College Candy

[In conjunction with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, College Candy is taking time to address breast health for women in their 20s. Although breast cancer in college women is rare, hundreds of thousands of women are affected by the issues surrounding the disease every year.]

Yesterday we talked about how to best protect yourself against breast cancer before the age of 40. Today we’ll tackle how to join the fight against the disease. From government policies to medical research, life and death decisions about cancer are made every day. No one can control this disease, but there are plenty of opportunities to fight it. Here’s how to get involved.

Run, Relay, Race

No matter where you live, noncompetitive running, walking and relay events are regularly available for participation. Designed to raise funds and awareness, these events are a great way to support the cause with friends, sneak in some exercise and celebrate survivorship.

In 2006, more than 450,000 walkers across the country took part in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, raising over $40 million to help the American Cancer Society fight this disease.

Another amazing event to take part in is Relay For Life. Held in more than 4,800 communities across the country, teams of eight to 15 people camp out overnight and take turns walking around a track or path for 12 to 24 hours. The event usually begins with a survivor lap in which cancer survivors take a victory lap around the track. Afterwards, candles are lit to remember those lost to the disease.

Donate

Can’t stomach the thought of so much exercise? Donate. Whether it’s a one-time donation or a single pledge or regular, repeated donations throughout the year, every little bit helps. Click here to donate to breast cancer securely and confidentially online using your credit or debit card. You can also opt to send a check or money order via snail mail.

Volunteer

We’re all tight on money these days, so offer to participate. You can make a difference to breast cancer patients and survivors in your community with the simple click of a mouse. Visit the Network for Good to find a huge range of volunteer activities happening in your neighborhood.

You can also ask your local hospital or medical center for opportunities to loan your time and talents. For example, the Comprehensive Breast Center in New York offers group yoga and cooking programs for patients. Other organizations, such as CancerCare, provide transportation, home services and child care for those going through treatment. Find out where they’re most lacking in help.

Plan, Party, Pink

Ready to play hostess? If you’re interested in breast cancer fundraising, visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation and fill out their fundraiser questionnaire. Depending on your resources, NBCF will work with you to prepare an official agreement and plan your event.

If business is in your blood, consider selling pink items. The pink ribbon has become the international symbol of breast cancer awareness, thanks to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which first started handing out pink ribbons in 1991 at its New York City race for breast cancer survivors. Buy in bulk at the Pink Ribbon Shop (a portion of every sale is donated to cancer organizations) and donate the proceeds to a charity working towards finding a cure. To date Pink Ribbon Shop purchases have led to donations of $27,191!

Advocate, Educate

Breast cancer is a political, medical, psychological, social, and economic issue. It doesn’t start (or end) in a doctor’s office. Petition lawmakers, statehouses and Congress to make breast cancer a top priority. Promote early breast cancer detection by supporting educational funding and healthcare initiatives. Most importantly, endorse and back programs that increase innovative, high-impact research.

In 2004 the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) started the Sister Study, a nationwide study to learn about the environmental and genetic causes of breast cancer. Through continued donations and funding, researchers are close to their goal enrolling 50,000 diverse women in the program. Visit the Sister Study site here to find out how you can help.

Whether you are one of the thousands of women effected by breast cancer or hearing about the disease for the first time, every effort counts. Don’t wait to get involved!