The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common cancer in American women after skin cancer, and one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Thanks to treatment advances and an increase in earlier detections through screening, the breast cancer death rate dropped by 1% per year from 2013 to 2018. With fundraising and research taking place every year, especially during October, this disease becomes less deadly all the time, and hopefully one day soon a cure will be in sight. Since it’s the month to go pink and show your support, here are a few events near Berks County, PA.
Endure for a Cure
Crossfit 717 in Lemoyne, PA, is hosting their 10th annual Endure for a Cure fitness challenge on November 6th, starting at 8:30 a.m. All proceeds go to the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. There will be a basket raffle, t-shirt sale, and light refreshments, and the competitions will include a one-mile run, clean ladder challenge, and a “Grace” challenge.
Mat Pilates Class
Club Pilates and Wyndridge Farm Beer Garden will be hosting a Pilates Mat Class Fundraiser at Wyndridge Farm Beer Garden in Lancaster, on October 15th at 5:30 pm. Spots are reserved via donation, and all proceeds will go to the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. The class will be 50 minutes long and participants must bring their own mat. You must be older than 13 to participate in the class, but children of all ages are welcome to attend and enjoy food and drink after the class as well. Donate $25 or more and get a free drink voucher!
Knock Out Breast Cancer
Come to Club La Maison Fitness and Health Complex in Wayne, PA for Knock Out Breast Cancer, a morning of free fitness classes to benefit Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Donations are optional but encouraged. Classes begin at 8 a.m. on October 30th and will run until 10:20 a.m., including BodyCombat, BodyPump, Sprint Cycling, and Core. Bagels and coffee will be provided after classes have concluded.
Zombie Fun Run
Presented by Field of Screams, the 2021 Zombie Fun Run 5K will be held on November 13th at Field of Screams in Mountville, PA. Get chased by terrifying zombies through this unique 5K course that includes mud, obstacles and more. Choose to run during the day, or for the true thrill-seekers, after dark. There will be kid-friendly runs throughout the day and goodies provided at the finish line. Event proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition.
If you’re not feeling up to being chased by zombies or heading to the gym to raise money and awareness, here are some simple and easy things you can do for Breast Cancer Awareness month that will make just as much of a difference.
Get Checked
One of the best ways you can raise breast cancer awareness is to get yourself screened! Women are recommended to begin getting mammograms at age 40, and continue getting them yearly until about age 55. While mammograms are a full scan of the breast, regular breast exams should be performed for all adult women at least every few years by your doctor, and it’s recommended to also do a self exam on a monthly basis, so that you can become familiar with your breasts and easily notice any changes. If you’re of the age to have your mammogram or clinical exam done and have been putting it off, this is the month to do it. Early detection is key! Those who don’t need exams or mammograms can help by offering to drive their loved ones to the appointment.
Offer Your Support
If you have a family member, friend, or loved one who is a current breast cancer patient or breast cancer survivor, taking the time to be there for them and let them know how much you love them is one of the most important things you can do this month (or any time of year). You don’t need to show up with pink pom-poms in hand and a “fight cancer” t-shirt on to be making a difference, just spend some time with them and help in whatever way you can. Offering to drive them to a doctor’s appointment or treatment session, or cooking or buying them a meal can be a huge help for someone who is dealing with such a difficult time. Above all, if you can brighten their day and put a smile on their face, then you’ve helped them!
