Breast Cancer Awareness with AFLAC (plus 6 things you can do to help)

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and even though the month is almost over, it’s not to late to talk about this important issue.

It seems like every time I turn around lately someone I know has breast cancer. My good friend. My husband’s close friend’s wife. My aunt. A church friend. One of the moms I know through scouts. Not all of them have made it to long term recovery either.

It just seems so strange. Is it that breast cancer has become more prevalent or that at 43 I’ve reached an age where more of my friends, family and acquaintances are showing the symptoms? I don’t know. . . what I do know is that technology and treatments have come a long way, and that early detection and treatment really increase your chances of beating it.

So what should you, or the women in your life be doing? The American Cancer Society recommends the following for early breast cancer detection in women without breast symptoms:

Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.
Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional preferably every 3 years.
Breast self-exam (BSE) is also an option for women starting in their 20s.

For years I’ve made sure I’ve had an annual women’s health exam (which includes not only the check for breast cancer but also for cervical cancer via a pap smear)–and for the last couple of years (now that I’m over 40) I’ve started having regular mammograms. They aren’t exactly fun, but they aren’t bad, and at the medical facility I use I’m in there less than 30 minutes from the time I check in with the receptionist to the time I’m walking back out the door. Who can’t spare 30 minutes for something that important??

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month AFLAC (yes, the insurance people) have partnered with the American Association for Cancer Research Foundation (AACR), and they’ve asked me to tell you about it. ALFAC created the “This Duck Wears Pink” website and has even had their iconic duck don pink! On the site you can buy a variety of campaign-related merchandise including the adorable plush duck (for just $6!), hats and a breast cancer ribbon pin. All the net proceeds go to the AACR specifically to fund research aimed at finding a cure for breast cancer.

2015 Pink Aflac Duck

So what happens when someone you know has cancer? What can you do to help?

It is time for a confession here. As we get older and more introspective, we all realize things about ourselves–uncomfortable truths that we may wish to avoid. Here is one of mine: I am not good with seriously ill people. I really, really don’t want to see someone I know in a sad and weakened state. I realized when my grandfather was failing that I kept making excuses not to go see him and finally just had to admit to myself–I didn’t want to see him like that. My mom spent years working hospice and oncology–she is great with folks who are ill. I’m not. One of my biggest regrets is that I didn’t spend more time visiting with my good friend who died of breast cancer. I just couldn’t. I am strong about a lot of things, and I am good at a lot of things. This is one of my failings.

So what can you do to help, especially if like me being there physically to give moral support is not your strong suit?

6 Things You Can Do for Someone with Breast Cancer

Pray. Personally I’m a Christian and I believe in the power of prayer, so I pray.
Make a Prayer Shawl or Chemo Cap. Something hand crafted and made especially for a person lets them know you have been thinking about them–and they can provide physical comfort for the recipient.
Pick up the phone or send a card. If I had it to do over again, I would have called my friend more often or dropped her a quick card in the mail–just to say hello and let her know I was thinking about her. It doesn’t have to be a long, as a matter of fact short and sweet might be better.
Do housework or laundry. Here’s a tip on giving physical help–don’t ask “is there anything I can do?”, instead say “I want to schedule a time to come over and clean the house, do the laundry, scrub your toilets. . . what works for you?”. It’s harder to refuse!
Bring a meal. Even if the patient doesn’t feel like eating, the family will have to. This is a time to use disposables so they don’t have to worry about returning anything–and you may want to bring a meal that can be easily frozen–just in case they are overwhelmed with food help. A note with freezing and cooking directions would be a great addition!
Help with the kids. Child care for little ones can be a big help–but even inviting the older kids out for something fun can help.

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Here are a few more sobering facts about breast cancer:

Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women, with skin cancer being the first.
About 1 in 8 women born today in the U.S. will get breast cancer at some point in their lives.
Approximately 231,340 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
Breast cancer patients with employer-sponsored health insurance spend $6,553 out-of-pocket.

That last one is challenge that AFLAC can help you with. Right now many companies are offering their open enrollment period for their health care policies. It’s a great time to look things over and to see what kind of coverage you’d have for cancer. If someone you love is diagnosed with cancer you will have enough on your plate coping with the news and figuring out what to do without having to stress about finances. Here is some information AFLAC offers about their cancer insurance policy:

Aflac’s cash benefits can help policyholders pay the out-of-pocket costs associated with costly cancer treatments.
A cancer insurance policy can be used not only for treatment expenses not covered by major medical insurance, but also for extra child care that may be needed, transportation to and from the doctor or treatments, and even everyday living expenses, such as mortgage payments or groceries.
Aflac’s recently introduced One Day PaySM initiative, which allows Aflac to process, approve and pay eligible claims in just a day, you can have the cash you need in hand faster than ever before.