6 Meaningful Ideas For Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Almost everyone knows someone with breast cancer or is a breast cancer survivor themselves. An early diagnosis is critical to positive health outcomes. That is why screenings, self-exams and knowing risk factors are so important and, possibly, life-changing.

At Prosperity Candle we know about changing lives. Our sunlit studio in western Massachusetts is a place of opportunity for refugee women who have overcome impossible hardships, and today are earning a living wage as candlemakers to support their families and create a brighter future for themselves.

It’s important that all of us show compassion and caring for others, no matter where they come from or what challenges they face. In times like this, even more than usual.

So this October, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are continuing to lean into our mission with 6 ideas for breast cancer awareness month, and donating 10% of sales from our Courage Collection to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Every purchase this month - and all year long - helps fund their lifesaving work to prevent, treat and find a cure for breast cancer.

Join us in supporting breast cancer awareness activities and bringing more compassion to this challenging year.

1. Donate to an organization

We all want to positively impact women with breast cancer, and an easy way to do that is to donate to the organizations that are working to lift them up. Getting a breast cancer diagnosis can be challenging in many ways - emotionally, psychologically, and financially. And the health care that you get is extremely important in catching it early, receiving appropriate treatment, and hopefully going into remission.

Unfortunately, women who are already struggling financially or who have less access to health care have a harder time getting the care they need to survive. That’s one reason why Black women, who are often diagnosed later with more aggressive cancers, have a higher mortality rate from breast cancer than white women.

One thing you can do to help narrow the mortality rate gap is to provide financial assistance to Black women with breast cancer. Organizations like Sisters Network and Keep a Breast offer grants to help Black women with breast cancer pay their rent, cover medical expenses, relax with a massage, or buy groceries.

2. Educate yourself

Another way to support women with breast cancer in your life and your community is to learn more about their condition. When you know more about the challenges they face, you can help lighten their emotional load and fill them with compassion. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is a good place to start reading and has a collection of resources particularly apt for this year, when the healthcare landscape is a little different than usual.

You can also support awareness efforts by starting conversations with your community about risk factors, self-exams and screenings. It only takes one dedicated individual to light the fire of truth in your community! With increased awareness comes opportunities for early detection, a big part of why there are many more breast cancer survivors now than in past years.

3. Give the gift of courage

Facing a breast cancer diagnosis requires great courage. We honor that with our new Courage Collection, candles handpoured by women artisans in our small studio who have their own histories of courage and resilience. Choose a Rise, Thrive, or Dare candle as a powerful symbol of inner courage, or gift to a friend, sister, co-worker or loved one to celebrate her strength and determination.

These candles are both a heartfelt offering and a meaningful contribution towards breast cancer research: 10% percent of sales from every Courage Collection candle is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) to support life saving research to prevent, treat and find a cure for breast cancer.

4. Volunteer virtually

We’re all spending more time indoors this October, and that means that organizations have been developing opportunities for us to do good online. There are endless opportunities to make a positive impact in a way that is safe and comfortable for your family.

The American Cancer Society has a variety of virtual volunteering opportunities where you can support breast cancer awareness and advocacy efforts and help with skills-based projects from your home. The National Breast Cancer Foundation is also offering online volunteering shifts. And Living Beyond Breast Cancer has expanded their efforts this year to provide a virtual storytelling event and a virtual climb fundraiser!

5. Support breast cancer research

Breast cancer research has had many positive breakthroughs over the years that have led to 3.8 million survivors in the U.S. alone. This critical work requires tremendous resources, a significant portions of which comes from individuals.

You can make a meaningful impact on breast cancer research by donating to organizations like the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation.

6. Lend a hand

We all want to support the women and families in our lives affected by breast cancer. And a great way to brighten their day is to show up with a plan to help. Offer to walk their dog, pick up groceries for a wholesome meal, or drive them to a doctor’s appointment. A small gesture can make a big difference! 

We know there are many more ways to take compassionate action for Breast Cancer Awareness Month... starting in our communities, we can meaningfully impact breast cancer research and show up with love to support breast cancer survivors. If you have any additional ideas for breast cancer awareness month, we would love to see them in the comments below!

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