Breast cancer survival rates are improving, but the fight for a cure continues on. According to the American Cancer Society, “During the last 10 years (2001-2010) for which mortality data is available, death rates declined for 11 of the 17 most common cancers in men (including lung, prostate, and colon and rectum) and for 15 of the 18 most common cancers in women (lung, breast, and colon and rectum). Notably, these decreases in general involved all major racial and ethnic groups.” (Source)
But even as breast cancer survival rates drop, breast cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer death in women. The American Cancer Society (ACS) notes, “About 1 in 8 (12%) women in the US will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.” Alarming still, the health organization puts estimates for breast cancer in the United States for 2014 at:
- About 232,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women.
- About 62,570 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).
- About 40,000 women will die from breast cancer
With 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone, according to the ACS, it’s important now more than ever to support the breast cancer charities that work tirelessly to prevent and cure breast cancer. Because breast cancer is an important cause for many people across the country—and throughout the world—finding breast cancer charities in your community—or online—should be easy.
Here are a few ways you could begin to support breast cancer charities today:
- Volunteer your time and resources to breast cancer charities
- Donate money (also called “donations”) to local breast cancer charities
- Organize and host a fundraising event for breast cancer research
- Educate others on the importance of finding a cure for breast cancer
If you wish to help a friend or community member directly, you might want to start by making yourself available to listen. According to the Breast Cancer Network of Australia, “Often women with breast cancer lie awake at night worrying. If you don’t mind taking her calls in the middle of the night, let her know.” Offering practical help, like driving the woman to her medical treatments or appointments, or helping with housework, is also helpful.
Making Donations to Breast Cancer Charities
Breast cancer charities are located throughout the country. Many offer a website where you can sign up for events, or donate money, and your donation is tax-deductible. You can donate “in honor of” or “in memory of” a loved one, or simply give because you support the cause. If you don’t want to make a cash donation, but have an IRA and can contribute that way, go ahead.
According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, “The IRA charitable rollover provision permits individuals age 70 and above to make charitable donations of up to $100,000 from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Roth IRAs without having to count the distributions as taxable income.”
You can also make a donation in lieu of wedding gifts, include breast cancer charities in your Planned Giving, and donate shares of stocks. Follow the link to give to breast cancer charities, and be on your way to making a difference in the lives of millions of women.
**This is a sponsored post