Breast cancer occurs in both men and women. The cost in human lives and suffering is tremendous but newer treatments and better methods of detection is saving lives everyday. Masive surgery is not always needed and consultation with several doctors can help a patient make a better decision on treatment. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in October but we can help fight this disease every day of the year. Here are some things we an do:

Donate to Cancer Research

We can donate money to cancer research but also some organizations such as the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center accept blood and platelets. Check locally to see if you can donate blood products.

Donate Your Time to Patient Care

If there is a hospital or care center for cancer patients in your area you may be able to donate your time. You might read books to children and older patients, bring your dog to see them, sing then a song, etc. But you may also be able to help the staff giving actual care including cleaning, etc. If you do this you will receive the satisfaction of helping those in need and you will be helping them as they progress through their illiness. If you can't donate your time you can donate money to cancer care and others will be able to do some of the things you are not able to do.

Serve in Cancer Awareness Education

The medical community is continually trying to keep the need for awareness in the public eye. If you are a medical professional no longer active you could take an interest in teaching others about the dangers, detection, and treatments for cancer. However you do not have to be a medical professional to learn and teach others about cancer. You could actually be saving peoples lives.

During Cancer Awareness Month in October and at other times folks support cancer research by purchasing pendants, ribbons, and other items. Gift site may donate to breast cancer for every item sold. So you can provide a gift and donation at the same time. I donate $100 when I recieve an order for a gold pendant at my gift site.

The Threat is Real

There is a lady that I know and help in church service who has a history in her family of breast cancer. She was so concerned that she had her breast removed to prevent the possiblity of occurance of breast cancer. That was a tough decision, one that is not always the best solution because a history of the disease in your family does not mean that you will be attacked. Many patients with cancer have no history of cancer in the family. Therefore we must be aware of the dangers to help us avoid the problems that cancer brings with it.

Fly Old Glory!