With Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, it’s time to start thinking about friends, family and loved ones affected by the disease. Whether it’s a family member or a friend-of-a-friend, many people know someone who has been impacted by breast cancer, but when it comes to knowing how to support them, few people know exactly what to do or say.
To help understand how the 155,000 people in the U.S. living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) – an advanced form of the disease – want to be supported, Genentech (a biotechnology company that has been developing new cancer treatments for women for the past 15 years)created a survey to find out. With information from the survey, a sequel to last year’s Faces of MBC video was created, featuring real women living with the disease and their supporters. While everyone has unique support needs, you and your readers can help by considering these three things:
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66% of women say it’s the little things that matter when it comes to support, like going out for an activity with friends.
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77% say that simple words of encouragement are truly helpful to getting through the day and battling the disease.
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67% of survey participants say that even their own family and friends do not know the differences between metastatic breast cancer and early stage disease.
Unlike early-stage breast cancer, there is currently no cure for MBC, and some women with MBC will battle the disease for many years, receiving medicines for the remainder of their lives. These women strive to live with day-to-day support from loved ones, friends and medical teams in hopes that they will make it to see the cure.
There are many ways to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but here are two easy ways for you (and your readers) to get involved:
HOW CAN YOU HELP FOR FREE?
Go here and watch the video (or watch below), on October 13 for Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. On October 13, Genentech is donating $1 to breast cancer research programs for every video view. This is an easy way to help support the cause! Watch the Video and Spread the word!!
Many people think it takes a lot of effort to support someone battling cancer, when what really matters are the little things.
I was not compensated for this post,however I want to spread the word and hopefully be able to help to find a cure one day…..
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