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Breast Cancer Awareness Tips, Free or Low-Cost Mammogram Options, & Deals That Give Back
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! 💝
You likely have seen pink everywhere in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But, did you know that breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women, AND about one in eight women born in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime!? Wow.
Every year in October, people and businesses rally together to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and getting regular mammograms after the age of 40-45. Early detection is KEY!
On a personal note: This post is dedicated to the brave warrior women in my life who are currently fighting or have fought this battle! Also, to all our Hip2Save readers who are or have been affected by breast cancer, we sure are thinking of you.💗
Know the guidelines for early cancer detection:
The American Cancer Society recommends these cancer screening guidelines for most adults. Screening tests are used to find cancer before a person has any symptoms.
- Women ages 40 to 44 should start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms (x-rays of the breast) if they wish to do so.
- Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
- Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every two years or can continue yearly screening.
Did you know that you can actually get free and low-cost mammograms? Here are a few options:
- Check with your doctor. If you’re over 40, the Affordable Care Act requires your insurance company to cover screening mammograms with no co-payment. Also, Medicare and Medicaid cover the cost of one annual mammogram screening.
- National Breast Cancer Foundation. The National Breast Cancer Foundation partners with medical facilities across the country to provide free mammograms and diagnostic breast care services to under-served women. Find a participating location near you.
- National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. The CDC’s NBCCEDP provides breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services to low-income, uninsured and underinsured women across the United States. To qualify for this screening, you must be between the ages of 40 and 64, have no insurance or insurance that fails to cover screening exams, and also live at or below 250% of the federal poverty level.
- The Susan G. Komen Foundation. Komen Affiliates fund breast cancer education and screening projects in their communities for those who need it most. Find your local Affiliate and learn about programs in your area or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.
- Imaging Centers. Each October, many imaging centers offer mammograms at reduced rates. To find a certified mammography center in your area, visit the FDA website.
Here are 5 ways to support Breast Cancer research:
1. Shop Vera Bradley.
Vera Bradley is fighting for a future free from breast cancer! To date, the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer has raised over $30.3 million in contributions to support critical advancements in breast cancer research. If you’re a Vera Bradley fan, here are three ways you can show your support:
- Volunteer: From administrative and project-based work to hanging pink ribbons or decorating for an event, volunteers are needed! View their events page for volunteer opportunities.
- Make a donation: If you’d like to make a direct donation, visit the Vera Bradley Foundation website – donations can be made on a one-time or recurring basis. Plus, 83¢ of every dollar donated goes to breast cancer research, so your donation is going directly to the cause.
- Carry Pink: Show your support by purchasing from the 2018 Vera Bradley Carry Pink Collection. Plus, for a limited time, all orders ship free – no promo code required.
- Host your own event: Invite your friends, family, and community to join you in hosting an event to make a difference. From small social gatherings to large sporting events, there’s no limit to the creative ways the Vera Bradley Foundation friends can help.
2. Buy Bumble and Bumble.
When you buy this limited-edition pink ribbon 8.5oz Bb. Thickening spray priced at $30, Bumble and Bumble will donate 20% to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. This pre-styler spray creates lasting lift, volume, and body. By the way, we LOVE Bumble and Bumble products… they ROCK! 😍
3. Moisturize with Clinique.
Ten dollars from every purchase of this limited edition Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, dedicated to finding a cure.
This dermatologist-developed formula is 100% fragrance-free, allergy tested, and non-acnegenic. Available for purchase at Clinique.com, Sephora, ULTA Beauty, Macy’s, and other retailers for just $39.
4. Wear Bobbi Brown.
In support of the Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign, this Bobbi Brown Pinks with Purpose Lip Color Duo features two full-size original Lip Color shades: Sandwash Pink and Pink. For every set purchased through 3/31/19, they’ll donate $17 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
5. Sport Alex and Ani jewelry.
Alex and Ani will donate 20% of the purchase price from each Spiral Sun Charm Bangle sold through December 31st, 2018, to Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), toward a minimum donation of $50,000. The bracelet is currently on sale for $22.80 (regularly $38).
Thanks Colin for a beautiful post.
As you know, diagnosed August, Surgery Sept, chemo now thru April, them more surgery, then radiation.
Hopefully stomp this beast. My third different cancer…oy.
You are such an amazing and inspiring woman, Kelly! ❤️ I am confident you are going to stomp this beast! I’m sure thinking of you, and sending a BIG HUG your way.
Thank you. (Bald…but smiling.) I WILL make it thru for my two little boys (3,8.)
Also…some companies will do no cost genetic testing too.
Kelly-Your boys are so lucky to have you!! You sound like a very determined soul and I pray and wish you the best! Kick that cancer and live your best life! You deserve it!💕
Praying for you right now, Kelly.
I had my manogram last week and yesterday I went to my oncologist , thank you to all of you that are going through don’t give up – lane Bryant gave me a legging Saturday 89.99 won it on a giveaway and a cosmetic bag
My SIL was just diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer this month and I am devastated for her and her family. It’s been heartbreaking and I have a whole new appreciation and respect for those who are fighting and those who support the fighters 🙁
How about a shout out for metavivor? It’s the only organization that advocates for stage 4 breast cancer and 100% of the donations go to the people with cancer. Only 23% of Komen’s donations go to research, testing, and treatment.
Yes- I’m angry. Cancer murdered an old friend of mine on October 1st. Komen didn’t help her, planned parenthood did. She advocated for Metavivor.
Thank you for the info. Only 23% of donations going to the actual cause is way to low. Will look at Metavivor. This is the first time I have heard of them.
Do your own research, please! Do not take someone’s word for it. There may be a good reason we haven’t heard of them?
https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=17763 – Gives them high marks.
Yes, they do have a pretty good rating. I thought they were associated with planned parenthood, but they aren’t.
PP’s rating is not good though, its the same as Komen.
I think the guidelines should be women should have a mammogram once a yr. Last yr. my mammogram came out clear. This yr. I had cancer. The way I see it God blessed me with finding the cancer early. If I had waited till next yr to have another exam my cancer would have been a lot worse and I would have needed to do more. I had a double mastectomy after a Lumpectomy didn’t get all the cancer. No chemo or radiation. I also think that it be mandatory for Insurance companies to pay for women to have a 3D mammogram every yr.
BRCA gene here. I strongly encourage all women who have a history of breast or ovarian cancer in their family to have genetics testing. I consider myself a “previvor” and had a double mastectomy last year.
I really dislike this. I feel like these companies are using best cancer as a marketing tool and a boost in their sales. Everyone is already “aware” of best cancer and how it completely destroys lives. I refuse to shop at places using the pink ribbon as a ploy to make more money. And yes, brest cancer has made its ugly mark on my family. Prayers and strength to all those that fight. 🙏🏼❤️
Mammograms actually cause you cancer. And chemo is worse..
Apricot seeds have shown to cure it.
Do your own research, please! Do not take someone’s word for it. There may be a good reason we haven’t heard of them?
As a 2-time BC survivor/thriver, many many thanks for all the pink ribbons–get your mammos girls–save the Ta-Ta’s!!