When a simple pink ribbon is enough to remind us of a loved one or to make an appointment for a mammogram, it’s safe to say that breast cancer awareness is at an all-time high. Unfortunately, however, so are the instances of breast cancer. This means that it takes more than awareness to cure a disease; it takes knowledge, prevention, and hope.
We’ve compiled a list of relevant, local, and important websites that are dedicated to the prevention, management, and universal involvement of breast cancer. They are not only sound resources for affected patients, but also provide a wealth of tips, information, volunteer opportunities, and prevention guidelines for everyone.
- From Awareness to Prevention: The Breast Cancer Fund is an organization that aims to help raise awareness not only about breast cancer, but also about its causes and ways for men and women to take ownership of some of the risks in their lives. They’ve also recently published their Top 10 Tips to Prevent Breast Cancer to help bolster their preventative message.
- Breast Cancer Screening Reminder Tool: Created by the American Cancer Society, this handy tool will send a reminder to your email address on the first day of your birthday month. The email will include the recommended screening tests based on your age and risk factors.
- Breast Cancer Support in Siouxland: Komen Siouxland has created a list of resources for patients with cancer, largely made possible by the efforts of the June E. Nylen Cancer Center in Sioux City. The Nylen Cancer Center is also a great Siouxland resource for cancer prevention, information, and resources.
- Local Volunteer Opportunities: Cancer affects everyone. It’s rare to find a person who hasn’t been touched in one way or another by cancer’s hand. When it comes, those of us in the wings often feel like helpless, powerless bystanders. This link from the American Cancer Society reminds us that we can all help in some small way, whether by helping patients get to chemo treatments, providing food for affected families, or competing in events to raise funds and awareness.
As with all cancers, early detection can lead to a greater range of treatment options, less extensive and less invasive surgery and, ultimately, better treatment outcomes. We urge you to not only perform the necessary screenings for breast cancer this month, but also schedule your yearly physical where you can assess your risk for colon cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other major medical conditions that can go unchecked.