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!

1) Halloween is coming– which means candy and lots of girls prancing around in costumes that always start with the world “slutty”.

2) The return of my coziest sweaters and Pumpkin Spice Lattes which is really one of the happiest moments of fall.

3) Midterms- which usually results in a whole lot of numbers one and two (minus the slutty costumes of course).

But more important than all those things?

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month.

The American Cancer Society estimates the chances of a woman developing breast cancer in her lifetime is one in eight.

What’s even scarier is that breast cancer is being found in women younger and younger (such as singers Kylie Minogue and Anastasia).

A key factor in breast cancer survival is early detection. So, listen up!

Right now, in front of your computer (I won’t judge) I want you to feel yourself up. Go for it. Let those girls of yours know its play time. But before you boogie on down: click here for a video on how to give yourself an accurate breast exam. Then, I give you monthly permission to have a play-date with your lil (or big) ladies.

Even more fun than monthly breast exams? During the month of October you can spend, spend, spend for a good cause (not that we really need an excuse to shop) but when all our favorite stores are pitching in to help the fight against breast cancer? Well, that would just be rude of us not to whip out our plastic card.

Here are a few of my favorite Breast Cancer items:

• Bloomingdales has an entire “Pink Boutique” chock full of cute clothes that go towards the cancer cause. AND they even are selling gift cards where 10% of what you spend will go towards Breast Cancer Research.

• Now while I am far (like 3 light-years away far) from being the next Top Chef, the pink products from Kitchen Aid are so adorable that they almost (keyword being almost) make me want to step into the kitchen.

Kitchen Aid’s also started a “cook for the cure” party idea. Go to kitchenaid.com and get started with the “party kit” which is chock full of brunch and dinner recipes. Then invite your faves over for a study-break and ask each one to bring a donation for Breast Cancer…(and don’t forget to don you new pink apparel!). Click here for more info!

• Bobbi Brown released a lip combo of their best selling Sandwash Pink Lipstick and exclusive Pink Flower Shimmer Lip Gloss. A perfect combo of colors (I tried them last time I was at the store) for day or night.

Although no one knows 100% what causes breast cancer (hence all the shopping for Breast Cancer Research!) There are things you can do besides monthly breast exams to help lower your risk:

Eat a healthy diet (and no 100 calorie packs don’t count)

Maintainin a healthy weight (click here to see if you’re currently in a healthy weight range)

Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Exercise regularly (try Xflowsion if you’re bored with your workout!)

Researchers do know that a woman’s age, gender and lifetime exposure to estrogen as well as your age at the time of your first childbirth play an important role. So, consider switching to a lower dose of estrogen birth control as well.

Go to komen.org for more pink products and breast cancer information.