Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is awareness month for two major causes very important to women, Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence. Towns are planning events such as free mammograms (an x-ray test that helps doctors find breast cancer) and art festivals.

Breast Cancer awareness began more than 20 years ago to educate women about early detection, diagnosis and treatment. This year, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) is reaching out to women with some key messages, especially getting mammography tests for women over 40. These tests are a woman's best chance for finding breast cancer.

The sooner breast cancer is found, the less chance a woman will need difficult treatments.

Do a self-exam each month

Women over 40 need a mammogram every year. Younger women should get one every one or two years. All women can take charge of their breast health by performing a self-exam every month. Women need to understand the risk of the disease. Women over the age of 60 are more at risk, not less, for breast cancer.

Doctors want women to take a mammography test. To find a place, call 1-800-4-CANCER. Throughout the year, low-cost or free mammography screening is open to women who are over 40 or for women who do not have health insurance. Some cities have mobile units that travel to shopping centers and neighborhoods. The test can be done right in the mobile unit.

It is easy to notice the Breast Cancer cause this month. Many companies, like the Boston Store, are giving money to the cause. Look for other efforts in your community. Do yourself and loved ones a favor and get checked.

Domestic Violence Awareness

Another cause for October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This event began in October, 1981, by the National Coalition against Domestic Violence. The idea was to connect people who cared about women who were being beaten and hurt by someone close to them. Soon there was a special week when activities happened at the local, state, and national levels.

Now there are many activities. Some celebrate survivors; others mourn victims.

There are websites like www.ncadv.org, which give out information on how to get help for those being abused. Groups want to focus on the women who are hurt by their husbands or partners. Many women — rich and poor and of every race and nationality — are abused by their partners. Many keep it a secret until their injuries lead to death or disability. The problem cannot be stopped unless it is out in the open.

Purple ribbons are the symbol of Domestic Violence Awareness. To help the campaign, some companies are putting messages in their bills. The point of the awareness month is for groups to ask people to pay attention to domestic violence and to help stop it.

Source: www.nbcam.org and www.ncadv.org