IT’S BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH.

Breast Cancer Awareness month is a whole month in which people raise money with fundraisers and host fun events to raise awareness about breast cancer. According to BreastCancer.org, in the United States, about 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her life while 1 in 833 men will. It’s important to acknowledge it because it affects so many.

Some places or events will dedicate a day to wear all pink or sports teams will have a pink-out game. The BJ softball team already sold t-shirts to wear for a future softball game.

Our area hosts many events dedicated to raising awareness and funds, but the biggest event is the Liz Hurley Ribbon Run. It includes both men and women 5K races and a Survivors Walk. According to the run’s website, in 2020, the run raised $277,000 and had over 2500 participants. Overall, the event has “raised more than $6.2 million to provide almost all of the diagnostic equipment that is used to detect cancer earlier and more accurately at Huntsville Hospital and Madison Hospital Breast Centers.” There are many ways to get involved. You can register to walk or run the race, but you can also volunteer to work the race or donate.

Less than 2% of teens are diagnosed with breast cancer, but it’s important to adopt healthy habits like avoiding tobacco, eating healthy, and exercising regularly while young to reduce the risk later in life. As one gets older, monthly self-checks and regular mammograms are also important.

Though we’re nearing the end of October, breast cancer affects many people regardless of the month.