October Awareness: Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is a month painted in various hues of gold, brown, and crimson – and pink and purple. October is both Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness month, and the pink and purple colors that signify these campaigns offer poignant reminders of the importance of early detection, research, and support for those affected by breast cancer, and the need to address the pervasive problem of domestic violence, offer support to survivors, and work toward a safer and more equitable society.Breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst women globally, with millions of new cases diagnosed each year. However, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not just about statistics; it’s a powerful movement to educate, inspire, and unite individuals and communities in the fight against this formidable disease.The cornerstone of breast cancer awareness is early detection. Regular self-exams, clinical screenings, and mammograms are essential in identifying the disease at its earliest and most treatable stage. Breast Cancer Awareness Month encourages women and men alike to prioritize their health by scheduling screenings and understanding their risk factors.The Women’s Wellness Program at YWCA Greater Lafayette aims to assist with this task by helping underinsured and uninsured women and men secure no-cost breast cancer mammograms, ultrasounds, and other screening and diagnostic procedures. With funding from the Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust (IBCAT), the Indiana Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP), and individual and corporate donors, WWP helps provide access to breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnosis across 36 counties in central Indiana. The largest enroller of the BCCP in the state, in 2022 YWCA Greater Lafayette facilitated 545 mammograms, 1,173 clinical breast exams, and many more diagnostic and screening procedures to residents across Indiana.Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not just about wearing pink ribbons; it’s about spreading knowledge, raising awareness, and offering hope. We honor the resilience of those facing breast cancer and work toward a future where cancer is no longer a threat.If you look better in purple, join us as we raise our voices to break the stigma around domestic violence. O nOctober 6 we will be hosting an event for Awareness October at Ivy Tech Community College. We will have local dignitaries present to read and sign proclamations for Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness months, speakers from YWCA’s Violence Prevention and Women’s Wellness programs, and an informative session from Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) on “What is Tech Abuse: HowTechnology Can Be Used to Facilitate Intimate Partner Violence.” Follow along for our Week Without Violence October 16-21. On October 17, we will premiere the video from the presentation given by staff from ICADV on our YouTube channel, if you missed it in person. On Thursday, October 19, we will be partnering with Purdue CARES for the Domestic Violence/Relationship Violence Honor Walk in honor of survivors andin remembrance of all those who have lost their lives to domestic violence.We hope you can join us on October 22 as we shine a light on both domestic violence and breast cancer by attending an all-new event, Rockstar Brunch. Rockstar Brunch features a delicious brunch buffet at Lafayette Brewing Company, silent and live auctions, and a raffle followed by a concert at Rat Pak Venue by some of the best female artists and bands in the area. All proceeds from this event go directly to support the programs and services at YWCA Greater Lafayette. More information on Rockstar Brunch can be found on our website.As you go about your fall preparations, reveling in the cooler weather and glorious colors, don’t forget to add a little pink and purple to your décor as a reminder of the other reasons to appreciate October. We hope to see you at our events!For more information about DVIPP services, please check out our website at ywcalafayette.org, or call 765-423-1118 anytime. We are here 24/7.