10.12.23 – Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Thursday, October 12, 2023

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, held in October every year, promotes screening and prevention of the disease, affecting one in eight women in the United States annually and 2.3 million women worldwide. The month features several campaigns and programs aimed at:

• Supporting people diagnosed with breast cancer, including metastatic breast cancer.
• Educating people about breast cancer risk factors.
• Stressing the importance of regular screening, starting at age 40 or an age that’s appropriate for your breast cancer risk.
• Fundraising for breast cancer research.

October 13 is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. About 30% of early-stage breast cancers eventually metastasize (spread to parts of the body away from the breast), and the day drives awareness of the need for more research about metastatic disease.

Although breast cancer is much more common in women, breast cancer affects men, too. October 17 to October 23 is Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week.

Screening at regular wellness visits each year with breast exams and mammograms is recommended to start at age 45 and sometimes at age 40. Mammograms are covered at no cost through our medical insurance.

Want to Be Pink this month?

APFA Breast Cancer Awareness Month pins are available by visiting our APFA Solidarity Shop.

Also, it is not too late to order OEKO-TEK-certified pink uniform-approved apparel by clicking here! $1 from every item sold will be donated to Stand Up to Cancer.

We can support this cause and one another by simply discussing it with our family, friends, and fellow crewmembers while prioritizing our overall health every day.

In Solidarity and in Health,

Cathy Sharp
APFA National Health Department Chair

Rhonda “Rio” Curtright
APFA National Health Department Representative

[email protected]