What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? 

Since its inception 27 years ago, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been at the forefront of promoting awareness of breast cancer issues and has created a dialogue about breast cancer. Although great advances have been made in breast cancer awareness and treatment, there remains much to be accomplished.

Breast cancer is still the most frequently diagnosed cancer and is the leading cause of death among women worldwide. But getting screened regularly can find breast cancer early when it is the most treatable. Despite this fact, nearly 50% of women aged 40+ with health insurance don't get their annual mammograms.

This October, we hope you will celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with "Less Talk. More Action." In this special eNewsletter, you will learn about lots of upcoming fundraisers to support Susan G. Komen  for the Cure Greater Kansas City. Each day, you can tune into our Facebook page for "31 Days of Action". The daily post will include ways for you to make an impact.  Throughout the month, you will also receive special weekly emails with important details about breast cancer and events.

Our immediate goal is simple: we need your help to increase mammography screening rates and the early detection of breast cancer. Together, we WILL make a difference! 

Download a Calendar of Events

Breast Health Myths & Realities
  "I don't have a breast lump, so I must not have cancer!" 

Did you know that breast cancer survivors do not always find a lump?

Most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. have no symptoms. Their cancers are found on routine mammogram screenings. If a woman with cancer does have symptoms, it is not always a lump! Read Brandi's Story and Watch Her "Don't Wait for the Lump" Video»

GET SCREENED ANNUALLY!
Due to the increased use of mammography, most women in the U.S. are diagnosed at the very early stages of breast cancer, before symptoms appear. Mammography screening can allow doctors to diagnose breast cancer before they may be discovered during a physical exam of the breast - before a lump or any other changes have appeared.

The average size of a lump found by a first mammogram is comparable to a dime. The average size of a lump found by accident is comparable to a half dollar. 

Begin routine annual screening at the age of 40, unless you are at a higher risk. Talk to your doctor about your personal risk and screening recommendations.

Don't wait for a lump - take a moment to schedule your screening today! Click here for a list of screening centers near you.

Financial hardships should not stop you from being screened. If you are a resident of Kansas or Missouri, there is help! Visit our Greater Kansas City Local Resources page for more information on screening options.
 

FACT Friday on Facebook 

One simple way you can help us educate the community about breast cancer is by donating your Facebook status updates to Komen Kansas City. Each Friday in October, you can visit our Facebook page and copy our post to repost as your Facebook status. Another option is to download the posts now to your electronic calendar and repost them to your Facebook wall on proper date. It's so easy! Learn more »

Shop for a Cause 

Mike's Way to a Cure
Through the month of October, Jersey Mike's will be offering FREE subs with a minimum donation of $1 to the Greater Kansas City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. 

Download Your Free Sub Coupon

Two upcoming special events

• Join us Saturday, October 1 from 11AM-3PM at their 14967 W. 119th Olathe, KS location for a party featuring a bounce house, face painting, and dance troupe performances. Plus, one lucky person who join their email club will win free Jersey Mike's for a year.
  
• On October 5, Jersey Mike's will donate 50% of all sales from both Olathe locations (15018 S Black Bob and 14967 W. 119th) to Komen Kansas City.

KC Pumpkin Patch
October 1 & 2 KC Pumpkin Patch will donate a $1 to Komen Kansas City for each visitor. Plus the first 100 visitors daily will receive a free Susan G. Komen Kasas City Race for the Cure t-shirt.

Amy's Blend
From October 1 through November 9, Caribou Coffee (8722 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Mission, KS) will donate 10% of all sales from Amy's Blend to Komen Kansas City. Plus, be sure to stop by October 1 from 9-11AM for their "Pretty in Pink" Mother/Daughter Coffee and Tea Social. Wear pink for a chance to win a free makeover.

Fit for the Cure
During October, Wacoal will host Fit for the Cure ® events to help women across the country find their perfect fit. For every woman fitted at a Fit for the Cure ® event Wacoal will donate $2 to Komen for the Cure. No purchase is necessary. Wacoal will also donate $2 for every Wacoal bra or shapewear item or b.tempt’d bra purchased at these events. Check out these upcoming chances to get fit fom 10AM-5PM: