October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
When reading some of the recent statistics on Breast Cancer, the stark reality that almost everyone in this country may know someone who has suffered with this disease jumped out at me. It’s absolutely astounding that even after years and years of research and medical developments, 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime, according to U.S. Breast Cancer Statistics. That’s right. More than 12% of women will suffer from this disease and, further, among men breast cancer is growing.
I can remember vividly when I was a young girl my mom would take me with her to work. Early in her career as a field representative for the American Cancer Society, she would work in the community to teach women how to do self-examinations. After school, she’d pick me up and take me to her office, which was in the heart of an underserved neighborhood in Washington D.C.. Women would come in after getting off of a long day at work to hear her speak about breast cancer and how they could help themselves through proper nutrition, education, regular doctor visits and self exams. Unaffected at the time, I’d listen, more to watch my mom in action, not realizing and digesting the magnitude of what she was teaching. One time, she had to go to Gallaudet University to conduct a class and I tagged along again. That was a life changing experience to watch her teach while someone performed sign language for the students and professors.
All these years later as an adult, having a clear understanding of this disease, education and support is truly non-negotiable when helping someone go through their cancer journey. My heart sunk when I got a phone call from my dear friend telling me that her daughter was diagnosed and she needed a group of her closest friends to help drive her daughter back and forth to chemotherapy. It is truly life changing to watch it up close and personal.
This really got me thinking.
How do employers handle this? Do they really know what may be going on with their workforce, especially women who need to leave work consistently to get the treatments they need? Do they have wellness programs to promote nutrition, education and support? Are there caregivers in your workforce who may be supporting a loved one with breast cancer?
Well, the good news is that EVERYONE can help. You don’t need to have a well-oiled program first in order to provide support. You don’t need to know anyone with breast cancer to get involved. There are so many ways your company can bring attention to this disease that is affecting over 3.1 million people who have a history of breast cancer in our country.
We at WellnessAMPED came up with a few suggestions to help move you to action, not just this month but creating lasting programming to rally your employees and support those who most need it.
How Your Company Can Help
1. Work with your Human Resources Department to create communication around Breast Cancer awareness. This would acknowledge that you recognize the far-reaching impacts this disease may have among your employee base.
2. Host educational events to bring in experts on the topic. You may want to look at a healthcare provider or someone from a Breast Cancer organization. Employees can come and hear during their lunch hour ways they can take immediate steps to improve their health.
3. Work with your Wellness committee to create a month long program in October. Create flyers, have “Pink Days”, organized walks and even employee testimonials to heighten the awareness.
4. Lift the spirits of those in your company who may be affected. Surprise them by decorating their office space. Bring in a gift basket. Take up a collection to purchase a gift card to a spa. Let them know you support them.
5. Be a sponsor or donate to the cause! There are many reputable organizations looking for corporate sponsorships and donations. Help be a part of the solution to find a cure. All donations are tax deductible.
My mom is retired after 35 years working at the American Cancer Society. As Executive Vice President, she took on the fight creating programs that stretched across the District of Columbia. Just 2 weeks ago, she and her former co-workers (I call them Warriors) reunited for a cookout. So many stories were shared. Even though years have passed, they are clear that the fight lives on. We each can do our part to support and be a part of the solution to fight this disease.
Don’t let them fight alone.