For the past decade, the increase in breast cancer awareness and advocacy has been incredible. With more people becoming aware of the disease, more tumors are detected early, resulting in more breast cancer survivors. Aside from government efforts, this positive development can be attributed to breast cancer associations and their efforts to prevent deaths caused by breast cancer. Here are some examples of breast cancer associations and what they can bring you.

Breast cancer associations focus on one or all of these points, depending on their principles: research, education, legislative advocacy and public service.

Research

Some associations support breast cancer research either by giving funds and participating with the National Cancer Institute, giving research grants to independent groups who will conduct research, or by conducting their own clinical trials. The National Cancer Institute, through the Progress Review Group, has a list of recommendations for their research agenda. Among the goals are to identify modifiable breast cancer risk factors, investigate further the relations between gene and environment, and develop better technology and breast imaging for diagnosis.

Associations participate by awarding research grants to groups, who will then conduct the research and clinical trials. Clinical trial is an experiment conducted to review and assess the effectiveness and safety of new treatments. But keep in mind that these treatments are government approved and the purpose of the experiment is to study whatever side effects that the medicine can have. Aside from that, some associations conduct their own research and data analysis to study trends and statistics on a long-term basis.

Education

Associations realize the importance of educating the people on breast cancer. That is why most of them conduct campaign drives to increase awareness. Organizing runs and walks are not mere fund-raising activities. This is also a good venue for associations to spread more information on the topic. Some develop websites to post health information so more people can have easy access to it. They also release newsletters from medical experts as well as answer queries on symptoms and risk factors. They also conduct seminars and meetings , teach women on how to conduct breast self-exams, inform them of what they need to know about breast cancer and erase their doubts and misconceptions on the topic. Some release videos and short films to demonstrate a breast self-exam, for example. TV and print advertisements are also being done, all to increase public awareness on breast cancer.

Advocacy

Associations also work to influence lawmakers for them to pass laws and policies that support breast cancer issues. Advocacy efforts are geared toward the passage of laws that increase government funding for research, improve breast cancer screening facilities in hospitals, minimize the cost of mammogram and screening tests, and provide health care services to low-income breast cancer patients, among others. Because of the lobbying done by these groups, more laws are passed in the national and state level to help breast cancer patients and breast cancer research.

Service

Most associations are dedicated to this endeavor. These associations include support groups, whether online or within the community. Focusing on their thrust, which is basically to give support to breast cancer patients, these online support groups and organizations make the lives of patients a lot easier. A study made on breast cancer patients revealed extensive computer and internet use among them. Part of their service is to provide listings of cancer resources such as healthcare providers, agencies and support services, both on the national and regional level. This helps them know the nearest places where they can seek help. They also provide links to medical journals and breast cancer research news.

Other associations provide a support system among breast cancer survivors. They organize activities where survivors can meet and mingle, inspire and encourage each other. Studies show that these help improve the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. Medical staff are also present during these activities to provide any medical information that they need.

Breast cancer associations are made up of hardworking and dedicated people. Their mission is to help prevent breast cancer and save more lives. They help by conducting and funding research, by disseminating information to increase public awareness, by lobbying the passage of laws to help fight breast cancer, and by giving actual support to the patients. These, among others, are what they can bring you.