About 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. These are mothers, sisters, aunts, friends, spouses, significant others, co-workers.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, national and local organizations work together to increase awareness of the disease. Awareness is key, because when it is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 100%, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. This year, Dickson Realty will help raise awareness by changing our logo to pink for the month of October.
In Northern Nevada, there are a number of organizations that help raise awareness of breast cancer, provide screenings and support women who have been diagnosed and their families all year long. Those include:
Each One Tell One
Founded in Reno, this charity raises awareness of breast density and offers education about additional screening options that are available. The organization also launched the Breast Cancer 2 Bikini program, which offers a new road to survivorship through fitness, nutrition, and stepping on stage at a local NPC fitness competition, participating in a bikini division that was especially designed for breast cancer survivors.
Nevada Cancer Coalition
The Nevada Cancer Coalition is a non-profit collaboration of state and local government, health, medical, and business leaders, the research community, cancer survivors, caregivers, and advocates dedicated to improving quality of life by reducing the burden of cancer in Nevada. The organization offers information and hosts large events such as Paint Nevada Pink and Rose Regatta Dragon Boat Festival.
Nevada Health Centers
Nevada Health Centers operates the Mammovan, a mobile mammography van that travels to underserved areas of Nevada and provides free or low-cost mammograms. See where the Mammovan will be next on this interactive map. To make an appointment, visit their website or call 877-581-6266.
Pinocchio’s Moms on the Run
A homegrown breast cancer awareness and fundraising organization, Pinocchio’s Moms on the Run race has raised more than $4.5 million since Barbara and JP Pinocchio founded the organization in 1999. After Barbara’s sister, Debra, passed away from breast cancer, they put on a “little race” in hopes of raising $1,000 for a local woman. That first race brought in more than $100,000. Today, it’s the largest race of its kind in Reno, with more than 5,000 participants each year. Moms on the Run also hosts the Pink Fest, Runway for Life and Ride for the Tatas. To find out more, donate and get involved, visit the Moms on the Run website.
Renown Health Institute for Cancer
The Renown Health Institute for Cancer offers breast cancer screening and prevention programs, including a free weekly class for newly diagnosed patients and their families. Renown also has screening tools such as 3D digital mammograms and 3D total breast ultrasounds.
Saint Mary’s Center for Cancer
The Saint Mary’s Center for Cancer also offers breast cancer screening and prevention programs, including a weekly support group with compassionate social workers and educators as well as other breast cancer survivors. Saint Mary’s screening tools include wide-angle 3D breast tomosynthesis mammography and Automated Breast Ultrasound.
This October, Dickson Realty will be doing our part to help raise awareness of breast cancer. We believe that If we all do a little to help, together we can make a huge impact. What will you be doing to help?
