This year, NBCAM (The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month) celebrates its 25th anniversary. NBCAM represents a partnership of national public service organizations, professional medical associations and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to screening services.

Since its inception a quarter century ago, NBCAM has been at the forefront of promoting awareness of breast cancer issues.  And from the familiar pink lapel ribbons to three-day walks with hundreds of thousands of participants, to NFL players sporting pink accents on their uniforms throughout the month of October, it has become part of one of the most successful awareness campaigns and fundraising ventures in recent history.

In addition to NBCAM and its efforts, the American Cancer Society provides excellent resources for the public as well as healthcare professionals. They provide information to reduce the risk of the disease and promote early detection and treatment, and provide resources for support.

Every October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Americans pull together to promote the fight against breast cancer and help save lives. The American Cancer Society offers several ways to become involved and support this cause. On their website www.americancancersociety.org you can read about the many different ways you can become involved.

One easy way to make a difference is to organize activities such as theme parties or a "pink day”, when employees wear pink clothing or accessories at work. The money raised is donated to the organizers' choice of breast cancer care or research programs. 

Another opportunity for involvement is participation in the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Event. This is the American Cancer Society’s premier event to raise awareness and dollars to fight breast cancer. More than just the name of a walk, it describes the amazing progress that has been made in the fight against this disease.

Every state organizes an event that is unique to its location, but wherever you are, every step you take will be a personal contribution to the fight against beast cancer. When your foot hits the pavement, you will feel comfort in knowing you’re helping to save lives. Your participation and fundraising can keep the phone lines open for women in need, help more women access mammograms, or fund groundbreaking research. You might think about how you’re helping a patient find a ride to treatment or connect with a survivor who has "been there."

Everyone walks for different reasons but all Making Strides participants know that they are helping the American Cancer Society save lives. For more information and to sign up, click on your event below and sign up for the walk near you. 
http://makingstrides.acsevents.org/site/PageServer?pagename=MSABC_FY10_SA_GA_eventlisting#

If a “Pink Day” or fundraising walk is not for you, don’t despair. There are several other ways that you can support the cause. Try volunteering for one of the American Cancer Society’s patient support programs, or speaking out in support of laws that help fight breast cancer. Even just sending an email mammogram reminder to someone you care about can make a difference!

So don’t delay  ― join your community now in celebrating breast cancer survivors, educating women about early detection and prevention, and raising money to fund lifesaving research and to support programs to help us reach a day when no one will have to suffer from this deadly disease again.

For more information, visit: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month http://www.nbcam.org/