Started as a campaign to encourage women to schedule mammograms, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been celebrated every October since 1985. Today, it’s grown into a global opportunity to move from awareness into action. It’s more than just wearing a pink ribbon; National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is our chance to join in community activities to educate people about preventative measures and honor those we’ve lost to the disease.

You likely know someone diagnosed with breast cancer if you haven’t been affected personally. About one in eight women and one in 1000 men in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.

While there is no sure way to prevent cancer, there are ways to lower your risks. Some risk factors are outside of your control, like your gender or age, but you can make certain lifestyle changes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control advises you to limit the alcohol you drink, maintain a healthy weight, and get physically active. Eating a healthy diet, rich in plant-based foods, and drinking lots of water can also decrease your risk of some types of cancer.

Performing self-examinations and scheduling regular mammograms are good ways to monitor breast health. Locally, The Simpson Breast Health Center in Zephyrhills, Florida, promotes early detection as an essential part of successfully fighting breast cancer. 

The American College of Radiology  recommends that women start getting annual mammograms at age 40. For men, it’s important to look for any signs or symptoms, including swelling, skin dimpling, or redness, and to contact their doctor for testing.

For those diagnosed with cancer, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute is a leading cancer center and incredible community resource. Located in nearby Tampa, Moffitt is ranked as the 11th cancer hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in the state of Florida.

In addition to making healthy lifestyle changes and regular screening, we encourage you to support reputable nonprofit organizations, like the Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Foundation, and to participate in their local fundraising events. Every year, the Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Foundation hosts “Miles for Moffit” to raise funds for life-saving cancer research. This year’s event takes place both virtually and in downtown Tampa on November 20, 2021. 

The American Cancer Society also holds annual “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” events across the nation. Locally, Making Strides of Pasco Hernando is holding its walk on Saturday, October 9, 2021. You can sign up online to attend and to start fundraising.

We believe in our community and the impact that we can make together. We hope you know that the management team at The Village of Zephyrhills is always here for you! If you or someone you love are personally fighting cancer, your friends and neighbors are part of your support system. 

The Village Zephyrhills is family-owned and operated, and we want that sense of family to extend to you! We are a RV and mobile home community designed for seniors and veterans (ages 55+), located just northeast of Tampa. If you’re interested in being part of our community or joining us in giving back to others, please reach out to our property management staff, call 866-499-9026, or email info@kongmanagementgroup.com.