Breast Cancer
Month- Canada
Like the rest of the world, Canada celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Unfortunately, Canada is also like the rest of the world in that a significant percentage of its citizens are affected by breast cancer, not to mention the other various forms of cancer, every year. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, two of every five Canadians will develop cancer at some point throughout their lives. The society notes that breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for its citizens, with 22,300 Canadian women being diagnosed with the disease in 2007. This has made the efforts to educate women about treatments and preventions even more vital during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Run for the Cure
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation's CIBC Run for the Cure is typically on the first Sunday in October in more than 50 communities throughout Canada. In 2008, the run raised $28.5 million. This made it the largest one-day event that raises money for breast-cancer research and a cure in Canada.
Corporate Sponsors
Numerous local and international corporations sponsor events, fundraisers and other Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities. Curves, the all-female fitness chain, offers new members discounted service fees if they can prove that they've recently had a mammogram. Carpet One releases 10 specially designed welcome mats that contain pink ribbons. Every October, Energizer makes a significant donation of approximately $40,000 to the Canadian Cancer Society and includes a pink-ribbon pin in specially marked battery packs.
Items to Purchase
In addition to raising money, raising awareness about breast-cancer statistics, risks, preventions, diagnoses and screenings is a big part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Though most communities and provinces create their own educational programs and products, the Canadian Cancer Society sells the Thingamaboob, a key chain with two differently sized beads on the end of it. These beads are meant to educate women about what a breast lump may feel like.
Education
Numerous organizations and societies publicize their statistics about breast cancer in order to educate Canadian women during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Some of the leading organizations that participate in this dissemination of information include the Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Canadian Breast Cancer Patient Charter and the Breast Cancer Society of Canada. Materials that are typically handed out include information on the definition, risk factors, early detection and screening methods, symptoms, diagnosis, staging and treatments available for breast cancer.
Taking Steps Against Breast Cancer
Though it's not as large as the countrywide Run for the Cure event, the Canadian province of Ontario hosts a walk of its own, Taking Steps Against Breast Cancer. This 10K walk is geared toward families who can bring their strollers, wagons, pets and more to walk together in unity against breast cancer during October.
Tags: Breast Cancer, Awareness Month, Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness, Cancer Awareness, Cancer Awareness Month
