October encompasses many important awareness events including National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, National Mammography Day (October 18th) and Liver Cancer Awareness Month. Kick off the fall season by supporting these impactful awareness efforts through educating yourself and taking action!
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancers that affects women, with an average of one in every eight women diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime in the United States [i]. In addition to its impact on women, less than one percent of breast cancers affect men [ii]. When it comes to breast cancer, early detection, screening and treatment can have a large impact on outcomes [i]. Mammograms are a screening tool used to detect breast cancer in early stages [i]. As a part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 18th is National Mammography day, a day that aims to spread awareness of the importance of regular breast cancer screening and early detection [iii]. How can you get involved, educate yourself and encourage others to get screened?
- Learn more about breast cancer testing including recommendations on when and how often to get tested using this guide [i].
- Use this template to educate others by adding information about National Breast Cancer Awareness month to your newsletter, emails or listserv [i].
- Want to learn more about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer? Check out The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s guide to help educate yourself and others [ii].
- Wondering why it is important to get a mammogram? Click here to learn more about mammograms and the importance of getting one [ii].
- Learn the risk factors. Use the American Cancer Society’s resources to learn the risk factors of breast cancer [iv].
Liver Cancer Awareness Month
In the United States it is estimated that there will be close to 40,000 new cases of liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer this year [v]. Primary liver cancer includes two different types of cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma [v]. Primary liver cancer is more common in men than in woman and is known to be a type of cancer that is increasing in the United States [vi]. Much like breast cancer, early detection is an important factor in the treatment of liver cancer [vii]. How can you make an impact this October in the fight against liver cancers?
- Curious what the risk factors of liver cancer are? Use the American Liver Foundation’s resources to learn more [vi].
- Want to educate yourself about liver cancer screening? Check out this helpful resource to learn more [vii].
- Learn more about the preventative measures that can be taken against liver cancer from the Hepatitis B Foundation’s website [vii].
- Get active on social media! Follow the Global Liver Institute’s discussions online and connect with other patients, survivors, advocates and caregivers by using #OctoberIs4Livers this month [viii].
References
[i] National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Retrieved from: https://healthfinder.gov/nho/octobertoolkit.aspx
[ii] Breast Cancer Awareness. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/breastcancerawareness/index.htm
[iii] National Mammography Day. Retrieved from: https://www.nfcr.org/blog/national-mammography-day/
[iv] October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Retrieved from: http://pressroom.cancer.org/2018-10-01-October-is-Breast-Cancer-Awareness-Month-What-You-Need-to-Know-and-How-You-Can-Help
[v] October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month. Retrieved from: https://www.aacrfoundation.org/Pages/liver-cancer-awareness-month.aspx
[vi] October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month. Retrieved from: https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/diseases-of-the-liver/liver-cancer/
[vii] Screening for Liver Cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.hepb.org/research-and-programs/liver/screening-for-liver-cancer/
[viii] #OctoberIs4Livers. Retrieved from: http://www.globalliver.org/octoberis4livers
