With the beginning of October comes the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is estimated that one out of every eight U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer, according to breastcancer.org.
Here is your guide to thinking pink in the month of October.
1. In Harris County,
118.9 women out of every 100,000 have breast cancer. This trend is stable, according to the National Cancer Institute.
The average annual count of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Harris County is 2,295. Between 2009-2013, there were 14,574 cases diagnosed statewide, and nationwide there 224,504.
2.
Susan G. Komen Houston funds a variety of breast cancer programs, including free mammograms and clinical breast exams for uninsured and underserved patients, patient navigators who help patients overcome barriers to care and free transportation for patients to treatment.
You can find a map of all of these services in the Harris County area here:
http://www.komen-houston.org/grantee-map/
3.
MD Anderson offers a variety of support groups throughout the Greater Houston area for women of all ages with breast cancer. Some options include:
- Breast Friends Cancer Support Group in the Bay Area. Meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 6-8 p.m. 713-745-2396. 18100 St. John Drive, Ste. 150, Nassau Bay, TX.
- Breast Friends Cancer Support Group in Sugar Land. Meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8 p.m. 281-566-1908. 1327 Lake Pointe Parkway, Sugar Land.
- Breast Friends Cancer Support Group in Katy. Meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 6-8 p.m. 281-646-4371. 19770 Kingsland Boulevard, Houston.
You can find other support groups here:
https://www.mdanderson.org/patients-family/diagnosis-treatment/patient-support/support-groups.html
4. Susan G. Komen Houston partners with a number of organizations for
fundraising events. Here are some of these events:
- October 4: Houston Rockets vs. Knicks Komen Game.
The Rockets continue to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research as they take on the Knicks. For every ticket purchased $2 are donated to Susan G. Komen Houston. Ticket prices vary. 7-10 p.m. Toyota Center, 1510 Polk St., Houston.
- October 15: Breast Cancer Awareness Gala.
Flo-Motion presents the first annual gala with part of the proceeds benefitting Susan G. Komen Houston. $35. 7 p.m.-midnight. The El Dorado Ballroom, 2310 Elgin St., Houston.
- October 21: Painting for the Cure.
The Art Cellar of Houston presents a wine and painting class with step-by-step instructions to create an acrylic paining on a large canvas. Half of all proceeds will be donated to Susan G. Komen Houston. 7-10 p.m. The Art Cellar of Houston, 1460 Eldridge Parkway, Ste. 120, Houston.
