How Breast Cancer Organizations Work

Every fall, you probably notice the pink bows that seem to pop up everywhere. That's because October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each October, people across the country sport the famous pink ribbon, while others rally in support of breast cancer awareness through relays, walks and various charitable donations to the cause. But October isn't the only time people come out to support breast cancer awareness -- organizations focused on the disease are fully operational year round.

The breast cancer awareness campaign has been fighting to educate and empower the public for the last quarter century. Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer among U.S. women and the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women. Forty thousand women lose the battle each year, while five times as many are diagnosed [source: National Breast Cancer Foundation]. And surprisingly, this disease isn't reserved for women. Roughly 1,700 men are diagnosed with the disease each year, and approximately 20 percent of those individuals die from it [source: National Breast Cancer Foundation].

The support this cause has rallied is inspiring. Serving as a National Breast Cancer Foundation organizer, Karen Fitch began working with the organization after her mother died from breast cancer. Though currently in remission, Fitch was also diagnosed with breast cancer just a few years ago. According to Fitch, she did not join in the fight for breast cancer awareness just for her mother or even for herself; she wanted to make a difference in the lives of the women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the future [source:Fitch]. You can, too.

Thousands of breast cancer awareness organizations in the country work to educate everyone -- women and men of all ages -- about breast cancer. If you are interested in joining the battle against breast cancer, read on to find out how you can make a difference.