancer: from symptoms and causes to alternative medicine options and ways to cope with the disease. It is written in an easy to understand format and explains medical terms and tests so the patient and her family will be able to get a grasp on the basic information. This is ideal for patients who know nothing about the disease and are looking for a place to start.
- National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was established 25 years ago to cultivate awareness of the disease and teach women and their family about diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. This is a great all-around resource.
- National Breast Cancer Foundation – The NBCF focuses on promoting early detection of breast cancer. They discuss the importance of early detection and help women create early detection plans that are easily implemented.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women in the United States, other than skin cancer, and is the second most common cause of death in women by cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2010 more than 200,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and more than 50,000 women will be diagnosed with non-invasive breast cancer. It is also estimated that almost 40,000 women will die from breast cancer this year. With so many women and their families being affected this year alone, it is more important than ever to make sure every woman knows that there are wonderful resources available to them with only a few keystrokes of the computer. Spread the word about these and other breast cancer resources this month.
What are your favorite breast cancer resources? Share them in the comments section so everyone can help increase awareness.