10 Brilliant Ideas To Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month At Work

Every year, October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout the globe, presenting an opportunity to spread awareness about one of the leading causes of death among women. Thousands of people participate in campaigns and events this month to promote awareness about the deadly disease.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer in which the cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. It is the most common type of cancer among women worldwide. It is also the second leading cause of death among women after lung cancer.

The symptoms of breast cancer are -

• Newly formed lump in the breast or underarm
• Dimpling or irritation of the breast skin
• Pain in any area of the breast
• Discharge from the nipple
• Swelling or thickening of part of the breast
• Change in the size and shape of the breast
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple or breast
• Inversion or pulling in of the nipple

In 2018, it was estimated that approximately 627,000 women died due to breast cancer.

However, with early detection and treatment, we can overcome breast cancer. This is why it is very important to increase awareness and education among women about the disease.

Promoting Breast Cancer Awareness In The Workplace

Healthcare costs are increasing every year and are a major concern for employers worldwide. The costs of cancer care, especially, constitute a substantial proportion of healthcare costs for employers.

If you are an employer, Breast Cancer Awareness month presents a significant opportunity for you to promote awareness on breast cancer in your workplace and encourage your employees to adopt healthy habits. It also provides a great opportunity for you to engage your employees in awareness campaigns and wellness challenges to highlight the importance of employee health.

Also, by promoting awareness of breast cancer at work, you can help your employees understand the symptoms, effects, and treatments of the disease better if someone close to them is suffering.

Here are some ways you can observe breast cancer awareness month at work -

1. Educate your workforce

While spreading awareness is important, it is also essential to be educated on the topic of breast cancer. Educate your employees about breast cancer, its symptoms, effects, prevention methods, and the importance of early detection.

Also, share valuable resources with your employees about breast cancer and how to stay healthy at work and maintain healthy lifestyles to prevent health problems.

2. Conduct Screenings

Early detection and treatment increase the chance of winning the battle against breast cancer. Therefore, it is essential for women employees to get screened regularly to detect any signs of the disease.

As a concerned employer, you can conduct preventive health screenings in your workplace to help increase awareness about breast cancer and keep your employees healthy. If that is not feasible, you can give a day off to each female employee to get screened in a local medical facility.

3. Empower the women in your workplace

Use Breast Cancer Awareness month to empower the women in your organization. You can conduct women's exclusive yoga classes, fitness sessions, webinars, and more to encourage the women in your workplace to take charge of their health.

You can also invite breast cancer survivors to share their experiences so that your employees get a better understanding of the battle against breast cancer and learn the importance of screenings and mammograms.

4. Wear pink to raise awareness

Pink is the color of Breast Cancer Awareness month, and especially pink ribbons are a symbol of awareness and the battle against breast cancer. To spread awareness in your workplace, you can hand out pink ribbons to your employees and encourage them to wear them daily throughout the month.

You can also encourage your entire workforce to wear pink clothes on a dedicated day to increase awareness in your community.

5. Decorate your workplace

Encourage your employees to decorate the workplace and their workspaces with pink decorations. You can hold a contest for the most decorative space with exciting rewards to engage your employees.

You can also encourage your employees to put up signs and posters outside your workplace to increase breast cancer awareness.

6. Create a wellness campaign

Breast Cancer Awareness month can be a great opportunity to engage your employees in a health and wellness campaign. You can host a step challenge, walkathon, or marathon for your employees to increase breast cancer awareness and also improve their health.

If you cannot conduct physical events, you can also create virtual marathons and walkathons using wellness apps and platforms like Vantage Fit.

Also read - 11 Ways To Engage Your Employees In A Wellness Campaign

7. Hold a “Pink” event

Organize a pink-themed event like a pink fashion show or a pink pumpkin contest. Encourage your employees to take part in them by providing rewards to each participant.

Don’t forget to share valuable information and resources with your participants and attendees throughout the event.

8. Take part in community events

Take part in ongoing breast cancer awareness campaigns in your community with your entire workforce. By participating in such community events, you can get your employees involved and raise awareness and money for a charitable cause.

9. Donate to cancer patients

Raise money via your wellness and awareness campaigns and donate them to the nearest cancer research or chemotherapy center. Also, ask your employees to contribute individually. Reward the employees who donate with badges and other non-monetary rewards.

10. Appreciate breast cancer patients

Go along with your employees to the nearest chemo center or cancer hospital and show your concern and appreciation for breast cancer patients. Provide meals and drinks or give away gifts to the patients. Show that you appreciate their bravery and courage in their fight against breast cancer.

Final Words

Breast Cancer Awareness month can be a great way to show your company's concern for breast cancer patients worldwide and encourage healthier workplace habits. By increasing awareness and education about breast cancer, you and your employees can spread positivity and aid in the battle against the disease.

So, make this October special by observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month at work with your employees.