While we enjoyed a long hot summer that extended into fall, Mid-October brings cooler temperatures, colorful foliage, and Breast Cancer Awareness. Every year, I look forward to sharing a post dedicated to drawing awareness to the pink ribbon. And this year, I’m wearing the Living Beyond Breast Cancer Chico’s Ribbon of Hope Tee.
In 1913, ten doctors came together to cofound the American Cancer Society with five other professionals (though not doctors) in New York City. According to the American Cancer Society’s website, at the time the organization was founded, it was known as the American Society for the Control of Cancer (ASCC), back when a cancer diagnosis meant death and was rarely mentioned in public, as the disease steeped in fear and denial. And get this, doctors sometimes didn’t even tell their patients they had cancer, and patients often did not inform friends and families they had cancer.
Breast Cancer is the most common form of cancer suffered by American women, including my mom, a 7-year survivor who had a double mastectomy. So for the last 25 years, the month of October has been designated to drumming up awareness to share information while (literally) saving lives. With each year the statistics get more promising. Early detection saves lives. Knowledge is power. Know your risks.
It’s important to get a yearly mammogram for that very reason. One benefit of the Affordable Care Act is that the insurance provided by your employer will cover the costs of an annual mammogram. You won’t even have a co-pay. While Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount for the yearly screening mammograms for women ages 40 and over, most Medicare Advantage insurance plans will pay for it entirely, covering the costs 100%. Medicare will also pay for one regular mammogram for women who are between the ages of 37 and 39.
There are all sorts of new technology when it comes to getting a mammogram. 3D Mammography can see more of the breast tissue to detect cancer better, providing the most accurate screenings. If you live in Pennslyvania, the state will pay for 3D and regular standard screenings for free.
If you would like to learn more about detecting or treating breast cancer, you can call the cancer helpline at 1 (800) 227-2345. If you or someone you know is a cancer patient, the Road to Recovery will provide free transportation to any treatments and surgeries. The Hope Lodge will provide a place to stay during procedures, and there are more 30 different locations throughout the country.
And finally, Chico’s has partnered with Living Beyond Breast Cancer to connect people with trusted breast cancer information and a community of support. For every sale of its Ribbon of Hope t-shirt that I am wearing in this post, Chico’s will donate $3.50 (up to $20,000) to benefit the non-profit.
You can join the fight to help women in need by purchasing Chico’s Ribbon of Hope tee or you can click here to donate to the American Cancer Society🎀
Thank you for reading. Don’t forget to schedule your annual mammogram if not already done so. Have a fabulous and stylish week.
You always encourage us to take charge of our health and for that I am Thankful. You are rocking this outfit and those Shooze. . . .
Neti,
Hello again! That’s what I enjoy about your blog, Madame Too Much, you school your readers on women’s health awareness and finances to name a few. You and I must have a thing for Shooze.