October is home to many notable days of the year, such as Take Your Parents to Lunch Day, Be Bald and Be Free Day, and National Boston Cream Pie Day. But the entire month is dedicated to the countless victims of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a campaign started by National Breast Cancer Foundation in order to raise awareness in order to show support for those affected, and ultimately find a cure.

NBCF has instituted several programs in order to complete their mission of “providing help” and “inspiring hope.” One of which is an early detection plan, claiming that when breast cancer is detected in the localized stage, the five year survival rate is  98%. They also have things such as “Beyond the Shock” which is an online guide to understanding breast cancer. It is used as a crutch for those diagnosed, and those with diagnosed loved ones. They also offer breast cancer research and education to inform the general public and get others to do what they can to help.

NBCF was founded by a breast cancer survivor, Janelle Hail. She was diagnosed in 1980, a time where information about the disease and possible treatments for it was scarce. She was inspired to help women in the future know more and become smarter in the fatal disease that they were faced with.

Getting a high quality mammogram and breast examination on a regular basis helps detect breast cancer early on and therefore increases chances of survival. However, the cost of doing so is high, and many women simply do not have room in their budget for regular check ups. Thankfully, NBCF provides free mammograms in their hospital network throughout the country.

There are many ways people can show their support for breast cancer. Whether it’s a pink ribbon bumper sticker, a 5k, or a huge donation to a breast cancer foundation, every little bit helps. There are several resources to turn to. Talk to kids affected kids at school or look online to find out how one can help end this fatal disease.