Breast Cancer Awareness Month in NYC: How To Get Involved

With a new diagnosis every two minutes,¹ it is very likely that you, or someone you know, has been or will be affected by breast cancer. According to breastcancer.org, about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. This year, that number is expected to rise to 266,120 cases of invasive breast cancer, as well as 63,960 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer.²

85% of breast cancers are diagnosed in women who have no family history of the disease. These cancers occur due to genetic mutations as the result of aging, rather than inherited mutations, meaning that it could happen to anyone.

What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is an international health campaign, organized by breast cancer charities and activists. In October of every year, organizations throughout the world work to raise awareness of the disease, the importance of early detection and treatment, and to raise funds for breast cancer research and medical care.

Improving understanding of breast cancer risks, prevention, screening, and treatments, as well as raising money to further research, is vital to combating the disease.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) is a non-profit charity dedicated to preventing and curing breast cancer by advancing global research. Founded in 1993 by a breast cancer survivor, the BCRF supports advances into the prevention and treatment of breast cancer, as well as metastasis, tumor biology and the role of genetics in risk and diagnosis.

Since its founding, the BCRF has funded over 12 million hours of breast cancer research, raising over half a billion dollars for the cause. It is the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world, providing financial support to over 275 scientists, in 15 countries, across six continents.³ 91% of donations are applied directly to funding research, earning the BCRF an A+ rating from CharityWatch, and the reputation as one of the most fiscally responsible non-profit organizations in the United States.⁴

Why is breast cancer research important?

Breast cancer is a complex disease, with many factors impacting risk, treatment, recovery, and recurrence. This complexity makes funding researchers a vital component of advancing breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure.

Because of research funded by the BCRF, the medical community now understands the origins of breast cancer and the fact that breast cancer is an umbrella term that describes many different types of diseases; each with a unique origin, progression, and response to treatment. The BCRF supported key research into the role that genetics play in risk, from discovering the BRCA1 and BRCA2 inherited genetic mutations to the creating of a comprehensive global database of breast cancer genes.⁵

What can you do?

1. Cancer screening.

Breast cancer organizations throughout the world have shown dedication to educating and empowering women to manage breast health by conducting regular self-examinations and scheduling regular visits and mammograms with medical professionals.

The third Friday in October is National Mammography Day, when women are encouraged to make a mammography appointment for breast cancer screening. National Mammography Day 2018 will be celebrated on Friday, October 19.

2. Donate.

To help the BCRF fund cancer research, you make private donations the following ways:

• for a one-time or monthly donation

• By mail, through credit card or by check

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
28 West 44th Street, Suite 609
New York, NY 10036

Questions regarding donations to the BCRF may be directed to 1-866-FIND-A-CURE (346-3228). Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.

3. Participate in fundraising – or start your own campaign!

People wishing to take part in an existing fundraiser can search for the right fit at the . However, individuals or groups interested in taking an active role in incorporating a special event or activity into raising funds for breast cancer research can start their own fundraisers. Some ideas include:

• Run a marathon

• Donate your birthday

• Throw a party

• Climb, bike or hike

• Game against cancer

In July 2018, an online gaming event raised a historic $12.7 million, when an Overwatch limited edition character ‘skin’ was created, and 100% of proceeds of in-game sales were donated to the BCRF.⁶

4. Support BCRF Events.

Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there are several events scheduled before the end of the month in the New York area.

• The Pink Agenda’s Annual Gala will be held on Thursday, October 11 at the Tribeca Rooftop in Manhattan. are available at $175.00 each, and the event will be hosted by Giuliana and Bill Rancic, with special guest Willie Geist.
   
• Holiday House NYC is an interior design exhibition, where industry leaders in interior design are invited to makeover a room in one of the most exceptional private residences in New York. They are challenged with creating a space inspired by a holiday or meaningful day in their lives.
  
  Holiday House has an Opening Night Gala on October 23 and is open to visitors daily from October 24 through December 2. Tickets for the Gala are $350 per person, and General Admission tickets are available for $40 per person, per visit. , with all proceeds benefiting the BCRF.
   
• The annual BCRF Symposium and Awards Luncheon will be held on October 25, at the NYC Midtown Hilton. The Symposium and Luncheon serve to showcase BCRF-funded researchers, and a panel of experts present to discuss prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. A luncheon after the panel includes the formal announcement of research grants for the year, and serves as a celebration of the impact the BCRF has in advancing breast cancer research worldwide.
   

While breast cancer research occurs year-round, October is a great time to get involved with the cause. There are many ways to support awareness, prevention, treatment, and recovery from breast cancer – and funding research is critical to finding a cure.

For more information on how you can support the Breast Cancer Research Fund, please visit the website at BCRF.org.

Sources:
¹ https://www.bcrf.org/
² https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics
³ https://www.bcrf.org/impact
⁴ https://www.bcrf.org/sites/default/files/BCRF%20At-A-GLANCE_FINAL.pdf
⁵ https://www.bcrf.org/progress
⁶ https://www.bcrf.org/blog/bcrf-receives-historic-127-million-donation-blizzard-entertainment