October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer Awareness Month began in 1985.

The early goal of Breast Cancer Awareness Month was to educate women about breast cancer and early detection tests so that they could take charge of their breast health. One of the key goals was to promote mammograms as an important tool to be used in the fight against breast cancer.

Now, during the month of October, breast cancer survivors and those with breast cancer are celebrated and encouraged to share their stories. The month is also dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research and other related causes.

The NFL has become one of the largest supporters of breast cancer awareness month and nearly all players, coaches, and referees don the pink ribbon each October to show their support.

Challenges for Breast Cancer Survivors

Despite the best intentions, Breast Cancer Awareness Month can be an emotional time for breast cancer survivors and people who have lost loved ones to the disease. It’s important to recognize that Breast Cancer Awareness Month can trigger feelings of:

• Fear about a recurrence of breast cancer

• Anxiety about being reminded of (and being asked to retell) what is, for some, the most traumatic event in their lives

• A sense of invisibility or too much visibility

• Negativity around the monetization of Breast Cancer Awareness marketing campaigns

What CAN You Do?

Awareness of breast cancer is strong, but we still have a lot to learn about it and the trauma of living through breast cancer can have lasting effects. Here is a list of important ways to participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

• Buy only pink products that contribute a substantial amount to research. Some companies donate just 5% of the proceeds to research. Instead identify companies that contribute more substantially to breast cancer organizations. Some even donate 100%.

• Contribute to small businesses run by breast cancer survivors. Instead of buying pink products from major corporations, search for small businesses run by survivor-entrepreneurs and consider making purchases from them this October — and beyond. Breast cancer treatments, time off of work and travel have costs associated with them that can affect survivors for the rest of their lives.

• Donate directly to research, and flag your donation for disparities. If you have enough breast cancer awareness products, reach out directly to cancer research organizations, such as your local cancer center, and make a donation. Even better, call or email to see if you can donate to specific initiatives within the organization.

• Don’t just be aware of the disease. Be aware of the people affected by the disease. In the U.S. alone, nearly4 million people — mostly women, but men can develop breast cancer, too — have a history of breast cancer. Not every story is a happy story of survival. If someone in your life is affected by breast cancer, check in on them - not just in October, but every month.

For more information on Breast Cancer Resources in Door County, talk with your provider or call the Door County Medical Center Women’s Center at (920) 746-3666.