10 Ways to Get Involved This Breast Cancer Awareness Month ... If You Want To

Whether you decide to get involved during Breast Cancer Awareness Month or not, remember that your well-being comes first.

About 8 years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in the middle of September, just as the world was heading into October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM).

I was 42 and hadn’t thought much about breast cancer, and suddenly I found my newly diagnosed self with a fresh diagnosis in a world that seemed to explode with pink ribbons everywhere overnight. I’ll never forget buying a tub of hummus and seeing a pink ribbon printed on the packaging. I was confused and overwhelmed.

In the ensuing years, BCAM has churned up different and complicated feelings — ranging from anger and annoyance (why does this have to be in my face everywhere I go?) to appreciating BCAM as a time of solidarity to connect people who’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer or have loved ones that have received a breast cancer diagnosis.

For some of the years since my diagnosis, I’ve been deeply involved in advocacy by sharing my story with an art exhibit about my experience. But all scenarios are valid. You can opt out or you can go hard with all-out advocacy. Don’t forget that we don’t have to be anybody’s “inspo,” warrior, or breast cancer poster person.

Here are some ideas for navigating BCAM that you can do (or not) depending on your desired level of participation for yourself, others, and those living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

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Prioritize your self-care

Whether you decide to get involved during BCAM or not, your well-being comes first.

Be aware when wearing the pink ribbon or sharing your story

I realized early on that wearing the pink ribbon or sharing your story is a commitment to be ready for. People might comment or strike up a conversation in solidarity about their own diagnosis or diagnosis of a loved one. People may also just be open to learning more about breast cancer.

Sometimes these connections are incredible, and sometimes they can catch you off guard (i.e., “My sister was younger than you when diagnosed and died from it.”) So, it’s good to be mindful of what you have space for.

Sharing your story is one of the best forms of advocacy. But sometimes people think since you’re wearing a ribbon or sharing your story, that you are the “Yoda” of all things breast cancer and they may ask questions you can’t speak to.

It’s helpful to have some canned language based on your comfort level at the ready. It could look like, “I’m not an expert and I can only speak from my own experiences” or “I’m not well-versed on the particular breast cancer topic you’re asking about, but I can tell you a lot about some other breast cancer topics.”

Opt-out

Just in case you need to hear this, I’ve got you — permission granted! If you find BCAM triggers your breast cancer trauma and emotional health, you don’t have to do anything during BCAM month. It’s not your obligation. Do what you need to do to take care of yourself first.

Learn and share information

One way to get involved during BCAM is to continue learning and sharing your knowledge.

Remind people of COVID’s impact

Breast screening rates declined over the past 2 years due to the significant impact of COVID-19 on the public’s health and women’s access to medical care. Have a simple conversation about getting back on track with regular screenings or getting that “weird breast thing that was put off during COVID” looked at. 

Learn about pinkwashing

Breast Cancer Action (BCA) has been a helpful resource for learning about pinkwashing with its “Think Before You Pink” campaign. According to BCA, any company can add the pink ribbon to their product, regardless of how much money goes to breast cancer. Some companies actually put pink ribbons on products linked to cancer. BCA has easy and clearly stated ideas and resources on how to get involved.

Acknowledge trans lives

Trans people get breast cancer, too. Trans people often face their own unique challenges (from discrimination to feeling safe with healthcare providers) in accessing medical care for screening and treatment.

In addition, many LGBTQIA+ people with cancer don’t feel welcome or understood in popular support groups. Transgender individuals with cancer especially feel excluded. Support does exist, though, and can be found across several different organizations here.

Remember to use inclusive language as well. As the Breast Cancer Now website states, “Be breast and chest aware.”

Acquaint and ally yourself with the breast cancer BIPOC community

A great place to start is with the organization For the Breast of Us. Co-founder and CEO, Marissa Thomas, empowers people of color affected by breast cancer to make the rest of their lives the best of their lives through sharing stories, education, advocacy, and community. 

Start here to begin learning about racial disparities in breast cancer.

Connect with community

Does just the thought of BCAM overwhelm you? Come hang out in the forums within the Bezzy BC community and express that. It’s a safe space to connect with others who have had a breast cancer diagnosis.

As the Bezzy guide, I always say it’s your space, take up some space, you’re not taking up too much space. We also have live forum discussions 4 nights a week that make it even easier to interact with others like you.

Ask your friends and family to donate

Many different breast cancer organizations accept donations. If you’re comfortable, ask your loved ones if they’d be willing to donate.

METAvivor sponsors the type of breast cancer research that will save lives. They have awarded $23 million in grants for research that contributes to the growing body of knowledge about MBC.

Bay Area Young Survivors is a nonprofit and all-volunteer-run inclusive breast cancer support group for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45 or younger. They provide online and in-person support platforms and quarterly grants for those needing “right now” assistance.

Here for the Girls is a nonprofit focused on improving the lives of young women affected by breast cancer who’ve been diagnosed under age 51. They offer social and emotional support through services that provide personal connections and a shared experience among members.

Listen to a podcast

The Burn podcast is breast cancer storytelling at its best. Each week, host April Stearns has a writer from Wildfire Magazine (a magazine centered on young pre-menopausal breast cancer narratives) read an essay they had published in the magazine and then have some discussion. These episodes can help make sense of the trauma of a breast cancer diagnosis.

Our MBC Life podcast explores life with MBC from the perspective of the people living with this disease, along with experts who partner with people with MBC.

Remember the stage 4 community

Don’t forget the stage 4 community. Check in on your stage 4 friends.

BCAM often has a “celebratory” vibe for people with early-stage survivorship. MBC patients seem to get lost in the background at times. Make a call, send a text or DM, and ask how you can support them not just during BCAM, but any day of the year.

The bottom line

You don’t have to participate in BCAM if you don’t want to. But if you do, there are several simple ways to continue learning, support some organizations that are dedicated to improving lives, and connect with others like you. And if you feel like getting involved in breast cancer advocacy this year, remember to prioritize self-care.