October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Text from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is recognized every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Fast Facts
- Each year in the United States, more than 250,000 women get breast cancer and 42,000 women die from the disease. See detailed statistics.
- Men also get breast cancer, but it is not very common. About 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man.
- Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, but breast cancer also affects younger women.
Screening is Critical
Although breast cancer screening cannot prevent breast cancer, it can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Talk to your doctor about which breast cancer screening tests are right for you, and when you should have them.
Breast Self-Awareness
Being familiar with how your breasts look and feel can help you notice symptoms such as lumps, pain, or changes in size that may be of concern. These could include changes found during a breast self-exam. You should report any changes that you notice to your doctor or health care provider. Having a clinical breast exam or doing a breast self-exam alone has not been found to lower the risk of dying from breast cancer.
Screening and Awareness in Our Community
- Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Gainesville
- American Cancer Society Hope Lodge
- Alachua County Health Department
- Planned Parenthood
2020 Gainesville Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Parking Lot Dance Party
The 2020 Gainesville Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Parking Lot Dance Party will take place on Saturday, October 31 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the parking lot of Celebration Pointe in Gainesville. Participants will follow strict social distancing guidelines, including a reduced capacity in terms of number of cars as well as a spacing between cars. There will be music from front of the venue to entertain the crowd, but all participants will be required to stay in/around their vehicles as the sound will be transmitted through their car radios. All vehicles will be eligible to participate in a pink car decorating contest at the beginning of the program as well. Each registered team will be allowed 2 parking spots in the venue. Please reach out to Stevie Doyle at stevie.doyle@cancer.org with questions!